Quick Links: Table of Contents
- English Setter Food Calculator
- English Setter Feeding Chart
- Best Food for English Setter. English Setter Feeding Guide
- How Much Food to Feed the English Setter
- How Many Times to Feed the English Setter a Day
- Conclusion
Introduction to Feeding the English Setter
Most dog owners do not know how to properly feed their dogs.
Also, most dog owners overfeed their dogs.
That explains why 59 percent of dogs and cats are overweight, according to research.
Overfeeding your English Setter will make your English Setter overweight and obese. Obesity leads to worse health problems for your English Setter.
Unfortunately, the English Setter is a dog breed that can become overweight very easily.
Therefore, you need to pay careful attention to what you feed your English Setter and how much food you feed your English Setter.
Furthermore, when you overfeed your English Setter, you waste dog food. Wasting dog food is the same as wasting money. Dog food is a recurring expenditure that adds up to a lot of money over the lifespan of your English Setter.
The average lifespan of the English Setter is 11.5 years.
When you feed your English Setter the right type of food and the right amount of food, your English Setter will be of the right body weight and the right body condition (not overweight or underweight).
Similarly, underfeeding your English Setter is as bad of a problem as overfeeding your English Setter.
When you underfeed your English Setter or feed your English Setter an incomplete or unbalanced diet, you reduce your English Setter`s quality of life.
The right amount of food that your English Setter needs depends on six important factors.
You need to take all these factors into account when developing a meal plan for your English Setter. These six factors are:- The life stage of your English Setter (puppy, adult, or senior)
- The current weight of your English Setter
- The body condition of your English Setter (normal weight, overweight, underweight)
- How active your English Setter is (inactive/obese prone, or active/athletic)
- If your English Setter has been spayed/neutered
- The type of dog food that you feed your English Setter
This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to properly feed your English Setter based on the above factors as recommended by veterinarians.
This article also includes the English Setter food calculator that you can use to estimate how much food to feed your English Setter based on the six factors we have just mentioned.
Our English Setter food calculator uses the dog food formula and feeding guidelines developed by the veterinarians from The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center and by veterinarians from the Mark Morris Institute.
Moreover, our calculator knows the calorie content per cup in over 800 popular dog foods (data from the Frankin Animal Clinic). Thus, the calculator can automatically calculate the right amount of each popular dog food that your English Setter needs daily.
Importantly, since the nutrient requirements of the English Setter puppy are different from the nutrient requirements of the adult English Setter, this article contains recommendations on the best food to feed the English Setter at different ages.
English Setter Food Calculator
The English Setter Food Calculator above lets you estimate how much food to feed your English Setter.
Similarly, to calculate how much water your English Setter needs, check out our English Setter water calculator
.Our dog water calculator lets you estimate how much water your English Setter needs to drink in a day.
How to Use our English Setter Food Calculator
To use the dog food calculator:✔ Select the name of the dog food that you feed your English Setter from the list.
✔ If the name of the dog food that your feed your English Setter is not on the list, then find the bag or can of your dog food, the bag should have written on it how many kcals per cup is in the dog food. Enter this value in the calculator in the place of the dog food name.
✔ Enter the current weight of your English Setter.
✔ Select your English Setter`s age range, activity level, and neuter status.
✔ If your English Setter is overweight or underweight, and you want your English Setter to lose or gain weight, enter the ideal weight of your English Setter for its current age in the `How much you wish your dog currently weighs` box. Leave this box blank if your English Setter is of normal weight.
To know how much English Setters typically weigh at different ages, check out our article and calculators on English Setter weight and growth.
CONSULT A LICENSED VETERINARIAN FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR DOG ON A WEIGHT LOSS OR WEIGHT GAIN DIET.
How the English Setter Food Calculator Works
First, the calculator estimates what is known as the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) of your English Setter.
The RER is the amount of energy that your English Setter needs when it is `resting`, that is when doing nothing. The calculator uses the current weight of your English Setter to calculate your English Setter`s resting energy.
Next, the calculator scales up the resting energy by a factor that corresponds to your English Setter`s life stage (puppy or adult) and lifestyle (activity level, spayed/neutered, etc). This scaled up energy value (called the maintenance energy) is the energy that your English Setter needs to maintain its life when not resting.
