How Much Should I Feed My Fifteen Pound Dog?

  1. Overfeeding Can lead to Weight Problems

    • It is easy to overfeed a dog. Many owners offer a quantity that looks right in the food bowl, without weighing their dog or checking recommended feeding rates. As a result, up to 17 million, or 40 percent, of U.S. dogs are overweight, according to Reuters. Excess weight puts undue strain on joints and internal organs.

    Underfeeding Leads to Weight Loss

    • Feeding too little food results in poor growth or weight loss. A dog's ribs should be felt when lightly stroked, and a distinct waist seen when viewed from above. If ribs are plainly visible, the dog should be weighed accurately and the result compared against breed standards.

    Bottom Line

    • Correct feeding rates depend on the type of food and the age of the dog. A growing pup needs more nutrition than a senior dog. In general, according to the PetHealth101 website, a 15-lb. dog should receive about 550 daily calories. The bottom line is always look at the suggested feeding rates on the bag of meal, weigh the dog and feed appropriately.

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  • Photo Credit cocker au bord d'un lac image by Sophie Hurel from Fotolia.com

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