Dogs must be fed regularly and on a strict schedule in order to ensure their health and longevity. The trick is to feed them the correct amount at the right times. Feeding them too little will result in nutritional deficiencies and giving them too much food might lead to obesity and other related problems.
There are different factors that go into determining how much food to give your dog. These factors include the type of food given, body weight, and amount of exercise the dog takes each day. It is generally recommended that adult dogs be given two meals a day, morning and evening. Puppies, on the other hand, need to be fed three to four times per day. The general idea is to feed your dog according to their body weight, assuming that they are getting sufficient exercise.
Toy dogs & small dogs
In order to be considered a small dog, a dog breed must weigh less than 22 pounds and / or must be less then 16 inches in height.
Toy dogs are dogs that weight between 6 to 10 pounds and can be very small. These dogs eat very little and require only 1/3 cup or approximately 235 calories per day to survive. These breeds include chihuahuas, poodles, dachshunds, Maltese, Pomeranian, and some terriers. However, depending on the exact breed and the weight of the adult dog, the number of calories will differ minutely. It is best to use a calorie calculator to determine the exact amount required for each dog.
Other small dog breeds such as Affenpinschers, American Eskimo dogs, Terriers, Beagles, Bichons Frises, Havanese, and dogs weighing less than 20 pounds can eat slightly more. Depending on their breed weight, these dogs can be fed anywhere from 3/4th of a cup to 1 and 1/3rd of a cup. This would amount to 340 pounds for a dog of 10 pounds, 465 calories for a dog of 15 pounds, and 575 calories for a dog of 20 pounds. Dogs weighing more than 20 pounds are considered as medium and large dogs.
Dry & wet food
Dog food is available in both wet and dry varieties. It is up to you to choose which one you would feed your dog, though they have their obvious advantages and disadvantages.
Dry food is cheaper, merely because your dog will eat less of it. it is convenient to store and to feed. Dry food also remains fresh for longer and doesn’t get spoilt as easily. You can also purchase dry dog food that helps in cleaning the teeth. The downside is that dry foods don’t provide the moisture that small dogs need, and they might not drink as much water as they are supposed to. Another downside is that dry foods tend to have lower proteins than wet foods.
Wet foods provide moisture and are hydrating. Small dogs also love to eat, which means that they can be given more food because wet foods contain less calories. Sick dogs or dogs with dental problems probably prefer to eat wet food as it is easier to chew. And most importantly, most small dogs tend to prefer wet foods as they find it tastier and more natural. On the downside, small dogs can make a real mess of the food. It is costlier and will need to be carefully storied in the refrigerator.
Ultimately, it all depends on what you can afford, how well-trained your little one is, what he or she prefers, as well as what they need based on your vet’s recommendations.
Overfeeding & underfeeding
It is important to consult a vet and to check out its requirements through a dog food calculator. Both overfeeding and underfeeding your small dog can lead to big problems.
Underfeeding your small dog can lead to malnutrition, which can lead to a host of other diseases and might have an effect on its longevity.
Small dogs have small bellies and they risk food bloat if they overeat. Because the stomach is so full, it puts pressure on the other organs, which can lead to reduction in the blood flow, tear in the wall of the stomach, and breathing problems. There are times when an even more dangerous condition called gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) occurs when the little one’s stomach would twist trapping blood in the stomach. This is potentially dangerous and can even lead to a fatal end.
The best way to prevent any mishaps is to keep track of your small dog’s nutritional requirements and intake. Visit a vet regularly and follow their recommendations. If you have multiple small dogs, ensure that each is getting food according to their size and breed.
