Dr Ima: In reality, there is no on-size-fits-all for feeding. Each pet is an individual with their own unique needs. For cats, a general guideline is around 40-45 calories per kilogram of healthy body weight, while dogs require around 250-400 calories per day depending on weight and activity level.
Feeding Frequency:
– Kittens (under six months) often do well with 3-4 meals a day, whereas adult cats can typically be fed twice a day. Some experts even suggest up to 5 times a day for better digestion as the size of cat’s stomach is small. Senior cats might benefit from 2-3 smaller meals.
– Adult dogs can typically be fed twice a day, whereas puppies and young dogs may need more frequent meals.
Several factors will determine much you should feed your cat/dog:
– Age: Kittens and puppies require a lot of nutrients and have a high energy requirement for growth and development, while adult and senior pets require less caloric intake.
– Activity level: Different activities also play an important role in justifying their feed intake, for example, a neutered pet requires lesser caloric intake compared to intact, pregnant, or lactating pets.
– Body condition: Overweight or underweight pets will have different caloric needs
– Food quality: The quality of food also affects how many calories are needed to meet nutritional needs.
– Other factors that should be considered are bodyweight, breed, health status, and type of food given (wet food, dry food, mixed, etc)
It’s important to note that treats should be factored into your pet’s daily calorie intake, and ideally, they should not exceed 10% of your pet’s total daily calories. Pet foods also provide recommended feeding guidelines and calories per serving on their packaging, which can be used as a general guide.
