Veterinarian Guidelines for Feeding Dogs
Ever wonder if your dog’s getting the right amount of food? At The Crudo Diet, we help Chicago pet owners master raw feeding.
Vets, backed by AAFCO and experts like PetMD, say portions depend on your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity, and health to keep them fit—over half of U.S. dogs are overweight (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023)! Wet and kibble foods use calorie counts, but raw diets like ours measure in pounds or ounces for simplicity.
Whether your pup’s racing at Montrose Dog Beach or napping at home, our guide makes portions easy. Visit our Learn page for more!
3 Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Feeding Every Dog the Same Amount
Many Chicago pet owners give their zippy Border Collie and couch-loving Pug the same bowl of food. This can leave active dogs hungry or make lazy ones chubby, with over half of U.S. dogs overweight, risking joint issues (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023).Fix: Feed 2–3% of your dog’s weight in raw food daily. For a 22-pound active dog, that’s 6 ounces (400 kcal). Side Note: 400 kcal is ~6 ounces (less than ½ pound) daily. Feel their ribs—they should be easy to feel, not seen.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Health Issues
Owners often miss that health problems like allergies or diabetes need special portions. A Chicago pup with a sensitive tummy might struggle with big meals, worsening symptoms (PetMD, 2025).Fix: Give smaller, frequent meals for health issues (e.g., 2–3 smaller meals for a 30-pound dog, ~600 kcal total). Ask a vet at the Chicago Pet Expo (July 26–27, 2025). Side Note: 600 kcal is ~9 ounces (just over ½ pound) daily.
Mistake 3: Not Adjusting for Active or Lazy Days
Chicago’s seasons shift your dog’s routine—summer sprints at Grant Park vs. winter naps. Fixed portions can lead to chubby or tired pups, especially for events like “Bark at the Ballpark” (May 15, 2025).Fix: Add 10–20% more for active dogs (e.g., 7.5–8.5 ounces for a 22-pound dog, ~480–560 kcal); cut 10% for lazy days (5 ounces, ~320 kcal). Side Note: 480–560 kcal is 7.5–8.5 ounces; 320 kcal is ~5 ounces daily.
Easy Principles for the Right Amount
Weigh Your Dog: Feed 2–3% of their ideal weight daily in raw food, like Crudo’s beef with eggshells. For a 25-pound dog, that’s ½–¾ pound (400–600 kcal). For a 60-pound Labrador, it’s 1.2–1.8 pounds (800–1,200 kcal). Side Note: 400–600 kcal is 6–9 ounces; 800–1,200 kcal is 12–18 ounces daily.
Age Matters: Puppies need 4–6% (e.g., ½ pound for a 10-pound Chihuahua puppy, ~800 kcal, split into 3–4 meals); adults 2–3%; seniors 1.5–2% (e.g., 5–6 ounces for a 30-pound senior, ~320–390 kcal). Side Note: 800 kcal is ~12 ounces; 320–390 kcal is ~5–6 ounces.
Breed and Activity: Small breeds (e.g., Maltese) need 2.5–3 ounces for 5–10 pounds (~160–200 kcal); high-energy breeds (e.g., Border Collies) need more. Add 10–20% for active dogs at Horner Park; cut 10% for lazy ones. Side Note: 160–200 kcal is 2.5–3 ounces.
Health Check: For allergies or diabetes, use smaller meals and consult a Chicago vet. Spayed/neutered dogs need less (e.g., 5–5.5 ounces for a 22-pound dog, ~320–360 kcal). Side Note: 320–360 kcal is ~5–5.5 ounces.
Pro Tip: Check ribs monthly—they should be easy to feel, not seen. Use a BCS chart (e.g., Purina’s).
Get your Chicago pup’s portions right for a healthy, happy life, from Lakefront Trail romps to cozy naps. Avoid these mistakes, follow our simple rules, and talk to a vet to perfect your dog’s diet. The Crudo Diet’s single-protein meals make it easy! Want more tips? Visit our Learn page and follow @crudodiet on Instagram for the latest on raw feeding in the Windy City!
