Properly feeding meat is not a mere thing to do, but it is a responsibility for your dog. You are the only true parent of a dog, and you hold the well-being of your pet in your hands. Dogs are straight-up meat eaters. They need to have a high-protein diet. You can have the best dog food available, but how hard it is to get some meat for your dog. In this guide, we will discuss what factors affect how much meat a dog should eat each day to give practical advice on the matter.
A few things can influence how much meat a dog will eat.
How Much Meat Should A Dog Eat Per Day?
Space (hence food): Bigger dogs generally need more food as opposed to small-size breeds.
Age:- Nutrition needs will vary for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
Energy Level:- More active Dogs burn more calories and might need higher protein.
Diet: A dog’s health greatly depends on its food. If it is not balanced, it can cause any matter to get twisted inside.
Metabolism—Each dog’s metabolism is different, so it will influence the volume it needs to consume.
Basics for meat consumption
Feeding amounts will vary depending on the individual dog. However, some general rules are:
Percentage of Body Weight
Some experts suggest feeding dogs between 2 and 3% of their body weight in food a day[9]. This looks like an eating plan that is high in meats (dfs_reduce_students, dfs_[reducetheweightstudents])
- Small dogs (0-20 pounds): 2-4% of body weight
- Large Dogs (50-100 pounds): 2.5% of body weight
- Large Dogs over 50 pounds – between 2 % and 2.5% of Body weight
Caloric Needs
The other approach is to tailor the amount of meat you give your dog according to its caloric needs. According to this research, the most common denominator is 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. Some of these calories should come from meat, not all of them.
Protein Requirements
Dogs need 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day. While high-quality meat is a good protein source, their diet should include more than just that.
Calculating Meat Portions
Follow these steps to ascertain how much meat is suitable for your dog:
- 1. Imagine the ideal body weight for your dog
- 2. Calculate the amount to feed as a percentage of body weight-(2-3 % for adult dogs)
- 3. Calculate the total food needed per day
- 4. Determine the percentage of meat in the diet (typically 2/3rds MEAT and 1/3 VEGGIES)[8]
- An adult dog who weighs 50 pounds might eat: 2.5% of body weight = 1.25 pounds (20 ounces) of food per day,– 2/3 of this as meat = 13.3oz meat/day
Types of Meat for Dogs
There are many meats that dogs can eat, like:
- – Chicken
- – Beef
- – Lamb
- – Turkey
- – Pork
- Fish (especially oily fish like salmon)
Some will have higher fat than other fats, so vary the type of meat to ensure a balanced diet.
Dividing Your Nutrients β Ensuring Meat is Balanced
Dogs need meat, but they also benefit from other foods in their diet. The writer says that those things are fine, but the best dog food diet should include something like this.
- Lean meat muscle (supplier of primary protein)
- Organ meats (nutrition powerhouses)- shaped like little hearts of meat.
- Bones (dogs get lots of calcium and have healthy teeth)
- Vegetables (which provide fiber and extra vitamins)
- Small quantities of fruit (for vitamins and antioxidants)
Feeding Schedule
Okay, okay. Adult dogs generally do just fine with two meals per day[11]. Total Daily Meal Plan in 2 Equal Meat Portions If you have a puppy and quite an active dog, they may benefit from smaller meals appointed three or more times throughout the day 6.
Special Considerations
Puppies
Growing puppies also have higher caloric and protein needs just because of how fast they grow. Adults need 3-4% of their body mass in food daily, with a higher percentage coming from protein9.
Senior Dogs
For this reason, many senior dog foods contain less protein but are more digestible. A visit to your veterinarian can help you identify the correct diet for feeding an elderly dog.
Pregnant and Nursing Dogs
Pregnant and lactating dogs require substantially increased amounts of nutrients. They might need as much as 2-3 times their usual caloric intake, especially of high-quality protein[9].
Moving to a meat-inclusive diet
Slowly transition to a higher meat diet for your dog over 7-10 days . Mix a little of the new food with their original diet before increasing the amount of new food.
Now, it is time to start keeping an eye on your dog’s health.
Look how your dog is going, then put on weight. After, you can try adjusting the meat and go from there as long they are enjoying eating their food and happy with their energy going well. Some indications that you may have to change the meat ratios
- Weight gain or loss
- Loose stool- Watery or Mucousy Stools
- Energy or behavioral changes
One type of phone call that is far too rare with veterinarians.
While these tips or guidelines should be considered as a start, it is always advisable to see your local animal doctor before making any significant changes in your pup’s diet career. They will be able to offer more tailored advice for your individual dog’s requirements and state of health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dogs eat only meat?
While dogs are carnivores, a non-carnivorous diet may not be balanced enough. For a balanced diet, it also includes fibers and organ meats, which I recommend you add.
2. Is uncooked meat higher for canines than cooked meat?
Well, raw meat isn’t unhealthy, so for your dog menu, it is perfect. Raw feed certainly has some benefits, but it also has its downsides, mainly bacterial contamination. Speak to your veterinarian, who will be able to advise you on the best one for your dog[10].
3. How Many Times A Day Should I Feed My Dog Meat?
Many adult dogs will do well with two meals a day. These should split the total daily meat portion between all of the meals[11].
4. Can I mix meat with kibble?
Since raw meats digest at a completely different rate than kibble, it’s not usually advisable to mix them. Try to separate the meals a little if you are feeding both[10]
5. Should Dogs Avoid Some Meats?
Although most meats are safe for dogs, keep them away from processed meats with salt and preservatives. NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG COOKED BONES, as they can splinter and injure them
At the end of the day, how much meat you should feed your dog per day will vary depending on their breed size, age group, and lifestyle, all factoring into account. Feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily as a guideline, of which 2/3 should be meat. Make sure to always speak with your vet to devise the perfect dietary menu for your dog so you can ensure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they require for a good-quality life.
