A 36 kg dog typically needs between 400 and 700 grams of dry kibble per day, depending on the food’s calorie density and the dog’s activity level.
Determining the right amount of food for your canine companion is crucial for their health and well-being. A 36 kg (approximately 79-pound) dog is a medium-to-large breed, and their dietary needs will vary based on several factors. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of feeding your 36 kg dog, ensuring they receive the optimal nutrition. We’ll delve into dog feeding guide principles, dog food portion size, and how to adjust for your dog’s unique dog dietary needs.
Image Source: doggiliciouus.com
Factors Influencing Food Portions
It’s not as simple as a one-size-fits-all answer. Many elements contribute to how much your 36 kg dog should eat.
Age and Life Stage
- Puppies: Growing puppies have very different nutritional requirements than adult dogs. They need more calories, protein, and specific nutrients for development. While this article focuses on a 36 kg dog, if you have a puppy of this eventual size, a puppy feeding chart will be essential. Puppy food is formulated with higher levels of fat and protein.
- Adult Dogs: Once a dog reaches maturity (typically 1-2 years, depending on breed), their growth plateaus. Their food intake should focus on maintenance, providing energy and nutrients for daily activities. The amount of food for an adult dog will depend heavily on their activity level.
- Senior Dogs: As dogs age, their metabolism tends to slow down. They may also experience health issues that affect their appetite or nutrient absorption. Senior dog food portions often need to be adjusted, sometimes requiring fewer calories or specialized diets to support joint health, cognitive function, and other age-related concerns.
Activity Level
This is a major determinant of how much to feed dog.
- Sedentary Dogs: Dogs that spend most of their time indoors, with minimal exercise (short walks), require fewer calories to prevent weight gain.
- Moderately Active Dogs: These dogs enjoy daily walks, playtime, and perhaps some light training sessions. They need a balanced intake to fuel their activity.
- Highly Active Dogs: Working dogs, sporting breeds, or dogs that participate in rigorous activities like agility, flyball, or long-distance running need significantly more calories to sustain their energy expenditure.
Metabolism and Breed
Every dog is an individual. Some dogs naturally have a faster metabolism and can eat more without gaining weight, while others gain weight easily. Breed specific feeding guidelines can offer a starting point, as certain breeds are predisposed to different metabolic rates and activity levels. For instance, a working Border Collie of 36 kg will have vastly different needs than a Bulldog of the same weight.
Health Status
- Medical Conditions: Illnesses, allergies, or specific health concerns can alter a dog’s dietary needs. For example, a dog with kidney disease might need a diet lower in protein and phosphorus, while a dog with a sensitive stomach might benefit from a limited-ingredient diet. Always consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations if your dog has a health condition.
- Spayed/Neutered Dogs: Often, spayed or neutered dogs have a slightly lower metabolic rate, meaning they may require fewer calories to maintain their weight.
Type of Food
The kibble quantity for dog will differ significantly from wet food for dog or a raw diet. This is due to variations in moisture content and calorie density.
- Kibble (Dry Food): Kibble is concentrated and has a low moisture content. You’ll generally feed a larger volume of kibble compared to wet food for the same number of calories.
- Wet Food (Canned Food): Wet food has a high moisture content (typically 70-80%), which means it’s less calorie-dense. You’ll need to feed a larger volume of wet food to match the caloric intake of kibble. This can be beneficial for dogs who need to feel fuller on fewer calories or who don’t drink much water.
- Combination Feeding: Many owners feed a mix of kibble and wet food. This requires careful calculation to ensure the total daily intake is appropriate.
Calculating Your 36 Kg Dog’s Food Intake
The most reliable way to determine how much to feed dog is to consult your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s individual needs and recommend a specific food and portion size. However, you can also use general guidelines and feeding calculators as a starting point.
Using the Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
A common method for calculating a dog’s caloric needs is based on their Resting Energy Requirement (RER). This is the energy needed for basic bodily functions while at rest.
- Formula for RER (in kcal/day):
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg) ^ 0.75
Let’s calculate the RER for a 36 kg dog:
RER = 70 × (36) ^ 0.75
RER = 70 × 16.68
RER ≈ 1168 kcal/day
This is the energy your dog needs just to stay alive without any activity.
Applying the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)
The MER is what your dog needs to maintain their current weight, accounting for their activity level, life stage, and other factors. The RER is multiplied by a factor that represents these additional energy needs.
