Calculate: How Much Home Cooked Food to Feed Dog Based on Weight!
Okay, so I've been getting a lot of questions about how much homemade food I give my dog, Buster. So, I figured I'd just lay out what I did, what worked, and what definitely didn't. It's been a journey, let me tell you!
Figuring Out the Right Amount
First, I started by doing some digging online. I wasn't about to just wing it with Buster's food. I found a bunch of those fancy calculators, but honestly, they were kind of confusing. They asked for things like "metabolic weight" and I was like, "Huh?"
So, I decided to keep it simple,At first. I read somewhere that a good starting point is about 2-3% of your dog's ideal body weight. Buster is supposed to be around 60 pounds, so I did the math:
- 2% of 60 pounds = 1.2 pounds of food per day
- 3% of 60 pounds = 1.8 pounds of food per day
I figured I'd start somewhere in the middle, around 1.5 pounds, and see how he did.
The Trial-and-Error Phase (Lots of Error)
The first week, I made a big batch of food – chicken, rice, veggies, the whole deal. I measured out 1.5 pounds each day and Buster gobbled it up. He seemed to love it! But, uh, his poop told a different story. It was… soft. Very soft.
So, I backed off a bit. I reduced the amount to about 1.2 pounds, closer to the 2% mark. That seemed to help, but he was acting like he was starving all the time. He kept nudging his bowl and giving me those sad puppy-dog eyes.
It was a balancing act. I tried adding a little more, then a little less. I paid close attention to his energy levels, his coat, and (yes, I'm saying it again) his poop. It took a few weeks, but I finally figured out the sweet spot.
What's Working Now
Right now, Buster gets about 1.4 pounds of homemade food a day. I usually split it into two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening. He's maintaining a healthy weight, his coat is shiny, he's got tons of energy, and (most importantly) his poops are normal!
For example, if he got more exercise,I'd give him more food.
So, that's my story. It wasn't a perfect science, but by observing Buster, adjusting the portions, and staying consistent, I found what works for him. Remember, every dog is different, so you'll need to do a little experimenting to find the right amount for your furry friend!