Finally, the English Setter food calculator divides the maintenance energy by the amount of energy in one cup of dog food to calculate how many cups of dog food your English Setter needs.
Monitoring Your English Setter`s Growth
The answer from the English Setter food calculator is a starting point number on how much food you need to feed your English Setter.
Start by feeding your English Setter the amount of food recommended by the English Setter food calculator every day.
While feeding your English Setter this daily amount of food, weigh your English Setter at least once a week to ensure that your English Setter is not on its way to becoming overweight or underweight.
If your English Setter is becoming overweight, reduce the amount of food your feed it by 10 to 15 percent, if underweight increase its food by 10 to 15 percent.
You can use our dog weight tracking tool to keep records of your English Setter`s weight. This tool will let you know if the feeding plan is making your English Setter grow normally or abnormally.
You can also check your English Setter body condition score to find out if it is overweight or underweight. Learn how to check your English Setter body condition score here.
English Setter Feeding Chart
Below is the typical feed chart for the English Setter. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your English Setter.
If you want a more accurate estimate of how much food to feed your English Setter, use this English Setter food calculator.
| Age | Typical Weight | How Much Food |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 20.4 lbs (9.3 kg) | 2.9 cups per day |
| 16 weeks | 27.7 lbs (12.6 kg) | 3.6 cups per day |
| 18 weeks | 30.8 lbs (14.0 kg) | 2.6 cups per day |
| 20 weeks | 33.6 lbs (15.2 kg) | 2.8 cups per day |
| 5 months | 33.6 lbs (15.2 kg) | 2.8 cups per day |
| 6 months | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) | 3.1 cups per day |
| 7 months | 42.2 lbs (19.2 kg) | 3.3 cups per day |
| 8 months | 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg) | 3.5 cups per day |
| 9 months | 47.6 lbs (21.6 kg) | 3.6 cups per day |
| 10 months | 49.3 lbs (22.4 kg) | 3.7 cups per day |
| 11 months | 50.6 lbs (23.0 kg) | 3.8 cups per day |
| 12 months | 51.5 lbs (23.4 kg) | 3.8 cups per day |
| 2 years | 53.3 lbs (24.2 kg) | 3.1 cups per day |
| 4 years | 53.3 lbs (24.2 kg) | 3.1 cups per day |
| 5 years | 53.3 lbs (24.2 kg) | 3.1 cups per day |
How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your English Setter
Research has shown that most owners over-measure a cup of dog food. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs.
See how and how not to measure ONE cup of dry dog food in the picture below:
Note that one cup of dog food equals 8 oz of dog food or ~237 milliliters of dog food.
You can buy standard dog food measuring cups here on Amazon.
Best Food for English Setter. English Setter Feeding Guide
The English Setter has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your English Setter at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.
For example, during its puppy stage, your English Setter needs the type of dog food that has been designed to help boost a puppy`s weak immune system.
On the other hand, the adult English Setter should have already developed a good immune system. So, during the adult stage, you should feed your English Setter the type of dog food that has been designed to prolong the life of a dog.
Nevertheless, some dogs still do well eating the same food at every stage of their lives.
However, feeding your English Setter dog food that has been optimized for its age will ensure that your English Setter grows well, lives well, and lives long.
Feeding Guide for the English Setter Puppy: 12 weeks to one year
The dog food that you feed your puppy should have the nutrients that will boost a puppy`s immune system since puppies easily get infected with the disease at this age.
Also, a good puppy food should have the nutrients that support brain development and good vision.
Finally, a good dog food for the English Setter puppy should be the type that will not make your English Setter fat. The puppy food should also help increase the health of your puppy`s bones.
See our list of the best dry dog food and the best wet dog food for the English Setter puppy below.
These dog foods have all the right amount of nutrients that the English Setter puppy needs to grow well during its puppy years.
Best Dry Food For English Setter Puppy: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Best Wet Food For English Setter Puppy: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Puppy Food
Feeding Guide for the Young Adult English Setter: Ages 1 year to 6 years
The dog food that you feed a young adult English Setter should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.
A good dog food for the young adult English Setter should also have the nutrients that will minimize the chances of your English Setter getting infected with common dog diseases.
Also, a good dry dog food for the young adult English Setter should help clean your dog`s teeth as your dog chews on the food.
Below is our best dog food recommendations for the young adult English Setter
Best Dry Food For Young Adult English Setter: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult Oral Care for Dental Health Dog Food, Chicken Rice & Barley Recipe
Best Wet Food For Young Adult English Setter: Hill`s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Chicken & Barley
Feeding Guide for Mature Adult English Setters: 6 years and older
You should feed the mature adult English Setter food that has been formulated to improve their quality of life, increase their life expectancy, and increase their overall health.
Older dogs are prone to age-related health problems. A good diet is essential to minimize the possibility of becoming frail with age.
See our recommendation on the best food for the mature adult English Setter below:
Best Dry Food For Mature Adult English Setter: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
Best Wet Food For Mature Adult English Setter: Hill`s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Beef & Barley Recipe
Feeding Guide for Senior Dogs
One way to slow down the effects of aging in dogs is to reduce the amount of food you feed old dogs by 20 to 30% of normal while meeting essential nutrient needs.
Reducing a senior English Setter`s food slows the aging process and reduces the risk for cancer, kidney diseases, arthritis, and immune-related diseases.
AAFCO-Certified Dog Food for the English Setter
No matter which commercial food that you feed your English Setter, make sure that the food is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
AAFCO is an expert body that rigorously tests dog food to make sure that the dog food is safe.
Also, AAFCO ensures that a dog food has all the nutrients (not just calories) that a dog needs to grow well before AAFCO approves the dog food.
Unlike homemade dog food, most commercial dog foods are AAFCO-approved. Double-check the label of your dog food to make sure it has been certified by AAFCO before feeding it to your English Setter.
How Much Food to Feed the English Setter
How Much Food to Feed a 16-Week-Old English Setter Puppy
You should feed your 16-week-old English Setter puppy 3.6 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your English Setter puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 16-week-old English Setter puppy assumes that the weight of your English Setter is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 16-week-old English Setter puppy is 27.7 lbs (12.6 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter a dog food with a calorie content of 389 kcal per cup.
If you want a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your English Setter, and other factors, use our English Setter food calculator.
How Much Food to Feed a 20-Week-Old English Setter Puppy
You should feed your 20-week-old English Setter puppy 2.8 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your English Setter puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 20-week-old English Setter puppy assumes that the weight of your English Setter is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 20-week-old English Setter puppy is 33.6 lbs (15.2 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter a dog food with a calorie content of 389 kcal per cup.
If you want a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your English Setter, and other factors, use our English Setter food calculator.
How Much Food to Feed a 6-Month-Old English Setter Puppy
You should feed your 6-month-old English Setter puppy 3.1 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your English Setter puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 6-month-old English Setter puppy assumes that the weight of your English Setter is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 6-month-old English Setter puppy is 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter dog food that has an average calorie density (389 kcal per cup).
Use our English Setter food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter.
How Much Food to Feed a 8-Month-Old English Setter Puppy
You should feed your 8-month-old English Setter puppy 3.5 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your English Setter puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 8-month-old English Setter puppy assumes that the weight of your English Setter is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 8-month-old English Setter puppy is 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter dog food that has an average calorie density (389 kcal per cup).
Use our English Setter food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter.
How Much Food to Feed a 5-Year-Old English Setter
You should feed your 5-year-old English Setter 3.1 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your English Setter over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your 5-year-old English Setter assumes that the weight of your English Setter is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 5-year-old English Setter puppy is 53.3 lbs (24.2 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter dog food of that contains 389 kilocalories of energy per cup.
Use our English Setter food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter.
How Much Food to Feed a 12-Year-Old English Setter
You should feed your 12-year-old English Setter 3.1 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your English Setter over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your 12-year-old English Setter assumes that the weight of your English Setter is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 12-year-old English Setter puppy is 53.3 lbs (24.2 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter dog food of that contains 389 kilocalories of energy per cup.
