A question we often get is, how much wet food should my dog eat per day?
Dogs need to eat food every day, but many owners feed their dogs only dry kibble. This can be hard on your dog’s digestion.
How much wet food your dog needs to eat each day depends on their weight, age, and activity level.
Dogs require a lot of water to help dogs stay hydrated and keep their organs functioning properly.
Wet food is a great source of water for dogs, and it also contains more fat and nutrients than dry kibble.
Are you wondering, how much wet food should my dog eat per day? This article will discuss the answer and the benefits of feeding them wet food instead of dry kibble.
How Much Wet Food Should My Dog Eat Per Day?
The amount of wet food you feed your dog should be based on their weight, age, and activity level.
In general, feed your dog about 3 oz of wet food for every 3 pounds of body weight.
For example, a toy poodle that weighs less than ten pounds may only need ¼ cup of wet food per day, while a giant breed dog like an English Mastiff could need up to 8 cups of wet food per day.
When mixing wet and dry food, 3 ounces of canned dog food can replace 1/4 cup of dry dog kibble.
Serving charts on the can or your veterinarian can help you with specifics.
Read our related article, How Much Canned Dog Food Equals Dry? Find out in this short guide!
How Much Wet Food Should a Senior Dog Have?
Depending on your dog’s age, you may need to reduce your dog’s daily food intake by 20-30%.
This is because, as dogs get older, they become more sedentary. Lack of activity can very quickly lead to obesity, which will consequently decrease the life expectancy of your dog.
You can reduce the amount you would normally feed your dog by 1/4th to combat weight gain.
In some cases, for especially aged dogs or senior dogs with illnesses, you could have to increase the amount they’re eating in order to keep them at an ideal weight.
Before deciding how much to feed your senior dog, talk with your vet, who will help you create a customized plan for your dog’s needs.
Recommended Eating Routine for Dogs
Dogs should be fed at least once every 12 hours.
Here are some recommendations for how many times to feed your adult dog wet food:
- Once in the morning
- Once in the evening
- Three smaller meals per day if your dog has a sensitive stomach and is prone to vomiting between meals
Puppies should be fed more often, typically 3 to 4 times per day. Small breeds may need to eat more frequently than large breeds.
If you’re feeding your dog wet food for the first time, introduce it slowly to avoid an upset stomach.
Mix a small amount of wet food with their dry food at first, gradually increasing the proportion of wet food until they’re eating all wet food.
This transition period can take several weeks, so be patient.
Wet Dog Food Feeding Charts
These recommended calories were found using this vet calculator.
The chart below is for neutered/spayed adult dogs with a healthy weight rating of 5, based on the Purina Body Condition System.
We researched the most popular breeds according to the AKC. The majority of dogs fit into the 3 weight categories below.
The following chart shows the weight categories associated with the number of wet dog food cans and calories per day from popular brands:
| Dog Size | Daily Calories | Canidae | Whole Earth | Blue Buffalo | Purina One | Pedigree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 lbs | 1,334 | 2.6 | 3.4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 20 lbs | 587 | 1.2 | 15 | 1.3 | 1.3 | .9 |
| 100 lbs | 1,958 | 3.9 | 5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3 |
This is based on the following data:
| Wet Dog Foods For Chart Above | oz. | kcal/kg | kcal ME/can |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Formula Canned Dog Food | 13 | 1,367 | 504 |
| Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Red Meat Recipe Canned Dog Food | 12.7 | 1,100 | 396 |
| Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Brown Rice Canned Dog Food | 12.5 | 1,254 | 451 |
| Purina ONE Grain Free, Natural Pate Wet Dog Food, SmartBlend True Instinct With Beef & Wild Caught Salmon | 13 | 1,209 | 445 |
| PEDIGREE Adult Canned Wet Dog Food Chopped Ground Dinner with Beef | 13.2 | 1,063 | 664 |
What Influences the Amount of Wet Food I Should Give to My Dog?
Various factors influence how much wet food your dog should eat including activity level, size, weight, age, personality, weight goals, and the quality and caloric value of the food you choose.
