With more than 200 dog breeds present in the U.K., there is huge variation in the body size, energy requirements and metabolism of dogs, therefore it is important that owners understand the nutritional requirements of their pet. Providing the correct portion of food each day ensures that dogs maintain good health, whilst promoting an optimal body condition and weight.
The amount of food a dog requires each day is on average 2-3% of their body weight, with smaller dogs requiring more calories per kilogram of body weight due to their faster metabolism. It is important to note that when calculating your dog’s daily food ration, to use their ideal body weight rather than their current weight in order to avoid under or over feeding. High-quality protein supports a dog’s growth whilst meeting their energy requirements, and limited sources of digestible carbohydrates such as raw vegetables further support a healthy digestive system.
Small breeds
Smaller breeds have a higher mass-specific metabolic rate in comparison to larger breed dogs, as well as a faster relative growth rate, allowing them to reach their adult body weight sooner. A raw diet is more nutritionally dense due to the higher bioavailability in comparison to processed diets, which is ideal to support this quicker metabolism.
These dogs typically have a longer lifespan and will especially benefit from a high-quality diet to promote health and vitality in their senior years. Due to their smaller stomachs, some owners may choose to feed their dogs more frequently in smaller portions, however an adult dog’s digestive system is also adapted to eat one larger meal daily therefore either option can be suitable.
Large breeds
Larger breeds mature at a slower rate, and it can take up to 2 years to progress from a puppy to adulthood. Additionally, larger breeds have longer gut transit times, and may have poorer faecal quality as a result. Therefore, a raw diet is suitably adapted to their needs due to its high digestibility, subsequently resulting in reduced stool volume as more of the food is used by the body.
Good weight maintenance is essential as larger dogs can be more prone to joint conditions which can be triggered by excess weight causing strain on the joints. Therefore, it is important not to overfeed puppies as this may lead to rapid weight gain. Some owners may also add joint supplements to their dog’s meals, especially as their dog ages to promote comfort. These supplements usually consist of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support thickening of the joint synovial fluid to provide a cushioning effect, and aid maintenance of body tissue elasticity.
Lucy James | BSc Bioveterinary Science student at Hartpury University
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Looking to enhance your dog’s diet? Take a look at Cotswold RAW’s range of raw dog food, including raw meaty bones, dried treats, and puppy food.