How Much Wet Food to Feed a Dog Per Day When It’s Their Whole Meal
One way that you can feed wet dog food is probably the most obvious–feeding it as your dog whole meal. To know how much wet food to feed a dog per day, look at the feeding guidelines on the back label. For example, here are the feeding guidelines for our K95 Turkey recipe:
The feeding guidelines tell you how much wet dog food per day to feed based on your dog’s weight. Depending on how large your dog is, you may need to feed multiple cans or tubs a day.
How Much Wet Canned Food to Feed a Dog When It’s a Topper or Mixer
If you’re not wanting to switch from kibble entirely, you can also feed wet food as a topper. To do this, pair it with your pet’s favorite kibble and simply put some of the moist food on top. You’ll notice in the feeding guidelines above for K95 Turkey, there are also instructions for feeding it with dry product so just follow those instructions when using wet food as a topper.
One main advantage to using wet food as a topper is the increased palatability it adds to your pet’s food. If you have a picky pup who sometimes just doesn’t feel like eating, it’s worth a try to incorporate wet dog food into their meals every once in a while to get them excited about dinner time.
Using moist food as a mixer is very similar to the idea of using it as a topper, but in this case, you actually mix the wet dog food into the kibble. If your picky pet still isn’t eating all of their food with a topper, mixing it together may help your dog eat more of it.
How Much Do I Feed My Dog When It Comes to Frozen Dog Treats?
Another fun way to switch it up without making a commitment to switching their food entirely is to make frozen treats out of wet dog food. To do this, find an ice cube tray or mold, scoop some of the food into the tray, and then freeze for a few hours before serving to your pet. We have a tried and true method using our cat moist pouches and a silicone tray, but the general idea works the same with wet food as well. Depending on the size of your mold, you can make quite a few treats to last you a while! This also allows you to switch up flavors to make your pet think you’re treating them to something different.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Senior Dog? Understanding Wet Dog Food for Seniors
When it comes to senior dogs, there are a few more considerations you’ll need to watch out for when choosing a food. Seniors are significantly more prone to weight gain than younger dogs due to their metabolisms slowing down as they age. If you continue feeding a calorie-dense food to your dog as they get older, it’s likely they’ll put on a few extra pounds. For this reason, finding a dog food for your senior that’s low in calorie is important.
Just like humans, senior dogs’ joints begin to feel the affects of their age over time as well. As their joints slowly deteriorate, extra weight on top of that could cause even more serious joint issues. To combat this, you’ll want to make sure that in addition to being low-calorie your dog’s food has glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as well. These nutrients help support your dog’s joint health and will help slow the deterioration of their joints as they continue to age.
In some cases, senior dogs are also more prone to dental issues. Senior dogs sometimes start to have issues chewing harder things like kibble and dog biscuits, so wet dog food is a great option in cases like these. If you’re looking for the best senior wet dog food, our moist tub dinners like Duke’s Din-Din Stew all have less than 225 kcal per container, with Duke’s Din-Din having only 209. These are relatively low-calorie options that would work great for a senior dog who has shown signs of dental troubles.
Wet Food for Allergies
In some cases, the ingredients list on your dog’s food is more important than whether it’s kibble or wet food. If you’re dealing with allergies and looking for solutions for your dog, the ingredients in your dog’s food are likely top of mind as you try to avoid allergens. Being aware of allergies your dog has will help you narrow down your options when it comes to choosing a wet dog food. That being said, some options will sometimes work better than others in general.
Our K95 cans are great canned dog food options for dogs with allergies to specific proteins, as all five of these recipes are made with single proteins that make up 95% of the recipe. They come in five grain-free flavors and also contain healthy vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. You can choose from chicken, duck, lamb, turkey, and beef for a tasty meal.