Activity Level
If your dog is particularly active, he or she may require a larger serving size or more frequent meals than what the package suggests.
It’s not uncommon for working dogs to burn up a lot of energy and need more food.
Other high-energy dogs play all day or go for runs and long walks.
Their food consumption needs to be increased correspondingly, or they’ll run out of calories and become underweight and suffer from malaise.
Breed Size and Weight
Even though little dogs have a higher risk of hypoglycemia, which occurs when the blood sugar drops too low, they still require a substantial quantity of calories for each serving.
Large- and small-breed dogs have different nutritional requirements addressed by specialized dog food items.
Many dog food companies make breed-specific foods, like foods formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of Chihuahuas, for example.
The serving suggestions and caloric intake in these foods are finely tuned per breed.
Dog Personality
Dogs with high anxiety levels or excitable natures may require more food since their nervous activities such as pacing and attentiveness burn more calories than dogs with an easy disposition.
Dog Age
Puppies need a lot of calories to keep up with their rapid growth, so it’s important to feed them a wet meal developed just for them, high in protein and fat.
Good protein sources are also essential for senior dogs. Increasing the caloric content of their canned food or giving them larger servings can benefit thin and fragile elderly dogs.
Current Dog Weight
Having a dog already at a healthy body weight is a distinct advantage.
You’ve got a pretty good idea of what your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight in terms of calories and serving size.
If you’re trying a new brand of wet food or a different type of canned food, you’ll need to use that information.
Food Quality
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet for all dogs, any food you choose should have ingredients that are good for your dog.
- High protein foods should feature quality meats
- Carbohydrates help to give your dog energy but look for high-quality sources
- Choose foods with minimum fillers, preservatives, and additives
The higher quality food you choose for your dog, the easier it will be for him to digest and the less he’ll need to eat to get the nutrition he needs.
What Are the Benefits of Wet Food for Dogs?
There are many benefits of wet food for all dog breeds and ages including increased hydration, better nutrient and mineral absorption, and more efficient digestion.
Rich Nutrient Food
Wet food is often more nutrient-rich than dry food. Because wet food contains more moisture, there’s less room for fillers and other non-nutritional ingredients.
In addition, wet food often has higher protein content than dry food.
Beneficial for Senior Dogs
Wet food can be especially beneficial for senior dogs or those with dental issues. As dogs age, their teeth may not be as strong as they once were.
It can make it difficult for them to chew dry food. On the other hand, wet food is easier to eat and can help keep your dog’s mouth comfortable.
Many owners of senior dogs who won’t eat due to mouth and face pain are relieved to see their beloved pet eating happily and regaining weight after the switch to wet food.
Good Option for Picky Eaters
Wet food can also be a good option for dogs who are picky eaters or have trouble gaining weight. Dogs generally find wet food tastier than dry food.
If your dog is underweight, wet food can help them put on the pounds in a healthy way.
Is Wet Food Good for My Dog with Allergies?
If you have a pet with allergies, you may be wondering if wet food is a good option. The short answer is yes! Wet food can be very beneficial for dogs with allergies.
There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding wet food to your dog with allergies.
- First, you’ll want to ensure that the ingredients list is free of any potential allergens.
- Second, you’ll want to pay attention to the serving size. Dogs with allergies may need less food than usual, so it’s important not to overfeed them.
Talk to your veterinarian if you’re unsure about what kind of wet food to feed your allergic dog. They will be able to recommend a formula that’s right for your pet’s individual needs.
Wet Food for Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might be wondering if switching to wet food will help. Wet food is easier to digest than dry food, and it’s also more palatable for some dogs.
You’ll want to feed your dog several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones. It’ll help prevent indigestion and keep your pup feeling full and satisfied.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like most dog parents, you want to give your pup the best of everything.
When it comes to food, that means finding the perfect balance of nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
The best way to determine how much-wet food to feed your dog is to consult with your veterinarian.
They will be able to give you specific feeding recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs.