- MER Multiplier Factors:
- Neutered Adult Dog, sedentary: 1.6 × RER
- Intact Adult Dog, sedentary: 1.8 × RER
- Adult Dog, moderately active (1-2 hours exercise/day): 2.0 × RER
- Active/Working Dog, very active (2-4 hours strenuous exercise/day): 3.0 – 8.0 × RER (can be higher for extreme working dogs)
- Puppy (up to 4 months): 3.0 × RER
- Puppy (4 months to maturity): 2.0 × RER
- Adult Dog, overweight (for weight loss): 1.0 – 1.2 × RER (under veterinary supervision)
- Senior Dog: Typically around 1.4 × RER, but can vary greatly.
Let’s calculate the MER for our 36 kg dog in different scenarios:
-
Neutered Adult Dog, Moderately Active:
MER = 2.0 × RER
MER = 2.0 × 1168 kcal/day
MER ≈ 2336 kcal/day -
Highly Active/Working Dog:
MER = 3.0 × RER
MER = 3.0 × 1168 kcal/day
MER ≈ 3504 kcal/day
This MER is the total number of calories your dog needs per day.
Converting Calories to Grams of Food
Once you know the total daily calorie requirement, you need to determine how many grams of your specific dog food will provide those calories. This information is found on the dog food packaging or the manufacturer’s website.
Example: Let’s assume your dog’s food has 350 kcal per 100 grams of kibble.
-
For a Moderately Active Dog (2336 kcal/day):
Grams of food = (Total daily kcal) / (kcal per gram of food)
Grams of food = 2336 kcal / (350 kcal / 100g)
Grams of food = 2336 / 3.5
Grams of food ≈ 667 grams of kibble per day. -
For a Highly Active Dog (3504 kcal/day):
Grams of food = 3504 kcal / (350 kcal / 100g)
Grams of food = 3504 / 3.5
Grams of food ≈ 1001 grams of kibble per day.
This shows a significant difference in portion size based on activity level.
Reading Dog Food Labels
Dog food labels provide crucial information for portioning.
Key Information on Labels:
- Guaranteed Analysis: Lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
- Nutritional Adequacy Statement: This tells you if the food is “complete and balanced” for a specific life stage (e.g., “for all life stages,” “for adult maintenance”).
- Feeding Guidelines: Most bags will have a chart based on weight, suggesting a daily feeding amount. These are general guidelines and should be adjusted based on your dog’s individual needs.
- Calorie Content: Often listed as kcal per cup or kcal per kilogram.
Table: Sample Dog Food Feeding Guidelines (Hypothetical)
| Dog Weight (kg) | Cups per Day (approx.) | Grams per Day (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 2.5 – 3.0 | 250 – 300 |
| 32 | 3.0 – 3.5 | 300 – 350 |
| 36 | 3.5 – 4.0 | 350 – 400 |
| 41 | 4.0 – 4.5 | 400 – 450 |
| 45 | 4.5 – 5.0 | 450 – 500 |
Note: These are hypothetical values. Always refer to the specific food’s packaging.
Important Consideration: Cups are not a standardized measurement. Kibble size and density vary greatly. Measuring by weight (grams) is always more accurate.
Adjusting and Monitoring
It’s not enough to just calculate and feed. You need to monitor your dog and adjust their food intake as needed.
Signs Your Dog is Eating the Right Amount:
- Ideal Body Condition: You should be able to feel their ribs with gentle pressure, but they shouldn’t be visibly protruding. They should have a discernible waist when viewed from above and a tuck in their belly when viewed from the side.
- Consistent Energy Levels: Your dog has good energy for their age and breed.
- Healthy Coat and Skin: Their fur is shiny, and their skin is clear.
- Normal Stool Consistency: Stools are firm and easy to pick up.
Signs You Need to Adjust Portions:
- Weight Gain: If your dog is putting on weight, their ribs are becoming harder to feel, and their waist is less defined, you likely need to reduce their food intake.
- Weight Loss: If your dog is losing weight, their ribs are very prominent, and they appear too thin, you may need to increase their food intake or consult your vet about potential underlying issues.
- Lethargy: If your dog seems unusually tired or low on energy, it could be due to insufficient calories or a nutritional deficiency.
- Digestive Issues: Diarrhea or vomiting can sometimes be related to overfeeding or the type of food.
How to Adjust Portions:
- Small Increments: When adjusting, make changes in small increments (e.g., 10-15% of their daily intake).
- Monitor Closely: Observe your dog for 1-2 weeks after making an adjustment to see the effect.
- Consult Your Vet: If you are unsure about adjustments or if your dog has underlying health issues, always seek professional advice.