Read more Best Treats for Dogs with Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Guide
How Much Should My Dog Eat if They Have a Sensitive Stomach and Enjoy Wet Food?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, one protein we always turn to is lamb. Earthborn Holistic’s Director of Nutritional Services, Dr. Anne Huss, explains that lamb tends to be a less commonly used animal protein in many diets, so most dogs don’t have a chance to develop an allergy to it. Our K95 Lamb and Lily’s Gourmet Buffet recipes are both lamb-based recipes that will be easier on their sensitive stomach. Our tub recipes are even resealable, so you can make sure your pet’s stomach is happy on the go, too.
How Many Times a Day Should I Feed My Dogs Wet Dog Food?
To figure out what the recommended dog food amount for your pup is, look at the feeding chart on their food. The chart will explain the amount of food your puppy should be eating throughout the day. Typically feeding a puppy twice a day is not going to be enough food to properly aid them in their growth. So, how often should puppies eat? The recommended amount of puppy meals per day is anywhere between 2-5 meals a day as they grow. The chart below shows how many times to feed a puppy as they develop:
| 6 weeks to 4 months | 4 months to 6 months | 6 months to Adult | |
| Toy Breeds | 4 to 5 meals per day | 3 to 4 meals per day | 2 to 3 meals per day |
| Small and Medium Breeds | 3 meals per day | 2 meals per day | 2 meals per day |
| Large and Giant Breeds | 3 meals per day | 2 to 3 meals per day | 2 to 3 meals per day |
When it comes to adult dogs, they typically eat less than puppies because their metabolisms are slower and require less calories so they can typically be fed twice a day. In some cases like with small or large breed dogs you might consider three meals, or if your daily routine works for three meals and your dog seems to get hungry in the middle of the day.
It’s important to note that while looking at the feeding chart is a great place to start for how much to feed your dog, the amount should be split between the total amount of meals you feed per day. It’s always a great idea to run the number of meals and the amount of food you’re feeding per day by your vet as well.
Dinner Time!
Whether you’re switching to wet dog food entirely or just wanting to switch it up, wet food is the perfect addition to your pet’s diet. From cans to convenient tubs, there are many options to choose from that your dog is sure to love.
Sold? Find an Earthborn Holistic retailer near you to pick up your pet’s new favorite treat!
— Update: 27-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How Much Wet Food to Feed a Dog (Calculations From Experts) from the website www.thepamperedpup.com for the keyword how much wet food to feed 16 lb dog.
Dogs should get around 3 oz of wet food for every 3.5 pounds of body weight. This should be divided into two meals and then served to your dog – one in the morning and another one in the afternoon. Some dog owners I know like to mix wet and dry food. Note though that the two aren’t equal – usually, 3 oz of wet feed is the same as a 1/4 cup of dry food I like to weigh them separately before mixing. On the plus side, I find that mixing dry and wet food prevents my dogs from being picky – which helps in case their regular food isn’t available yet!
Reasons Why Wet Food is Good for Dogs
Additional moisture
Wet meals have more moisture, of course, compared to dry food. It is also suitable for dogs that do not drink enough water and are prone to dehydration. I typically feed wet food to my rescues since its more hydrating and gentler to their deprived stomachs. It can also be good for those dogs that experience kidney problems. I’ve noticed though that quickly making the change from dry to wet food can also cause health problems – like diarrhea. I would always consult the vet and follow a slow transition so there’s time for my rescue to adapt.
It is easier to chew
Does your senior dog eat slowly? For older adult dogs that cannot handle dry kibble because of their teeth, canned or wet food is great because it goes down easier and helps them chew the food. It can also help prevent pain which happens in senior dogs with poor dental care. I suggest checking out some of the best fresh dog food brands that offer nutritious wet pet meals.
Higher protein levels
One of the exciting things about wet feed is that they are formulated with higher levels of protein and less carbohydrate than dry kibble. So basically, the meat content is higher in wet feed compared to kibble. Though not all wet dog food is made the same way, it would still be important to read the ingredients to confirm the protein content before settling on one wet canned dog food. Brands like Midwestern Pet Foods also offer insight on how they make and formulate their food so I find it more assuring to buy from these names.
