Greyhound Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Greyhound, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Ranked #100 by the AKC, the Greyhound is a large hound dog with roots in England. Bred for coursing game by sight rather than scent, pursuing hares, deer, and foxes across open terrain at remarkable speeds. The Greyhound 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 tendency toward weight gain during less active periods. An adult Greyhound needs between 1251 and 1404 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Greyhound weighing 60 to 70 lb needs about 1251 to 1404 kcal a day, around 1329 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 3.3-3.7 cups daily, roughly 348 to 391 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 5-5.6 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 19-34 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 Greyhound 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 10-to-13-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 bloat, split the daily ration into two or three meals, keep the dog quiet for an hour after eating, and learn the signs, an unproductive retch and a swelling abdomen, because the window to reach a vet is measured in hours. 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 Greyhound, 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 65 lb against 56 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.
Daily food for an adult Greyhound: 0.9–1.4 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $65–99/month. Puppies growing toward 60–70 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. Remarkably healthy for a large breed, but require a veterinarian familiar with sighthound-specific blood values and anesthesia protocols., treats count toward daily calorie intake.
Daily Calorie Needs for Greyhound
Adult
1251-1404
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1356
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
1001-1124
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 Greyhounds
The Greyhound has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 3.3-3.7 cups of quality kibble daily, divided into two meals. A standard adult maintenance formula with balanced macronutrients works well. Monitor weight monthly, as moderate-energy breeds can gradually gain weight if portions aren't adjusted for actual activity.
Bloat Prevention for Greyhounds
Greyhounds are predisposed to Bloat (commonly known as bloat), one of the most serious emergencies in veterinary medicine. The stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, cutting off blood supply. How you feed your Greyhound directly impacts this risk. Deep-chested breeds like the Greyhound are anatomically more susceptible, but proper feeding practices significantly reduce the odds.
Essential Feeding Practices
- Divide daily food into 2-3 smaller meals instead of one large feeding
- Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gulping air while eating
- Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 30-60 minutes before and after meals
- Keep your dog calm during and after mealtimes, excitement increases air swallowing
- Consider moistening kibble with warm water to reduce expansion in the stomach
- Avoid elevated bowls if your vet hasn't specifically recommended them
Greyhound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.7-1.9 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.7-1.9 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Greyhound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 3.3-3.7 cups | 1251-1404 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 5-5.6 cans | 1251-1404 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 19-34 oz | 1251-1404 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 3.3-3.7 cups
- Calories
- 1251-1404 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 5-5.6 cans
- Calories
- 1251-1404 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 19-34 oz
- Calories
- 1251-1404 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Greyhounds
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Greyhound fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Greyhounds do well on a consistent daily portion without needing exercise-day adjustments. If your dog gets significantly more activity on weekends (long hikes, beach trips), you can add a small handful of kibble to their evening meal on those days.
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.
Feeding one large meal per day
Greyhounds are at risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency. Always split daily food into 2-3 smaller meals and avoid exercise immediately after eating. Consider an elevated bowl and a slow-feeder.
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, Greyhounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Greyhound's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 975 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Greyhound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Greyhounds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Meal Frequency
Feed 2-3 smaller meals per day instead of one large meal. Use a slow-feeder bowl. Avoid exercise 30 minutes before and after meals.
Greyhound Ideal Weight
Assessing your Greyhound's body condition (healthy range: 60–70 lbs): Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage, you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer. Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips. Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib. Overweight Greyhounds face higher risks of Osteosarcoma, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Greyhound
60-70 lbs
27-32 kg
Female Greyhound
51-61 lbs
23-28 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Greyhound typically needs 1251-1404 calories per day, which translates to approximately 3.3-3.7 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 60-70 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Greyhounds should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Because this breed is at risk for bloat, splitting food into 2-3 meals is especially important, never feed the entire daily portion in one sitting. 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 Greyhound 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.
Bloat (GDV) prevention through feeding: divide daily food into 2-3 meals rather than one; use a slow-feeder bowl; avoid vigorous exercise 30-60 minutes before and after meals; keep meal times calm; consider moistening kibble with warm water; and don't let your dog drink excessive water immediately after eating. While no feeding method guarantees bloat prevention, these practices significantly reduce the risk in susceptible breeds like the Greyhound. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet, especially if you're getting a puppy.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Greyhounds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Greyhound, that means roughly 19-34 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 Greyhound weighs between 60-70 lbs (males: 60-70 lbs, females: 51-61 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 Greyhound exceeds 81 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Greyhounds weigh 60–70 lbs (males: 60–70 lbs; females: 51–61 lbs). Weighs 60 to 70 pounds for males and 55 to 65 for females; they should be lean with visible ribs and hip bones, which is healthy for the breed..
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.