Have you ever considered the number of calories your pet eats every day? Often times, owners think of pet food in terms of the number of cups or scoops they feed their four-legged friend every day. Little thought probably goes into the actual number of calories that scoop of food provides. While caloric needs vary by breed and size, there are things you can keep in mind to better understand just how many calories your pet needs.
The Numbers
There are many factors that go into determining the caloric needs for your pet. However, weight is often the best indicator for calories. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, the daily caloric needs for average indoor pets are:
Cats:
10 lbs. = 180 to 200 calories
Dogs:
10 lbs. = 200 to 275 calories
20 lbs. = 325 to 400 calories
50 lbs. = 700 to 900 calories
70 lbs. = 900 to 1050 calories
90 lbs. = 1100 to 1350 calories
When it comes to calories, the most important person to consult is your vet. While these numbers are the average, your dog or cat may need a different calorie amount depending on activity level, age, weight, medical conditions and genetics. Your vet will know the most accurate caloric need for your pet.
Supreme Source Feeding
If you are feeding Supreme Source food to your pet, we recommend the following daily feeding amounts, using a standard 8 oz. measuring cup.
Cats:
Up to 4 lbs. = ¼ to ½ cup
5 to 9 lbs. = ½ to ⅔ cup
10 to 14 lbs. = ⅔ to ¾ cup
Dogs:
Up to 10 lbs. = ½ to 1 cup
11 to 25 lbs. = 1 to 2 cups
26 to 50 lbs. = 2 to 3 ⅔ cups
51 to 100 lbs. = 3 ⅔ to 5 ¾ cups
What About Treats?
Treating your pet is a great way to reinforce positive behaviors but keep calories in mind when doing so. Treats are meant for intermittent feeding and should not be the main source of calories your pet receives every day. Supreme Source dog biscuits and soft
treats are a great choice for treating your pup. The recommended serving sizes of Supreme Source dog treats are:
Biscuits- Do not exceed two biscuits per 10 lbs. of body weight
Soft Treats- Do not exceed 10 treats per 10 lbs. of body weight Consult your vet if you are unsure how many treats you should be giving
