Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Calculator
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Chart
- Best Food for Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Guide
- How Much Food to Feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- How Many Times to Feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback a Day
- Conclusion
Introduction to Feeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback will make your Rhodesian Ridgeback overweight and obese. Obesity leads to worse health problems for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Unfortunately, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed that can become overweight very easily.
Therefore, you need to pay careful attention to what you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback and how much food you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, when you overfeed your Rhodesian Ridgeback, 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average lifespan of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 11.0 years.
When you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback the right type of food and the right amount of food, your Rhodesian Ridgeback will be of the right body weight and the right body condition (not overweight or underweight).
Similarly, underfeeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback is as bad of a problem as overfeeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
When you underfeed your Rhodesian Ridgeback or feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback an incomplete or unbalanced diet, you reduce your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s quality of life.
The right amount of food that your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs depends on six important factors.
You need to take all these factors into account when developing a meal plan for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. These six factors are:- The life stage of your Rhodesian Ridgeback (puppy, adult, or senior)
- The current weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The body condition of your Rhodesian Ridgeback (normal weight, overweight, underweight)
- How active your Rhodesian Ridgeback is (inactive/obese prone, or active/athletic)
- If your Rhodesian Ridgeback has been spayed/neutered
- The type of dog food that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback
This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to properly feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback based on the above factors as recommended by veterinarians.
This article also includes the Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator that you can use to estimate how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback based on the six factors we have just mentioned.
Our Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback needs daily.
Importantly, since the nutrient requirements of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy are different from the nutrient requirements of the adult Rhodesian Ridgeback, this article contains recommendations on the best food to feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback at different ages.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Calculator
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Calculator above lets you estimate how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Similarly, to calculate how much water your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs, check out our Rhodesian Ridgeback water calculator
.Our dog water calculator lets you estimate how much water your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs to drink in a day.
How to Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Calculator
To use the dog food calculator:✔ Select the name of the dog food that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback from the list.
✔ If the name of the dog food that your feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
✔ Select your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s age range, activity level, and neuter status.
✔ If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is overweight or underweight, and you want your Rhodesian Ridgeback to lose or gain weight, enter the ideal weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback for its current age in the `How much you wish your dog currently weighs` box. Leave this box blank if your Rhodesian Ridgeback is of normal weight.
To know how much Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically weigh at different ages, check out our article and calculators on Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Calculator Works
First, the calculator estimates what is known as the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) of your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The RER is the amount of energy that your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs when it is `resting`, that is when doing nothing. The calculator uses the current weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback to calculate your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s resting energy.
Next, the calculator scales up the resting energy by a factor that corresponds to your Rhodesian Ridgeback`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 Rhodesian Ridgeback needs to maintain its life when not resting.
Finally, the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback needs.
Monitoring Your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s Growth
The answer from the Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator is a starting point number on how much food you need to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Start by feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback the amount of food recommended by the Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator every day.
While feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback this daily amount of food, weigh your Rhodesian Ridgeback at least once a week to ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is not on its way to becoming overweight or underweight.
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback`s weight. This tool will let you know if the feeding plan is making your Rhodesian Ridgeback grow normally or abnormally.
You can also check your Rhodesian Ridgeback body condition score to find out if it is overweight or underweight. Learn how to check your Rhodesian Ridgeback body condition score here.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Chart
Below is the typical feed chart for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
If you want a more accurate estimate of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback, use this Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator.
| Age | Typical Weight | How Much Food |
|---|---|---|
| 13 weeks | 30.2 lbs (13.7 kg) | 3.8 cups per day |
| 16 weeks | 37.4 lbs (16.9 kg) | 4.5 cups per day |
| 18 weeks | 41.7 lbs (18.9 kg) | 3.3 cups per day |
| 20 weeks | 45.6 lbs (20.7 kg) | 3.5 cups per day |
| 5 months | 45.6 lbs (20.7 kg) | 3.5 cups per day |
| 6 months | 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg) | 3.9 cups per day |
| 7 months | 58.3 lbs (26.4 kg) | 4.2 cups per day |
| 8 months | 62.9 lbs (28.6 kg) | 4.4 cups per day |
| 9 months | 66.7 lbs (30.3 kg) | 4.6 cups per day |
| 10 months | 69.7 lbs (31.6 kg) | 4.8 cups per day |
| 11 months | 71.9 lbs (32.6 kg) | 4.9 cups per day |
| 12 months | 73.6 lbs (33.4 kg) | 5.0 cups per day |
| 1 years | 74.9 lbs (34.0 kg) | 5.1 cups per day |
| 2 years | 77.8 lbs (35.3 kg) | 4.2 cups per day |
| 3 years | 77.8 lbs (35.3 kg) | 4.2 cups per day |
How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Guide
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.
For example, during its puppy stage, your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback should have already developed a good immune system. So, during the adult stage, you should feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback dog food that has been optimized for its age will ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback grows well, lives well, and lives long.
Feeding Guide for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy should be the type that will not make your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy below.
These dog foods have all the right amount of nutrients that the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy needs to grow well during its puppy years.
Best Dry Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Best Wet Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Puppy Food
Feeding Guide for the Young Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback: Ages 1 year to 6 years
The dog food that you feed a young adult Rhodesian Ridgeback should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.
A good dog food for the young adult Rhodesian Ridgeback should also have the nutrients that will minimize the chances of your Rhodesian Ridgeback getting infected with common dog diseases.
Also, a good dry dog food for the young adult Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Best Dry Food For Young Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback: 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback: Hill`s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Chicken & Barley
Feeding Guide for Mature Adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks: 6 years and older
You should feed the mature adult Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback below:
Best Dry Food For Mature Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
Best Wet Food For Mature Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback: 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback`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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
No matter which commercial food that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback, 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Much Food to Feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback
How Much Food to Feed a 17-Week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
You should feed your 17-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy 3.1 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 17-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy assumes that the weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 17-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is 39.6 lbs (17.9 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback, and other factors, use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator.
How Much Food to Feed a 18-Week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
You should feed your 18-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy 3.3 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 18-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy assumes that the weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 18-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is 41.7 lbs (18.9 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback, and other factors, use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator.
How Much Food to Feed a 5-Month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
You should feed your 5-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 5-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy assumes that the weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 5-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is 45.6 lbs (20.7 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback dog food that has an average calorie density (389 kcal per cup).
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Much Food to Feed a 7-Month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
You should feed your 7-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy 4.2 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 7-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy assumes that the weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 7-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is 58.3 lbs (26.4 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback dog food that has an average calorie density (389 kcal per cup).
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Much Food to Feed a 8-Year-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback
You should feed your 8-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback 4.2 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your 8-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback assumes that the weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 8-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is 77.8 lbs (35.3 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback dog food of that contains 389 kilocalories of energy per cup.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Much Food to Feed a 10-Year-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback
You should feed your 10-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback 4.2 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your 10-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback assumes that the weight of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 10-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is 77.8 lbs (35.3 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback dog food of that contains 389 kilocalories of energy per cup.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Much Food to Feed a 51-Pound Rhodesian Ridgeback
You should feed your 51-Pound Rhodesian Ridgeback 3.4 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is reproductively intact.
Also, we assume that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is not overweight or underweight.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Much Food to Feed a 60-Pound Rhodesian Ridgeback
You should feed your 60-Pound Rhodesian Ridgeback 3.8 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback also assumes that you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is reproductively intact.
Also, we assume that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is not overweight or underweight.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
How Many Times to Feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback a Day
When it comes to how many times to feed a dog, there are three different ways to feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback
One way is to make food available to the Rhodesian Ridgeback at all times (free-choice feeding).
Another way is to feed the Rhodesian Ridgeback two or three times a day (food-restricted feeding). This is the feeding method that works the best for most Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
The third way is to make food available to your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback all the time.
Note that free-choice feeding is not recommended for large- and giant-breed puppies like the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies until these puppies have reached 12 months of age.
Food-Restricted Meal Feeding
Food-limited feeding requires feeding a measured amount of food based on the Rhodesian Ridgeback’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 |
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| Food-restricted feeding |
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| Time-restricted feeding |
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Effect of Neutering/Spaying on How Much Food your Rhodesian Ridgeback eats
Neutered/spayed dogs tend to get fat twice as easily as intact dogs.
Studies have shown that neutering/spaying may increase your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s appetite for more food. Also, your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s physical activity decreases after neutering/spaying. These factors lead to weight gain.
Neutering may lead to more weight gain in male Rhodesian Ridgebacks because neutered dogs roam less (which means less exercise).
Therefore, the amount of food that you give to a neutered Rhodesian Ridgeback should be reduced after you neuter your Rhodesian Ridgeback to prevent weight gain.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback food calculator to calculate how much food to feed a neutered/spayed Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Effect of Weather on How Much Food Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Needs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks that live in cold environments need more food (especially, food high in fat) than Rhodesian Ridgebacks that live in hot environments.
Hot weather, on the other hand, does not increase the amount of food your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs. Hot weather only makes your Rhodesian Ridgeback need more water.
Since most Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Moreover, know that when you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback table food, you fill your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s stomach with dog `junk food`. This will suppress your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s appetite and thereby make your Rhodesian Ridgeback unable to eat its normal dog food that contains the essential nutrients for your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s growth.
We do not recommend giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
