Homemade Food for Greyhounds

Hi Maureen,

The diet plan you have outlined looks great and appears to be very well balanced. The one problem I see is that it does not contain enough calories.

Greyhounds have a fast metabolism, and usually have a difficult time keeping on weight. According to a standard breed chart for number of calories required for a 70-72 lb dog, they should eat 1,100 calories per day. Or, 550 calories per meal. A Greyhound (especially, at a younger age of 3 years old) may need to eat MORE to maintain the same weight.

Adding up the AM calories, the morning meal would provide only 388 calories. The evening meal would be about 500 calories (or more depending on the size of the chicken backs).

You mentioned that you were open to adding in some grains, such as rice to each meal. 1 cup of white rice is 100 calories. So, you might want to consider adding rice to increase the calories.

If both dogs maintain their weight at 70lbs on this diet of less than 1,000 calories per day, then that should be fine. Dogs, just like people, are all individual! If they start to get too thin, and lose weight, then you will know you need to increase the calorie count. It is best to adjust the number of calories to each dog!

It will be a pleasure to meet you and your greyhounds!

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you’ve found this service or our web site helpful, please “Like” us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

Related Pages:
– 10 Best Dog Food Options,
– Homemade Dog Food Recipes,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Food Diet – Dog Food, Dog Treats & Homemade Dog Food Recipes Section

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

We have a 2 year old Greyhuahua. Fast as lightning doesn’t love dog food. What do you recommend for home made foods and % daily recommendation of protein,fat,etc

February 17, 2015

Hi Shannon,

Thanks for your question. I’m happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers (the original question above was from a subscriber).
Please click here to sign up and submit your question and photos. I’ll then get back to you right away at the bottom of your newly created web page.
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Thank you for the information! After searching the internet I’m still having a hard time clearing something up:

“50% protein
25% grain
25% vegetables”

Is this by weight, or volume? 2 cups meat, 1 cup grain and 1 cup veggies is very different than 2 lb meat, 1 lb grain and 1 lb veggies. My dog likes it both ways but I want to give him what’s best for him.

Places in Bangalore

August 4, 2015

Dear Ophelia,
At this time, I am no longer answering questions online. But you can find homemade recipes for dogs in Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s book, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Otherwise, it would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian or, better yet, find a local holistic veterinarian to help.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Take care
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman