Best Dog Food for Medium Dogs: What to Feed Your Medium-Sized Companion

November 14, 2024   |   By David Jackson

Medium dogs are arguably the most popular sized pooches in the UK. People love them because they're not too small and not too large, all the while serving their owners the best of both worlds when it comes to energy, personality, and companionship.

To keep your medium-sized pup at their best, it’s important you feed them a healthy, balanced diet so they stay healthy, active, and full of life. Of course, this is true no matter what size your furry friend may be…

But, with so many dog food options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. So, what’s the best food for your medium dog?

Well, without further ado, let’s take a look into what makes medium dogs unique and how to make sure your four-legged pal is getting the nutrition they need…

What is Classified as a “Medium Dog”?

First things first, before you decide what to feed your medium dog, it helps to know exactly what makes a dog "medium." While it might seem like a loose term, there are specific characteristics that define medium sized dogs.

According to Hill's Pet, your pup will be classed as medium with a weight between 10-25kg (22-55 lbs) and stand at a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) at the shoulder.

Examples of medium breeds include the playful Border Collie, the affectionate Cocker Spaniel, and the ever-loyal Bulldog. Their moderate size makes them brilliantly versatile and they’re great for both active homes and quieter environments.

As with any size of pup, medium dogs have distinct nutritional needs that reflect their size, metabolism, and activity levels. They require a careful balance that differs from both smaller and larger dogs, making it important to understand what’s best for them.

The UKs Most Popular Medium-Sized Dogs

According to recent surveys (which you can check out here), the top medium-sized breeds in 2024 are:

What Should You Feed a Medium Dog?

Feeding your medium dog isn’t as simple as grabbing a random bag of kibble. It requires understanding what makes them unique and what kinds of nutrients they need to thrive.

The Kennel Club suggests that medium breeds need food that’s tailored to their weight range and energy levels.

You’ll also need to make sure you feed them a mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that support both their size and activity levels – after all, you wouldn’t feed a bouncing collie the same grub as a little tank of a bulldog...

Essential Nutrients for Medium Dogs

Just like any other dog, your medium-sized four-legged friend thrives on a balanced diet that includes:

Protein

Protein is essential for your medium-sized pooch - it helps maintain their muscles and energy levels. It’s recommended your medium dog enjoys high-quality animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, as these proteins provide the amino acids necessary for keeping your dog strong and active.

Although if you do happen to feed your dog a vegan diet, you might want to check out this article about how best to meet their protein needs.

Healthy Fats

Fats are important for keeping your dog’s skin healthy and their coat shiny, as well as providing energy. Look for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their food. Fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat are all great sources of healthy fats for your dog.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a dividing topic amongst the dog-owning community, but they do give your dog energy, especially if they’re very active.

Ingredients like sweet potatoes and oats provide complex carbs that keep your dog going without causing unnecessary weight gain.

Vitamins and Minerals

Your medium dog needs vitamins and minerals to keep their immune system strong, their bones healthy, and their overall vitality up.

Nutrients like calcium, vitamin E, and B vitamins are particularly important to keep your dog feeling their best.

Caloric Intake for Medium Dogs

Another important aspect of feeding your medium dog is understanding how many calories they need each day. According to Purina, medium-sized dogs generally need 700 to 1400 calories per day, depending on factors like activity level, age, and individual metabolism.

However, this is very subjective and dependent on your individual pup.

For instance, if your dog is very active - like a working breed or a regular running buddy - they’ll need food with a higher caloric density.

On the other hand, if your dog is more laid-back, you’ll want to scale back on the calories to avoid weight gain. Keeping an eye on their Body Condition Score (BCS) can help you make sure they’re staying in the right weight range.

Types of Dog Food for Medium Dogs

Dog food comes in various forms - dry, wet, and raw. While one person may favour a certain type over another, always remember that the best type of food for your medium dog depends on their individual needs, preferences, and your lifestyle.

Dry Dog Food

Dry kibble is the most popular type of dog food.

It’s affordable, convenient, and helps keep your dog’s teeth clean by reducing plaque buildup.

Most medium dogs do well on a good-quality kibble that includes a named protein as the first ingredient. As always, look out for products with artificial additives or fillers, as they may have an impact on your pup.

Wet Dog Food

Wet food tends to be more expensive, but it’s a great option if your dog needs extra hydration or is a picky eater.

The texture and flavour can be more appealing, and the added moisture is helpful for dogs that don’t drink enough water.

But, if you’re feeding only wet food, remember to keep up with your dog’s dental care.

Raw Dog Food

A raw diet, often called a BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), includes raw meats, bones, and (on occasion) vegetables.

Some pet pawrents believe it’s healthier and more natural, though there are concerns about bacterial contamination and maintaining a balanced diet.

If you’re considering a raw diet, it requires careful planning to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. You can achieve this through supplementation or adding a few tasty extras to their daily treats and meals.

Combination Feeding

Fancy all the convenience of dry but the benefits of raw or wet? Combination feeding might just be the option for you.

You see, this approach can be a good way to provide the dental benefits of kibble along with the added hydration of wet food, keeping your medium dog both happy and healthy.

Feeding Frequency and Portion Control

Now for one of the most common questions - how often should you feed your medium dog?

According to Woofs, most medium-sized dogs do well being fed twice a day.

Puppies, of course, need more frequent feedings, but adult dogs generally thrive on a morning and evening schedule. Splitting their daily calorie intake into two meals helps with digestion and prevents bloating, which can be particularly important for some medium breeds.

As always, portion control is key to keeping your dog at a healthy weight.

It’s recommended you measure their food, use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point, and adjust based on your dog’s activity levels and body condition.

In Conclusion

Medium dogs are a wonderful addition to any family, bringing a perfect mix of energy and companionship. To keep your dog at their best, it’s important you provide them with a balanced diet that meets their activity levels and lifestyle.

From understanding essential nutrients, calculating caloric intake, and choosing the right type of food, being informed is the best way to help your medium-sized dog thrive.

And remember, every dog is different. So, if you’re unsure of how much is enough, it’s always a good idea to chat to your vet to talk through your pup’s individual needs.

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