Use our English Setter food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter.
How Much Food to Feed a 22-Pound English Setter
You should feed your 22-Pound English Setter 1.8 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your English Setter over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your English Setter is reproductively intact.
Also, we assume that your English Setter is not overweight or underweight.
Use our English Setter food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter.
How Much Food to Feed a 24-Pound English Setter
You should feed your 24-Pound English Setter 2.0 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your English Setter over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your English Setter also assumes that you feed your English Setter a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your English Setter is reproductively intact.
Also, we assume that your English Setter is not overweight or underweight.
Use our English Setter food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your English Setter.
How Many Times to Feed the English Setter a Day
When it comes to how many times to feed a dog, there are three different ways to feed the English Setter
One way is to make food available to the English Setter at all times (free-choice feeding).
Another way is to feed the English Setter two or three times a day (food-restricted feeding). This is the feeding method that works the best for most English Setters.
The third way is to make food available to your English Setter for a short time (about 10 minutes) once or twice a day (time-restricted feeding).
Each of these feeding methods has its advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed next.
Free-Choice Feeding
This is a feeding method when you make food available to your English Setter all the time.
Food-Restricted Meal Feeding
Food-limited feeding requires feeding a measured amount of food based on the English Setter’s daily energy requirements divided into two or three meals per day.
This is the method of choice for feeding puppies that are at risk of developing bone diseases due to rapid growth. Restricting the food of a rapidly growing dog will ensure that the dog grows normally.
Time-Limited Feeding
This is a dog feeding method in which dogs are allowed access to food for a short period, usually 10 to 15 minutes, once or twice daily (three times per day for the first month after weaning, then twice per day).
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Free-choice feeding |
|
|
| Food-restricted feeding |
|
|
| Time-restricted feeding |
|
|
Effect of Neutering/Spaying on How Much Food your English Setter eats
Neutered/spayed dogs tend to get fat twice as easily as intact dogs.
Studies have shown that neutering/spaying may increase your English Setter`s appetite for more food. Also, your English Setter`s physical activity decreases after neutering/spaying. These factors lead to weight gain.
Neutering may lead to more weight gain in male English Setters because neutered dogs roam less (which means less exercise).
Therefore, the amount of food that you give to a neutered English Setter should be reduced after you neuter your English Setter to prevent weight gain.
Use our English Setter food calculator to calculate how much food to feed a neutered/spayed English Setter.
Effect of Weather on How Much Food Your English Setter Needs
English Setters that live in cold environments need more food (especially, food high in fat) than English Setters that live in hot environments.
Hot weather, on the other hand, does not increase the amount of food your English Setter needs. Hot weather only makes your English Setter need more water.
Since most English Setters live in a temperature-controlled environment as their owners. Therefore, owners do not need to increase or decrease the amount of food they give to their English Setters based on the outside weather.
Important Note on Treats and Table Food
Because meeting a dog`s nutrient requirements is not the primary goal of dog treats, most commercial dog treats do not contain the essential nutrients that your English Setter needs.
However, a few treats are complete and balanced and are approved by AAFCO, or some other credible dog food regulatory agency. Check the label on your dog treat to know if the dog treat has a complete and balanced nutrient profile.
Nevertheless, dog treats, either balanced or unbalanced in nutrients, are valid sources of calories for your dog. Therefore, if you give your dog lots of treats, you should reduce the amount of the regular dog food that you give your dog accordingly to account for the treats. That way, you will not overfeed your dog.
Also, human table foods do not contain the important nutrients that your English Setter needs for healthy growth.
Also, human table foods may contain very high levels of fat or sodium and other minerals that are harmful to your English Setter.
Moreover, know that when you feed your English Setter table food, you fill your English Setter`s stomach with dog `junk food`. This will suppress your English Setter`s appetite and thereby make your English Setter unable to eat its normal dog food that contains the essential nutrients for your English Setter`s growth.
We do not recommend giving your English Setter table food.
Conclusion
Most commercial dog food labels contain recommendations on how much of the food to feed a dog. However, their recommendations are very general.
Therefore, in this article, we have provided your specific advice on how to properly feed your English Setter.