How Much To Feed Your Pet: A Guide

When it comes to feeding your dog or cat, getting the portions right is critical to their overall health and well-being. At Raw Performance Dog Food, we’ve created an easy-to-use online feeding calculator to help pet owners provide their furry friends with the perfect balance of nutrients tailored to their unique needs. Let’s explore why portion control is so important and how factors like weight, activity level, and body condition impact feeding requirements.

Why Accurate Feeding Matters

Feeding your pet too much or too little can have significant effects on their health.

Overfeeding: This can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan.

Underfeeding: Inadequate nutrition can result in weight loss, muscle deterioration, a weakened immune system, and low energy levels.

Balanced Feeding: Proper portions ensure your pet maintains a healthy weight, strong muscles, and an active, happy lifestyle.

Factors That Influence Feeding Requirements

To determine how much to feed, it’s essential to consider your pet’s:

Weight

• Underweight Pets: These pets require additional calories to help them gain weight healthily. Feeding should focus on nutrient-dense options and appropriate portion sizes to support growth and recovery.
• Overweight Pets: These pets need calorie control to shed excess weight safely. Reducing portion sizes and focusing on lean proteins can help achieve their weight-loss goals without sacrificing nutrition.

Activity Level

• Inactive or Low-Activity Pets: Pets with sedentary lifestyles need fewer calories. Overfeeding an inactive pet can quickly lead to weight gain.
• Pretty Active Pets: These pets enjoy regular exercise, such as daily walks or playtime. They require a moderate calorie intake to match their energy output.
• Very Active Pets: Dogs or cats with high energy demands, such as working breeds, agility competitors, or pets with extended exercise routines, need increased calorie intake to fuel their activities and maintain muscle mass.

How the Raw Performance Calculator Helps

Our feeding calculator takes the guesswork out of portion control. By entering your pet’s weight, age, activity level, and other details, you’ll receive a customized feeding recommendation tailored to their specific needs.

• Step 1: Enter your pet’s weight (in pounds).
• Step 2: Select their activity level (“Inactive,” “Pretty Active,” or “Very Active”).
• Step 3: Receive an accurate daily feeding recommendation in pounds or grams.

The calculator also adjusts for age and other unique factors, ensuring puppies, kittens, senior pets, and adults get exactly what they need.

Tips for Adjusting Portions Over Time

1. Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess your pet’s body condition to ensure they remain in a healthy weight range. You should be able to feel their ribs without excessive fat coverage and see a defined waistline when viewed from above.
2. Account for Life Changes: Adjust portions if your pet’s activity level or weight changes. For instance, pets recovering from surgery or illness may need temporary adjustments.
3. Seasonal Needs: Some pets may be more active during certain seasons, requiring tweaks to their feeding amounts.

Cats vs. Dogs: Feeding Differences

While dogs and cats both benefit from raw diets, their feeding needs differ:

• Cats: Being obligate carnivores, cats require higher protein and fat levels. The calculator will account for their smaller size and nutritional needs.
• Dogs: Dogs’ activity levels vary more widely, and their feeding portions often depend on breed, age, and lifestyle. The calculator adjusts accordingly to meet their broader range of needs.

Take the Guesswork Out of Feeding

By using the Raw Performance Dog Food feeding calculator, you’re giving your pet the best chance at a healthy, balanced diet. Ensuring they get the right portions helps them maintain an ideal weight, prevents health issues, and supports their overall quality of life.

Start today by visiting our feeding calculator here and tailoring your pet’s diet to their unique needs. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts—we’re here to help you every step of the way!