A new nutrition study uncovers how breed, age, and body condition affect energy requirements in pet dogs—shaping the way we feed them in real life.
Real-life energy needs: Based on data from 586 privately owned dogs, this study challenged assumptions about how much energy pet dogs truly need. The findings revealed that most dogs consumed significantly less metabolizable energy (ME) than current guidelines suggest—highlighting the impact of lower activity levels in home environments.
Breed differences in energy intake: Some breeds—such as Jack Russell Terriers, Dalmatians, and Ridgebacks—showed above-average energy consumption, while others like Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers were below average. This suggests that breed-specific metabolism and behaviour must be considered in nutrition plans.
Why it matters: The study found that overweight dogs consumed less ME per metabolic weight unit than lean dogs, and older dogs had lower intake than younger ones. For training-based models like Neurobond or behaviour-sensitive feeding strategies, this information allows tailored energy provision that better aligns with the dog’s age, health, and behavioural profile.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12460
