How much Deshed Fresh should I feed my dog?

By Dave

This is one of the first things people ask me, and the honest answer is: it depends on the dog.

A 10 kg dog who’s always on the go won’t necessarily eat the same amount as a 10 kg dog who spends most of the day asleep. Age makes a difference too. Puppies, adults and older dogs all have different needs.

That’s why I made the feeding calculator. Put in your dog’s weight, life stage and activity level, then choose a recipe. It’ll give you a daily amount in grams to start with.

The key word is start. No calculator can see your dog in person. Weigh their meals at first, keep treats in mind, and watch what happens over the next few weeks. If they’re putting on weight, they may need a little less. If they’re losing weight when they shouldn’t be, they may need more. You should be able to feel their ribs without digging for them, and see a waist when you look down from above.

I know even that can be tricky to judge. Our pug Ivy is about 10 kg and eats around 250 g a day, but I wouldn’t tell every 10 kg dog to eat 250 g. It’s what works for her at the moment.

If you’re changing from another food, do it gradually over about a week rather than swapping the whole bowl in one go. Some dogs need longer. If your dog has an ongoing health issue or is on a prescribed diet, check with your vet before changing their food.

Try the calculator, and if the amount looks odd for your dog, send me a message. I’m happy to help you work through it.