It is more palatable
Most canned foods are made with natural ingredients that a dog eats more happily. That is because the actual chunks of meat and vegetables make the food more appealing to the dog. Dogs have a more developed sense of smell [1] than people, so they can sense when the food is organic and has fewer preservatives. It probably attracts them more to canned food as well because the moisture helps to bring the aroma out. Fresh meals, however, are still different in terms of palatability. Check out my canned vs fresh dog food comparison to learn more.
How Much Wet food to Feed Your Dog
Giving a dog about 3 oz of wet food per three pounds of the dog’s weight would be advisable. That means a 30-pound dog must consume 1.8 pounds of a wet meal. That is also divided into two or more meals. The amount can be adjusted as needed to help maintain the dog’s ideal body condition.
There are also age recommendations. For example, I would often give puppies more wet dog food since they have higher caloric requirements than adult dogs. I also make a point of keeping the supply of crisp water easily and constantly accessible. Medically accepted feeding guidelines typically change too so I also like to subscribe to any of today’s best dog food delivery service companies that provide balanced meals for your dog’s specific needs.
Read more How Much Canned Food Should You Feed a Dog Per Day?
Tips for Giving Your Dog Wet Food
Deciding with a mix of wet food and the dry dog food
Some dogs enjoy canned or wet dog food when it is mixed together with dry food. It is because both come with nutritional benefits. I typically call this a “topping” or an add-on to the dog’s overall caloric consumption. It can make the dry food that much more exciting for the dog as well. When I do this, I make sure to compute the overall calories separately so I know exactly how much my dog is getting.
Determine the right portion size
As stated before, medium breeds like a 30-pound Australian Cattle would need close to two pounds of wet dog food, and this is divided over two meals. For large breed dogs, it can eat more food – around two cups of wet feed daily, while the amount is substantially reduced for small breed dogs. However, that is also dependent on the activities and health conditions. If the dog is not active or suffering from obesity, it would be better to reduce the dog’s food to just one cup per day or as needed. Since I get lots of rescues, I usually have a feeding chart at home to guide me with the pet’s food.
Fresh water
It’s crucial that dogs have access to fresh and clean water all the time. You can feed your dog wet meals – but that’s no replacement to pure, crisp water. The water bowl should be kept clean throughout the day. Dogs usually do not like water that has already been sitting for a time as well. I like to use a hanging water dispenser so the water is always fresh but it requires a bit of training for the dogs. There are also circulating water bowls which are great for both cats and dogs.
FAQs
Is it okay to feed YOUR dog wet food only?
The truth is it is entirely the choice of dog owners if you want to feed your dog wet, canned food, or dry food. The goal is to choose balanced food according to the dog’s age, size, and activity.
How much food should I feed my dog?
If the dog is between 26 and 50 pounds, it can be fed two cups of wet feed. 50 to 75 pounds can be fed between two and two-thirds to three cups of wet feed. Again, this principle may change depending on whether the dog is overweight, underweight, nursing, a puppy, or a senior dog.
— Update: 02-04-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How Much Canned Food Should You Feed a Dog Per Day? from the website healthyhomemadedogtreats.com for the keyword how much wet food to feed 16 lb dog.
Whether you are a rookie pet parent or a seasoned one, deciding how much food to give your pup can be confusing.
Since dogs can’t communicate with words, it is hard to tell whether they are underfed, appropriately fed, or overfed.
Most pet owners just wing it hoping they are giving their furry friends proper nutrition for their bodies.
If you are among the long list of pet parents who are confused about how much canned food to feed a dog per day, keep reading…we have discussed the topic in detail including how canned food compares with dry food.
Why the Right Canned Food Matters
Like human beings, nutrition has a direct impact on the quality of life of a dog.
Too little food and your fur baby will experience deadly nutritional deficiencies.
