Feeding your dog homemade food: How much is the right amount?

Okay, so I've been getting a lot of questions about homemade dog food lately, specifically about how much to actually feed your furry friend. It's a great question, and honestly, it took me a bit of trial and error to figure it out myself. I started by doing some serious digging online, reading articles and forums, but honestly, much information is confusing.

Figuring Out the Right Amount

First Attempt: The Guessing Game.

I started by preparing a big batch of food. Think chicken, rice, veggies – the works. My initial thought was, "Well, he's a medium-sized dog, so I'll give him a couple of cups." I eyeballed it, basically. I served it up, and he devoured it. But then, a couple of hours later, he was sniffing around his bowl again like he was starving. Not a good sign.

Second Attempt: Too Much!

Next, I overcompensated. I figured, "Okay, he's still hungry, so I'll give him more." I loaded up his bowl with a heaping portion. He ate it all, of course (dogs, am I right?), but then he seemed sluggish and, well, a little too "full," if you catch my drift. Definitely not ideal.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Research and Refinement.

I realized I needed a more scientific approach. I started by finding how many calories my dog actually needs daily, so I checked the guidelines from some vet websites, and calculate the calorie content of my homemade recipe. Some websites have lists about the calories of cooked chicken, cooked rice, and kinds of vegetables.

I used measuring cups this time! No more guessing. Based on my dog's weight and activity level, I calculated the approximate calorie needs. Then, I calculated the calories in my homemade food per cup.

Monitoring and Adjusting.

The key, I discovered, is observation. I started with the calculated amount and watched my dog closely.

• Was he maintaining a healthy weight?
• Was his energy level good?
• Was he satisfied after meals (but not overly stuffed)?

I made small adjustments over a few weeks. If he seemed a little too thin, I upped the food slightly. If he seemed a bit chubby, I reduced it a bit. It's all about finding that balance.

My Current Routine (Works for My Dog!)

Daily check and Small change.

Currently, my dog gets a specific amount of my homemade food, and I’m very careful about measuring it out. I also make sure to factor in any treats he gets throughout the day (those calories count too!). And, importantly, I weigh him regularly to ensure he stays within a healthy weight range. If I see any weight problems, I will adjust the amount, usually just a bit more or less.

So, the whole process is trial and error. You will not get the answer in one day. Keep checking and adjusting. You'll eventually figure out the perfect portion size for your homemade meals!