Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Standard Schnauzer Food Calculator
- Standard Schnauzer Feeding Chart
- Best Food for Standard Schnauzer. Standard Schnauzer Feeding Guide
- How Much Food to Feed the Standard Schnauzer
- How Many Times to Feed the Standard Schnauzer a Day
- Conclusion
Introduction to Feeding the Standard Schnauzer
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 Standard Schnauzer will make your Standard Schnauzer overweight and obese. Obesity leads to worse health problems for your Standard Schnauzer.
Fortunately, the Standard Schnauzer is a dog breed that does not become overweight very easily.
Nevertheless, you still need to pay careful attention to what you feed your Standard Schnauzer and how much food you feed your Standard Schnauzer.
Furthermore, when you overfeed your Standard Schnauzer, 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 Standard Schnauzer.
The average lifespan of the Standard Schnauzer is 11.9 years.
When you feed your Standard Schnauzer the right type of food and the right amount of food, your Standard Schnauzer will be of the right body weight and the right body condition (not overweight or underweight).
Similarly, underfeeding your Standard Schnauzer is as bad of a problem as overfeeding your Standard Schnauzer.
When you underfeed your Standard Schnauzer or feed your Standard Schnauzer an incomplete or unbalanced diet, you reduce your Standard Schnauzer`s quality of life.
The right amount of food that your Standard Schnauzer needs depends on six important factors.
You need to take all these factors into account when developing a meal plan for your Standard Schnauzer. These six factors are:- The life stage of your Standard Schnauzer (puppy, adult, or senior)
- The current weight of your Standard Schnauzer
- The body condition of your Standard Schnauzer (normal weight, overweight, underweight)
- How active your Standard Schnauzer is (inactive/obese prone, or active/athletic)
- If your Standard Schnauzer has been spayed/neutered
- The type of dog food that you feed your Standard Schnauzer
This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to properly feed your Standard Schnauzer based on the above factors as recommended by veterinarians.
This article also includes the Standard Schnauzer food calculator that you can use to estimate how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer based on the six factors we have just mentioned.
Our Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer needs daily.
Importantly, since the nutrient requirements of the Standard Schnauzer puppy are different from the nutrient requirements of the adult Standard Schnauzer, this article contains recommendations on the best food to feed the Standard Schnauzer at different ages.
Standard Schnauzer Food Calculator
The Standard Schnauzer Food Calculator above lets you estimate how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
Similarly, to calculate how much water your Standard Schnauzer needs, check out our Standard Schnauzer water calculator
.Our dog water calculator lets you estimate how much water your Standard Schnauzer needs to drink in a day.
How to Use our Standard Schnauzer Food Calculator
To use the dog food calculator:✔ Select the name of the dog food that you feed your Standard Schnauzer from the list.
✔ If the name of the dog food that your feed your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer.
✔ Select your Standard Schnauzer`s age range, activity level, and neuter status.
✔ If your Standard Schnauzer is overweight or underweight, and you want your Standard Schnauzer to lose or gain weight, enter the ideal weight of your Standard Schnauzer for its current age in the `How much you wish your dog currently weighs` box. Leave this box blank if your Standard Schnauzer is of normal weight.
To know how much Standard Schnauzers typically weigh at different ages, check out our article and calculators on Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer Food Calculator Works
First, the calculator estimates what is known as the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) of your Standard Schnauzer.
The RER is the amount of energy that your Standard Schnauzer needs when it is `resting`, that is when doing nothing. The calculator uses the current weight of your Standard Schnauzer to calculate your Standard Schnauzer`s resting energy.
Next, the calculator scales up the resting energy by a factor that corresponds to your Standard Schnauzer`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 Standard Schnauzer needs to maintain its life when not resting.
Finally, the Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer needs.
Monitoring Your Standard Schnauzer`s Growth
The answer from the Standard Schnauzer food calculator is a starting point number on how much food you need to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
Start by feeding your Standard Schnauzer the amount of food recommended by the Standard Schnauzer food calculator every day.
While feeding your Standard Schnauzer this daily amount of food, weigh your Standard Schnauzer at least once a week to ensure that your Standard Schnauzer is not on its way to becoming overweight or underweight.
