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๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ All calculations are based on Danish rules, rates, and currency (DKK). This calculator is translated for convenience but applies exclusively to Denmark.

Dog food calculator โ€“ how much food does my dog need?

Feeding your dog correctly is one of the most important factors for your dog's health and wellbeing. Too little food can lead to malnutrition and energy deficiency, while too much can result in obesity and associated health problems. Our calculator helps you find the right daily food amount based on your dog's weight, activity level and age group.

How the food amount is calculated

The calculation uses a base rule of about 25 grams of dry food per kilogram of body weight. This base amount is then adjusted for the dog's life stage: puppies that are growing need about 50% more food than an adult dog, while senior dogs with lower metabolism typically need about 20% less. Activity level also plays a major role โ€“ an active hunting or sport dog may need up to 30% more than a low-activity dog.

Puppies, adults and senior dogs

Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily in the first months, gradually reducing to 2 meals per day from about 6 months of age. Adult dogs do well with 2 meals daily. Senior dogs may benefit from smaller but more frequent meals, as their digestion often becomes more sensitive with age. Remember to choose food suited to your dog's life stage.

Signs of incorrect feeding

If your dog is losing weight or seems lethargic, it may be a sign of too little food. Conversely, visible fat deposits, lack of waist when viewed from above, and difficulty feeling the ribs are signs of overweight. Consult your vet if you are unsure about the right food amount. Remember that treats and snacks count towards the total daily food intake.

The importance of water

Regardless of food, it is important that your dog always has access to fresh water. A dog should drink about 50-60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. Dogs that primarily eat dry food typically need more water than dogs on wet food.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should I feed my dog?

Adult dogs should be fed 2 times daily โ€“ morning and evening. Puppies need 3-4 meals daily until about 6 months of age, after which they can gradually transition to 2 meals. Senior dogs may benefit from 2-3 smaller meals spread throughout the day to ease digestion.

Should puppies get more food than adult dogs?

Yes, growing puppies need about 50% more food per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs. They have higher energy needs due to rapid growth and development. It is important to choose puppy food that is specially formulated with the right nutrients for growth.

Do treats count towards the daily food amount?

Yes, treats and snacks should count towards the total daily food amount. Treats should not make up more than 10% of the dog's daily calorie intake. If you give many treats, you should reduce the regular food amount accordingly to avoid overweight.

Does the calculator work for both dry and wet food?

The calculator is primarily designed for dry food. Wet food contains about 75-80% water, so you need to give about 3-4 times more wet food by weight to achieve the same nutritional value. If you mix dry and wet food, adjust the amounts accordingly.

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