Too much and he will develop a host of health issues including obesity, labored breathing, osteoarthritis, congestive heart failure, cancers, shortened years, skin disorders, and more.
Giving your pet the right amount of food will boost his optimal health and improve their quality of life.
So, How Much Canned Food Should You Feed Your Dog Per Day?
This really depends on a number of factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for this question as dogs differ in size, appetites, health levels, and more.
Let’s go over the factors that affect the portion of canned food a pup should have.
Age
First off, the age of your four-legged friend has a direct relationship with how much food he consumes on a daily basis.
The body requires specific nutrition as per the stage of the pet.
Typically, a growing puppy needs more food than an adult dog. This is because the latter has a slower metabolism than the former since growth has reached its peak.
Activity Level
Dogs differ in their activity levels and ultimately their daily caloric requirements.
For instance, a laid-back American bulldog might not need to eat much compared to a highly active whippet.
Even canines of the same breeds have varying activity levels.
A dog that runs around most of the day and plays intense sports like flyball and agility certainly needs more canned food especially during competition than the one that is low-energy.
Body Weight
Another factor to keep in mind when establishing how much canned food to feed a dog per day is his weight.
In human beings, people on a weight loss journey don’t eat the same way as their counterparts who are maintaining or gaining weight.
The same principle applies to your pup. If he is underweight, you will want to up his intake of canned food to help him pack on the pounds.
Overweight dogs, on the other hand, need a diet lower in calories to aid in fat burning.
In the same breath, if you have a dog with an ideal weight, feed him the right amounts specific to his needs.
You can track the weight of your dog by weighing him once or twice per month.
After a couple of weeks, you should be able to tell whether they are underweight, overweight, or ideal.
Size
The size of your pup goes hand in hand with his breed.
The larger the canine, the more canned food he needs for survival.
It goes without saying that a Chihuahua eats a tiny fraction of what a Great Dane intakes in a single day.
Frequency Of The Meals
When it comes to how often you should feed your dog, pet parents have different schools of thought.
Some dog owners believe in feeding their pups once a day, others twice, three times, four times, countless times, and so on.
Frankly, different dog breeds require different eating schedules for optimal health.
Some breeds are susceptible to bloat including German shepherds and Great Danes.
Read more How to Start a Dog Breeding Business: An In-Depth Guide
If you have one such breed, it is prudent to feed him frequently rather than offering one huge meal.
Most adult dogs feed twice a day while puppies tend to have three meals.
To know the exact amount to give your pup, divide the daily calorie intake by the number of meals.
What Is The Right Amount of Canned Food To Feed My Dog?
To determine the exact amount of canned food to feed a dog, you need to make an appointment with your vet. They are the best-qualified professionals who can offer you the best advice.
However, if you don’t have that luxury, here’s a guide that will come in handy. (The guide is based on your pup’s bodyweight only).
- 0-10 pounds: ¼ can or 1/3- 1 cup of food per day.
- 11-25 pounds: ½ can or 1-2.1/4 cup of food per day.
- 26-50 pounds: 1 can or 21/4 cup of food per day.
- 51 – 75 pounds: 1.5 cans or 33/4 cup of food per day.
- Over 75 pounds: 2 cans or 5-8 cups of food per day.
Additional Tips
While this guide is highly important when portioning out canned food for your dog, there are a few more tips you should keep in mind. These include the following:
A. Check The Can’s Feeding Guide
Dog food companies are required by the law to include important details on their food labels.
Most of them have feeding guides on all their products to guide pet parents to give the right portion.
Make a point of reading the guides; they are quite helpful.
B. Use an Online Calculator
Another awesome trick to use when establishing how much canned food your pup needs is a dog calorie calculator. There are hundreds of those on the internet.
After keying details of your dog, they will compute his daily calorie needs and display the number on the screen.
Compare two or more such calculators and determine the right portion size for him.
