Pet Food Package Feeding Quantities

How not to overstuff your pet

MetPet.com Staff Writer

Is your pet eating the manufacturer's recommended quantity of food every day and still not at his ideal weight?  Chances are the package feeding instructions based on the weight and/or activity level of your furry friend is a high end estimate. 

The recommended feeding quantities on pet food labels are based on an average pet.  Your specific pet's caloric requirements can vary by as much as 1/3rd in either direction. A warmer climate, a thicker coat, a lower metabolic rate, lack of exercise can all contribute to a lower caloric requirement. 

The best indication of food quantity is your dog and cat's body.  Place your thumbs on the spine and feel for the ribs. You should be able to feel each individual rib underneath the fur/skin/fat layer but not see them easily.  If you have to really push to feel the individual ribs, it's time to ease off on the feedings or look for a lower calorie food. 

To adjust feeding:

1. Split the same quantity of food into smaller and more frequent meals spaced evenly apart during the day.  This could slightly increase your pet's metabolism sufficiently to reduce his weight.
2. Decrease the food by 10% a week until your pet reaches the desired weight.  Decreasing food drastically can cause your pet to become irritable and create behavioral problems such as spraying or food aggression.
3. Eliminate all snacks, treats, chew strips and table scraps until your pet reaches the desired weight.
4. Switch to a lower calorie food for senior pets.
5. Switch to a lower calorie food during the warm summer months.  Cold weather makes pets use more calories just to maintain body temperature.