Azawakh Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Azawakh, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
A large-sized hound breed from West Africa, the Azawakh ranks #150 with the AKC. Uniquely combines sighthound speed with strong guardian instincts; unlike most sighthounds, they will actively protect their family and territory. The Azawakh is a member of the Hound Group, dogs originally developed to track game using their exceptional sense of smell. Their feeding plan should account for their high energy output on tracking days. An adult Azawakh needs between 879 and 1289 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Azawakh weighing 33 to 55 lb needs about 879 to 1289 kcal a day, around 1091 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 2.3-3.4 cups daily, roughly 243 to 359 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 3.5-5.2 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 11-26 oz of food, about 2-3% of body weight. Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by cup, since kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, count treats inside that total rather than on top of it, and keep them under ten per cent of the calories. A Azawakh that gains or loses weight on these amounts needs a vet's opinion, not simply a different scoop: these figures are a starting point for a healthy dog, and they assume the 12-to-15-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
The condition this breed is most often screened for changes how it should be fed. With hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid slows the metabolism, so a dog on the correct ration can still gain; if weight rises without more food, that is a reason to test rather than to cut the ration further. That is a reason to weigh the ration rather than estimate it, not a reason to buy a different food.
A short coat makes body condition visible, which is the one advantage that matters at feeding time: the waist and the ribs can be seen and felt without parting fur, so the weekly check takes seconds and needs no scale. For a Azawakh, that is the check worth making weekly.
Males and females of this breed differ enough in size that one ration does not fit both: around 44 lb against 38 lb on average, a gap of 16 per cent. Feeding both from the same scoop overfeeds one and underfeeds the other, and the figures on this page should be read against the dog in front of you rather than against the breed average.
An adult Azawakh's daily food intake is typically 0.5–1.1 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Weighs 33 to 55 pounds with males being significantly larger; they are extremely lean with visible bone structure, which is normal and healthy.. At 33–55 lbs with energy level 4/5, a joint-supporting formula is recommended for this large-sized hound breed.
Daily Calorie Needs for Azawakh
Adult
879-1289
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1012
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
639-938
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Azawakhs
With an above-average energy level, the Azawakh benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 2.3-3.4 cups of kibble provides steady energy without the blood sugar spikes of a single large meal. Choose a formula with at least 25% protein and moderate fat to support their daily activity.
Azawakh Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.2-1.7 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.2-1.7 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Azawakh
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 2.3-3.4 cups | 879-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 3.5-5.2 cans | 879-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 11-26 oz | 879-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 2.3-3.4 cups
- Calories
- 879-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 3.5-5.2 cans
- Calories
- 879-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 11-26 oz
- Calories
- 879-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Azawakhs
The Azawakh requires significant daily exercise, typically 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity. On high-activity days (hiking, running, dog sports), increase their food by 10-20% to compensate for the extra calorie burn. On rest days, stick to the baseline portion. Never feed a large meal within 30 minutes of intense exercise; instead, offer a small snack 2 hours before activity and the main meal 1 hour after.
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Azawakhs, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Azawakh with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Azawakh shows these signs, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. While thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is the primary treatment, dietary support matters: ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet, maintain strict portion control to prevent weight gain, and consider a weight-management formula if your dog is on thyroid medication but still struggling with weight.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Using a puppy formula designed for small breeds
Large and giant breed puppies need controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to prevent developmental orthopedic diseases. Always choose a large-breed puppy formula that supports slow, steady growth rather than rapid weight gain.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Azawakh that runs for 2 hours burns significantly more than one that had a lazy day. Track activity and adjust portions accordingly, up to 20% more on high-activity days, 10% less on rest days.
Not providing enough water alongside increased food
Active large breeds process significant amounts of food and need plenty of fresh water. Ensure your Azawakh always has access to clean water, and consider adding water to kibble if hydration is a concern, especially after exercise.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Azawakhs are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Azawakh is gaining weight despite measured feeding, ask your vet for a thyroid panel before simply cutting food.
Switching foods abruptly without a transition period
Any diet change, brand, flavor, or formula, should happen gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Abrupt switches cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, gas) in most dogs, Azawakhs included.
Azawakh-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Tip 6
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Azawakhs, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Azawakh Ideal Weight
To determine if your Azawakh is at a healthy weight (33–55 lbs target): Rib test: You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, with a thin layer of fat covering them. Waist check: Viewed from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. Tuck-up: From the side, the abdomen should tuck up behind the rib cage. Their coat type allows for relatively easy visual assessment.
Male Azawakh
33-55 lbs
15-25 kg
Female Azawakh
28-48 lbs
13-22 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Azawakh typically needs 879-1289 calories per day, which translates to approximately 2.3-3.4 cups of dry kibble daily, split into two meals. However, this is a starting point, your specific dog's needs depend on their exact weight within the 33-55 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Azawakhs should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of large breeds prefer three smaller meals, which can help with digestion and energy levels throughout the day. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion, blood sugar, and make house training easier.
Look for a food that lists real meat (not meal or by-products) as the first ingredient, contains 22-30% protein, and is formulated for large breeds. Large breed formulas have controlled calcium (1.0-1.5%) and phosphorus levels to support skeletal health. Weigh the food rather than measuring it by cup: kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, so the same cup can hold 80 or 120 grams.
Large breed Azawakh puppies should transition to adult food between 12-15 months of age. The key is not to switch based on size alone, your puppy should be at or near their expected adult height. Transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of adult food with decreasing amounts of puppy food. Choose a large-breed adult formula with appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Azawakhs, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Azawakh, that means roughly 11-26 oz per day. The diet should include muscle meat (70%), raw meaty bones (10%), organ meat (10%), and vegetables/fruits (10%). However, raw diets carry risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Consult a veterinary nutritionist before switching.
A healthy adult Azawakh weighs between 33-55 lbs (males: 33-55 lbs, females: 28-48 lbs). Use the body condition score (BCS) method: you should be able to feel ribs with light pressure but not see them, observe a visible waist when viewed from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. If your Azawakh exceeds 63 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Males: 33–55 lbs. Females: 28–48 lbs. Weighs 33 to 55 pounds with males being significantly larger; they are extremely lean with visible bone structure, which is normal and healthy.. Consult your vet for a personalized assessment. The figures on this page assume a neutered adult at a healthy weight with moderate activity; an intact, working or growing dog needs more, and a dog on restricted exercise needs less.
The Azawakh is predisposed to Hypothyroidism, Seizures, Autoimmune Thyroiditis, and other conditions. Generally very healthy due to natural selection pressures, but their unique physiology means standard bloodwork values do not apply.. An adult Azawakh weighs 33-55 lb, which is what sets the daily ration: energy needs rise with body weight but not in a straight line, so a dog twice as heavy does not eat twice as much.
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.