If your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer`s weight. This tool will let you know if the feeding plan is making your Standard Schnauzer grow normally or abnormally.
You can also check your Standard Schnauzer body condition score to find out if it is overweight or underweight. Learn how to check your Standard Schnauzer body condition score here.
Standard Schnauzer Feeding Chart
Below is the typical feed chart for the Standard Schnauzer. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
If you want a more accurate estimate of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer, use this Standard Schnauzer food calculator.
| Age | Typical Weight | How Much Food |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) | 2.3 cups per day |
| 14 weeks | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) | 2.6 cups per day |
| 16 weeks | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) | 2.8 cups per day |
| 17 weeks | 21.3 lbs (9.7 kg) | 2.0 cups per day |
| 5 months | 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) | 2.2 cups per day |
| 6 months | 27.9 lbs (12.6 kg) | 2.4 cups per day |
| 7 months | 30.5 lbs (13.9 kg) | 2.6 cups per day |
| 8 months | 32.6 lbs (14.8 kg) | 2.7 cups per day |
| 9 months | 34.1 lbs (15.5 kg) | 2.8 cups per day |
| 10 months | 35.2 lbs (16.0 kg) | 2.9 cups per day |
| 11 months | 36.0 lbs (16.3 kg) | 2.9 cups per day |
| 12 months | 36.5 lbs (16.6 kg) | 3.0 cups per day |
| 1 years | 36.8 lbs (16.7 kg) | 3.0 cups per day |
| 4 years | 37.2 lbs (16.9 kg) | 2.4 cups per day |
| 5 years | 37.2 lbs (16.9 kg) | 2.4 cups per day |
How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your Standard Schnauzer
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 Standard Schnauzer. Standard Schnauzer Feeding Guide
The Standard Schnauzer has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your Standard Schnauzer at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.
For example, during its puppy stage, your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer should have already developed a good immune system. So, during the adult stage, you should feed your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer dog food that has been optimized for its age will ensure that your Standard Schnauzer grows well, lives well, and lives long.
Feeding Guide for the Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer puppy should be the type that will not make your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer puppy below.
These dog foods have all the right amount of nutrients that the Standard Schnauzer puppy needs to grow well during its puppy years.
Best Dry Food For Standard Schnauzer Puppy: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Best Wet Food For Standard Schnauzer Puppy: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Puppy Food
Feeding Guide for the Young Adult Standard Schnauzer: Ages 1 year to 6 years
The dog food that you feed a young adult Standard Schnauzer should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.
A good dog food for the young adult Standard Schnauzer should also have the nutrients that will minimize the chances of your Standard Schnauzer getting infected with common dog diseases.
Also, a good dry dog food for the young adult Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer
Best Dry Food For Young Adult Standard Schnauzer: 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 Standard Schnauzer: Hill`s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Chicken & Barley
Feeding Guide for Mature Adult Standard Schnauzers: 6 years and older
You should feed the mature adult Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer below:
Best Dry Food For Mature Adult Standard Schnauzer: Hill`s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
Best Wet Food For Mature Adult Standard Schnauzer: 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 Standard Schnauzer`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 Standard Schnauzer
No matter which commercial food that you feed your Standard Schnauzer, 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 Standard Schnauzer.
How Much Food to Feed the Standard Schnauzer
How Much Food to Feed a 13-Week-Old Standard Schnauzer Puppy
You should feed your 13-week-old Standard Schnauzer puppy 2.4 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your Standard Schnauzer puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 13-week-old Standard Schnauzer puppy assumes that the weight of your Standard Schnauzer is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 13-week-old Standard Schnauzer puppy is 16.2 lbs (7.4 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your Standard Schnauzer, and other factors, use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator.
How Much Food to Feed a 18-Week-Old Standard Schnauzer Puppy
You should feed your 18-week-old Standard Schnauzer puppy 2.0 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your Standard Schnauzer puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food should feed your 18-week-old Standard Schnauzer puppy assumes that the weight of your Standard Schnauzer is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 18-week-old Standard Schnauzer puppy is 22.4 lbs (10.2 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your Standard Schnauzer, and other factors, use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator.
