Comments on: Metabolic Weight Helps Predict a Dog’s Daily Food Needs

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:47:30 +0000

Hi BJ… If your dog is doing well on her current diet and she is maintaining her ideal weight, you may wish to reconsider your plans to find something different. If you still feel it would beneficial and worth the risk to try another dog food, then switch to the new food using a very gradual transition over 7 to 10 days.

Unfortunately, due to the biological uniqueness of each pet, I cannot provide customized product recommendations for each reader. For more help, please check out my reviews and visit our FAQ page. Look for the topic, “Help Me Choose a Dog Food”. Or check back for a possible response from one of our other readers.

By: BJ

BJ — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:59:46 +0000

Our 13 yo doxie has always had problems. She has been on Royal Canin and Hills ID/WD for years. she has gerd, ulcers, gastro issues and allergies. She is doing well on the ID/WD mixture but she seems to always be starving. She hasn’t had to take any medications for several months on the ID/HD but the more I read about it I am wondering if we should try something else. Due to her weight (38#) and her other problems I was thinking of the Wild from Tractor Supply but don’t know that her health would tolerate it. Should we leave well enough along and maybe cook some chicken to add? We thought all these years we had been feeding the best Thanks for any info as I know you can’t address each of her problems. Xena’s mommy

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:46:22 +0000

Hi Karyn… It’s impossible to know with any certainty what’s ideal for any dog (especially when the breed appears to be unknown). Of course, determining this figure for a growing puppy can be an even greater challenge. So, check with your vet, an experienced breeder or another canine professional.

By: Karyn Dossenback

Karyn Dossenback — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:27:42 +0000

Dr. Sagman – yes this does help but I have an additional question. We have a puppy who is about 7 months old – he was neutered at 6 months. He looks healthy and weighs about 48lbs. He looks to be a medium size dog, he is a mix of several breeds but his father looks like a small pitbull mix, so should I assume this is his approximate ideal weight even though he is only 7 months old?

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:51:55 +0000

Hi Karyn… I’m not aware of any exact mathematical to precisely determine in which of these activity categories any dog best would best belong. However, don’t worry. It’s not all that critical. Just make a good guess. After all, since each dog has its own unique energy requirements (just like people), it’s impossible to to know the exact serving size that’s right for your pet.

So, I’d suggest starting with the package’s feeding instructions. Or make an estimate with my calculator. Weigh your dog every few weeks. Then, adjust (titrate) that serving size up or down to establish and maintain your pet’s ideal weight.

Always measure the food with a real measuring cup. Not a scoop. Never guess. Keep a record of how much you’re feeding. And be sure to weigh your dog periodically (every few weeks or so). Then, adjust the serving size as needed to stay on track. Sure, it can be a little work. But in the end, it’s the only real-life method you can scientifically trust.

Hope this helps.