How much food does your Springer need?  There is no set answer to that question.  First of all, start by feeding your Springer a quality dog food.  While the cost is higher it will be less expensive in the long run.  If you feed your dog cheaper dog food, he will require more food to get the nutrition he needs.  You will also have more waste to clean up.  Second, use the label as a starting point for the correct amount.  Keep in mind that label is for all types of dogs and there is a big difference in dog breeds, sizes, puppy growth rates, skin and coat types, activity levels and living conditions in the dog world.

A Springer will require different amounts of dog food throughout his lifetime based on his age as well as other factors.  A growing puppy will require more than the average amount.  This is a good time to buy a quality dog food just for puppies because they need the proper nutrients to develop over a short period of time.   Also a pregnant dog in her first 42 days will require more than an average amount.  A pregnant dog in her last 21 days will require even more food and a lactating female will require even more than during pregnancy.

If your Springer is a hard working hunter then he/she will require more due to a high activity level. A neutered or spayed dog will require less food than a dog that is intact of same age and activity level.  A senior dog that is less active will require less than a younger dog.

If your dog is underweight he/she will be more likely to suffer from poor muscle tone, energy loss, delayed healing and metabolic and reproductive disorders.  If your dog is overweight he/she is more likely to suffer from arthritis, increased risk of diabetes, liver problems, skin problems and lack of energy.

Your breeder is a good source of information about dog food.  Your puppy has already been introduced to a solid food and the breeder will let you know what it is and how much your puppy requires.  Your veterinarian is another good source of information about dog food throughout all the stages of your dog’s life.>

Tags: dog feed, dog food, dog nutrition, how much food for dog, nutrition, pregnant dog food, puppy dog food, puppy nutrition, senior dog food

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 3:23 pm and is filed under Dog Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.