How Much Food to Feed a 6-Month-Old Standard Schnauzer Puppy
You should feed your 6-month-old Standard Schnauzer puppy 2.4 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Standard Schnauzer puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 6-month-old Standard Schnauzer puppy assumes that the weight of your Standard Schnauzer is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 6-month-old Standard Schnauzer puppy is 27.9 lbs (12.6 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer dog food that has an average calorie density (389 kcal per cup).
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
How Much Food to Feed a 7-Month-Old Standard Schnauzer Puppy
You should feed your 7-month-old Standard Schnauzer puppy 2.6 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Standard Schnauzer puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 7-month-old Standard Schnauzer puppy assumes that the weight of your Standard Schnauzer is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 7-month-old Standard Schnauzer puppy is 30.5 lbs (13.9 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer dog food that has an average calorie density (389 kcal per cup).
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
How Much Food to Feed a 10-Year-Old Standard Schnauzer
You should feed your 10-year-old Standard Schnauzer 2.4 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Standard Schnauzer over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your 10-year-old Standard Schnauzer assumes that the weight of your Standard Schnauzer is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 10-year-old Standard Schnauzer puppy is 37.2 lbs (16.9 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer dog food of that contains 389 kilocalories of energy per cup.
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
How Much Food to Feed a 11-Year-Old Standard Schnauzer
You should feed your 11-year-old Standard Schnauzer 2.4 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Standard Schnauzer over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your 11-year-old Standard Schnauzer assumes that the weight of your Standard Schnauzer is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 11-year-old Standard Schnauzer puppy is 37.2 lbs (16.9 kg).
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer dog food of that contains 389 kilocalories of energy per cup.
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
How Much Food to Feed a 24-Pound Standard Schnauzer
You should feed your 24-Pound Standard Schnauzer 2.0 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your Standard Schnauzer over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your Standard Schnauzer is reproductively intact.
Also, we assume that your Standard Schnauzer is not overweight or underweight.
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
How Much Food to Feed a 33-Pound Standard Schnauzer
You should feed your 33-Pound Standard Schnauzer 2.5 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your Standard Schnauzer over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer also assumes that you feed your Standard Schnauzer a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your Standard Schnauzer is reproductively intact.
Also, we assume that your Standard Schnauzer is not overweight or underweight.
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Standard Schnauzer.
How Many Times to Feed the Standard Schnauzer a Day
When it comes to how many times to feed a dog, there are three different ways to feed the Standard Schnauzer
One way is to make food available to the Standard Schnauzer at all times (free-choice feeding).
Another way is to feed the Standard Schnauzer two or three times a day (food-restricted feeding). This is the feeding method that works the best for most Standard Schnauzers.
The third way is to make food available to your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer all the time.
Food-Restricted Meal Feeding
Food-limited feeding requires feeding a measured amount of food based on the Standard Schnauzer’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 Standard Schnauzer eats
Neutered/spayed dogs tend to get fat twice as easily as intact dogs.
Studies have shown that neutering/spaying may increase your Standard Schnauzer`s appetite for more food. Also, your Standard Schnauzer`s physical activity decreases after neutering/spaying. These factors lead to weight gain.
Neutering may lead to more weight gain in male Standard Schnauzers because neutered dogs roam less (which means less exercise).
Therefore, the amount of food that you give to a neutered Standard Schnauzer should be reduced after you neuter your Standard Schnauzer to prevent weight gain.
Use our Standard Schnauzer food calculator to calculate how much food to feed a neutered/spayed Standard Schnauzer.
Effect of Weather on How Much Food Your Standard Schnauzer Needs
Standard Schnauzers that live in cold environments need more food (especially, food high in fat) than Standard Schnauzers that live in hot environments.
Hot weather, on the other hand, does not increase the amount of food your Standard Schnauzer needs. Hot weather only makes your Standard Schnauzer need more water.
Since most Standard Schnauzers 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 Standard Schnauzers 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 Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer.
Moreover, know that when you feed your Standard Schnauzer table food, you fill your Standard Schnauzer`s stomach with dog `junk food`. This will suppress your Standard Schnauzer`s appetite and thereby make your Standard Schnauzer unable to eat its normal dog food that contains the essential nutrients for your Standard Schnauzer`s growth.
We do not recommend giving your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer.