How Portion Size Impacts Your Dog’s Weight and Health

Feeding your dog the right amount is one of the simplest ways to support their long-term health. Many owners focus on the type of food but overlook portion size. Giving too much can lead to weight gain and health problems, while giving too little may cause nutrient deficiencies and low energy. Finding the right balance is key to keeping your dog fit, active, and happy.

Favour’s complete range, including Favour Original with Chicken and Favour Original with Beef, is designed to support healthy feeding habits. Each product includes clear feeding guidelines to help you measure portions accurately for your dog’s needs.

Why Portion Control Matters

Portion control affects more than just your dog’s waistline. It influences their energy levels, digestion, and overall wellbeing. Overfeeding can cause obesity, which increases the risk of conditions such as diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease. Underfeeding, on the other hand, can lead to fatigue, weak immunity, and loss of muscle tone.

Because every dog is different, there is no single portion size that suits all. The right amount depends on your dog’s size, breed, age, and daily activity level.

How to Measure Meals Correctly

Most dog foods, including Favour’s dry range, include a feeding guide on the packaging. This is a good starting point, but you should also consider your dog’s individual needs.

Use a kitchen scale or a measuring cup to ensure accuracy. Guessing often leads to overfeeding, especially when using large scoops or cups. Once you’ve found the right portion size, stick to it consistently.

If you feed both dry and wet food, make sure to reduce the dry amount slightly to account for the calories in the wet portion. For example, mixing a small amount of Favour chunks in gravy with dry kibble adds flavour and moisture but should replace a small part of the dry portion.

Adjust Portions Based on Age and Life Stage

Puppies:
 Puppies need more calories relative to their size because they grow quickly and burn energy fast. Feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day using food designed for their age group.

Adults:
 Adult dogs need balanced meals that maintain their weight and support activity. Follow feeding guides carefully and adjust portions if your dog gains or loses weight.

Seniors:
 Older dogs tend to slow down, which means they need fewer calories but still require quality protein and nutrients. Foods that are easy to digest and portioned correctly help prevent weight gain and maintain muscle mass.

Breed and Size Considerations

Different breeds have different metabolisms. For example, small breeds like terriers or spaniels often need smaller portions, while large breeds like labradors or German shepherds require bigger servings but lower calorie density per gram.

Feeding according to size and breed helps you maintain balance. Using a large, economical bag like Favour’s 12kg Original with Chicken makes it easier to portion out consistent meals for larger breeds, while smaller packs are practical for toy or small breeds that eat less. 

Recognising Overfeeding and Underfeeding

Even with guides, dogs’ needs can vary. Regularly check your dog’s body condition to ensure they are at a healthy weight.

Signs of Overfeeding:

  • Weight gain or loss of waistline
  • Fat deposits around the ribs or back
  • Sluggishness or reluctance to exercise
  • Loose stools or frequent bowel movements

Signs of Underfeeding

  • Visible ribs or spine
  • Low energy levels
  • Dull coat or flaky skin
  • Constant hunger or scavenging behaviour

Adjust portion sizes gradually if you notice these signs, rather than making sudden changes.

The Role of Feeding Routine

Feeding your dog at the same times each day helps regulate digestion and appetite. Two meals a day suit most adult dogs, while puppies may need three or four smaller meals. Avoid leaving food down all day, as this can lead to overeating.

Routine feeding also helps you spot any changes in appetite quickly, which can be an early sign of illness.

How Treats Fit Into the Equation

Treats are an enjoyable part of a dog’s routine, but they should be used in moderation. Too many treats can unbalance even the best portion plan. Aim to keep treats at no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily intake.

If you use treats for training, choose lighter options from Favour’s treat range and reduce main meal portions slightly to maintain calorie balance.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

  1. Weigh Food Regularly: Recheck your measuring tools occasionally to make sure portions are accurate.
  2. Track Weight Changes: Weigh your dog every few weeks. Small increases can add up over time.
  3. Monitor Body Shape: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard and see a defined waist.
  4. Encourage Exercise: Daily walks, play sessions, and enrichment activities help burn energy and maintain muscle.
  5. Adjust Gradually: If you change portion sizes, do so slowly over a week to allow your dog’s metabolism to adjust.

Balancing Nutrition with Enjoyment

Feeding your dog should be practical but also enjoyable. Mixing different meal textures, such as combining dry kibble with wet chunks in gravy, can make food more appealing without overfeeding. The goal is to keep meals balanced, satisfying, and tailored to your dog’s individual needs.

Favour’s complete range makes portioning simple, with clear instructions and quality ingredients that deliver consistent nutrition every day.

Takeaways

The right portion size is as important as the right food. It ensures your dog maintains a healthy weight, supports their joints, and keeps energy levels steady. By following feeding guides, using accurate measurements, and watching your dog’s body condition, you can find the perfect balance for their size, age, and lifestyle.

For clear, balanced, and reliable feeding options, explore Favour’s full dog food range  designed to help every dog eat well and stay healthy without the guesswork.

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