Feeding Methods
Meal Frequency
- Adult Dogs: Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day (morning and evening). This helps maintain stable energy levels and can reduce the risk of bloat in certain breeds.
- Puppies: Puppies require more frequent meals (3-4 times a day) due to their higher metabolic rate and smaller stomach capacity.
- Senior Dogs: Some senior dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals if they have appetite issues or digestive sensitivities.
Free Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding
- Free Feeding: Leaving food out all day. This is generally not recommended for most dogs, especially larger breeds, as it can lead to overeating, obesity, and difficulty monitoring intake.
- Scheduled Feeding: Offering meals at set times. This allows for better portion control, monitoring of appetite, and can help with house-training.
Special Considerations for Your 36 Kg Dog
Breed-Specific Needs
As mentioned, breed plays a significant role. For a 36 kg dog:
- Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever: Prone to obesity, so careful portion control is essential. They are usually active and need a balanced diet.
- German Shepherd: Can be active working dogs or more laid-back companions. Their food needs will vary greatly. They can also be prone to certain joint issues, so consider foods with joint support.
- Bulldog/Mastiff (if reaching 36kg): These breeds might have slower metabolisms and can gain weight easily. They may also have different nutritional needs regarding bone and joint health.
- Greyhound/Sighthounds: Typically have very fast metabolisms and can be lean. They may require more calories per pound than other breeds of the same weight.
Food Quality Matters
Not all dog food is created equal. The quality of ingredients directly impacts how well your dog utilizes the food and their overall health. Look for foods with:
- High-quality protein sources as the first ingredient (e.g., chicken, beef, lamb, fish).
- Whole grains or complex carbohydrates (e.g., brown rice, oats, barley).
- Healthy fats and essential fatty acids (e.g., omega-3 and omega-6).
- Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Transitioning to a New Food
If you change your dog’s food, do it gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old.
When to Consult a Professional
- Weight Management Concerns: If your dog is significantly overweight or underweight.
- Health Conditions: If your dog has a diagnosed medical condition.
- Behavioral Changes: If your dog’s appetite changes drastically.
- Puppyhood/Senior Years: Special life stages often require tailored advice.
- Uncertainty: If you are ever unsure about how much to feed dog or the best type of food.
Your veterinarian is your best resource for personalized advice. They can assess your dog’s body condition score, discuss their lifestyle, and recommend the most appropriate diet and feeding regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much wet food should my 36 kg dog eat?
A1: Since wet food is less calorie-dense than kibble, you’ll need to feed a larger volume. A general guideline might be 800-1200 grams of wet food per day for a moderately active 36 kg dog, but this varies greatly by brand and specific product formulation. Always check the can for feeding recommendations and adjust based on your dog’s condition.
Q2: Can I mix wet and dry food for my 36 kg dog?
A2: Yes, mixing wet and dry food is common and can offer benefits. However, you must calculate the total calorie intake from both sources to ensure you are not over or underfeeding. For example, if your dog’s daily requirement is 2336 kcal, and you feed half kibble (providing 1168 kcal) and half wet food (providing 1168 kcal), you’ll need to portion each accordingly.
Q3: My 36 kg dog is a picky eater. What should I do?
A3: Pickiness can be frustrating. Ensure you are feeding a high-quality food that is palatable. Sometimes, warming wet food slightly can enhance its aroma and appeal. Adding a small amount of plain, cooked chicken or a dog-specific gravy can also entice them. Avoid constantly switching foods, as this can encourage pickiness. Consult your vet if pickiness is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
Q4: How do I know if I’m feeding too much or too little kibble quantity for dog?
A4: Monitor your dog’s body condition. If you can’t easily feel their ribs, you’re likely feeding too much. If their ribs are very prominent and they seem underweight, you might be feeding too little. Consistent weight monitoring and observing their waistline are key indicators.
Q5: Does breed specific feeding guidelines really matter for my 36 kg dog?
A5: Yes, breed specific feeding guidelines can be very helpful as a starting point. Breeds have different metabolic rates, predispositions to certain health conditions, and energy requirements. While a 36 kg German Shepherd might have different needs than a 36 kg Bulldog, these guidelines help tailor the approach beyond just weight.
Q6: What about treats? Do they affect my 36 kg dog’s food portion size?
A6: Absolutely. Treats should be factored into your dog’s total daily caloric intake. Ideally, treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calories. If you feed a lot of treats, you may need to slightly reduce their main meals to prevent weight gain.
By carefully considering these factors and monitoring your dog, you can ensure your 36 kg companion receives the right amount of food for a happy, healthy life. Remember, consistency and observation are your best tools in providing optimal nutrition.