C. Talk to Your Vet
If you have further questions regarding your pup’s diet, the best place to get answers is at the vet. They have the knowledge and expertise to draw up a diet plan for virtually any dog.
How Much Canned Dog Food Equals Dry Food
When it comes to dog nutrition, you can choose to stick to canned, dry, or a mixture of both. The choice is entirely up to you.
Essentially, most parents are geared towards the dry side because they offer more in the way of caloric density compared to a canned diet. This is because dry foods don’t have water.
Those with huge dog breeds particularly find it easy to stick to a dry food diet as it doesn’t require a lot of volumes to be full.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, canned food is great because it is quality food. Wet food consists of more protein, it is easy to digest (because of being palatable), and reduces bloat.
To know the equivalent of canned food in dry food, you have to calculate the calories in the canned food first.
Once you have a figure, calculate the amount of dry food equivalent to the calories.
If you intend of jumping between both canned and dry food, don’t forget to offer plenty of water to avoid stomach upsets.
Final Thoughts
Canned food comes with a plethora of benefits for dogs.
It is no wonder most pet parents have put their pups on a wet food diet (or at least predominantly).
To know how much to give per day, consider the tips shared in this guide.
If not satisfied, bring your vet into the loop, you can’t go wrong with them.
— Update: 07-04-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Dog Feeding Tips When Switching to Wet Food from the website www.vetinfo.com for the keyword how much wet food to feed 16 lb dog.
Switching your dog feeding routine from dry kibble to wet food is not something you should rush. Canned dog food popularly appeals to dogs, so they eat it quickly and want more.
Canned vs. Dry
Canned dog food and dry dog food each offer additional benefits. A dog feeding regimen with dry dog food scrapes plaque and tartar off the teeth. Dry dog food is far less expensive than canned food, but canned food contains less fillers and preservatives. The biggest benefit to a diet of dry kibble is oral health.
Generally, the nutritional quality of canned food is superior to any dry food. In addition, wet foods taste great and a dog rarely walks away with food remaining in the bowl. You do not need to worry about spoilage with a canned food dog feeding routine. The downfall to canned or wet food is that it lacks the same dental benefits. However, with the variety of dental treats on the market, your dog’s oral health does not have to suffer.
Switching to Wet Food
Many dogs will not hesitate to readily devour canned food. You should experience no problems getting your pet to accept a dog feeding routine involving canned dog food. Canned food is higher in protein. The richness of the food might upset your dog’s stomach. For the first week, feed a mixture of canned food with your pet’s dry food to allow the body to adjust. As the week progresses, increase the amount of canned food and decrease the dry food.
Once your pet is only eating canned food, you might discover that he/she begs for more food between meals. Snacks between meals cause obesity in dogs. Always leave fresh water out for your animal. While canned food offers higher water content, dogs require fresh water throughout the day for optimal health.
Suggested Feeding Guidelines for Canned Food
It is important to know how much food your dog requires when switching a dog feeding routine. Veterinarians suggest the following feeding guidelines:
- 5-pound dog needs 3/8s of a can per day.
- 10-pound dog needs 3/4s of a can per day.
- 20-pound dog needs 1 & 1/8s of a can per day.
- 40-pound dog needs 1 & 3/4s of a can per day.
- 60-pound dog needs 2 & 1/4s of a can per day.
- 80-pound dog needs 2 & 1/2s of a can per day.
- 100-pound dog needs 3 & 1/4s of a can per day.
If your dog is extremely active, you may need to add extra food to account for the calories burned.
Avoid Huge Meals
To keep your dog satisfied, break the feedings up to at least twice a day. First, this prevents dog bloat. Second, your dog will feel full and less likely to beg during your meal. Use dental chews and bones to satisfy your pet during the afternoon hours.
Once you’ve chosen a dog feeding routine, stick to those hours. Many people find a schedule of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. works best. Make sure you follow that dog feeding routine on your days off!