Italian Greyhound Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Italian Greyhound — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Ranked #62 by the AKC, the Italian Greyhound is a small toy dog with roots in Italy. While their larger cousins were coursing hounds, Italian Greyhounds were bred purely as companions and status symbols for Mediterranean and European aristocracy. As one of the smallest dog breeds, the Italian Greyhound has nutritional needs that differ significantly from larger dogs. Small breeds have faster metabolisms per pound of body weight, meaning they need calorie-dense food in smaller, more frequent portions to maintain stable blood sugar and energy. An adult Italian Greyhound needs between 250 and 420 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Italian Greyhound's daily food intake is typically 0.5–0.3 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Adults ideally weigh 7 to 14 pounds, with the AKC standard preferring 8 to 11 pounds. They should appear slender and graceful, never emaciated or heavy.. At 7–14 lbs with energy level 3/5, Fragile leg bones and terrible dental health are the breed's hallmarks. Owners must puppy-proof homes to prevent jumping injuries and commit to rigorous dental care..
Daily Calorie Needs for Italian Greyhound
Adult
250-420
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
345
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
200-336
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 Italian Greyhounds
The Italian Greyhound has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 0.7-1.1 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.
Italian Greyhound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.4-0.6 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.4-0.6 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Italian Greyhound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 0.7-1.1 cups | 250-420 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1-1.7 cans | 250-420 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 2-7 oz | 250-420 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 0.7-1.1 cups
- Calories
- 250-420 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1-1.7 cans
- Calories
- 250-420 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 2-7 oz
- Calories
- 250-420 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Italian Greyhounds
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Italian Greyhound fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Italian 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.
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Italian Greyhound are disproportionately affected by dental disease — their teeth are crowded into a small jaw, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. By age three, an estimated 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease, and small breeds are often affected earlier. Diet can help: the mechanical action of chewing kibble provides some cleaning benefit, and specific dental diets have VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval for plaque reduction.
- Include dry kibble as at least part of the diet — the chewing action helps scrape plaque
- VOHC-approved dental chews provide clinically proven plaque and tartar reduction
- Avoid feeding exclusively soft/wet food, which offers no mechanical dental benefit
- Raw carrots and apple slices (no seeds) serve double duty as low-calorie treats and natural teeth cleaners
- Schedule professional dental cleanings annually — small breeds often need extractions earlier than larger dogs
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Italian Greyhounds, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Italian Greyhound with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Italian Greyhound 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
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Italian Greyhounds eat small quantities, free-feeding makes it impossible to track actual intake and can lead to gradual weight gain. Measure portions and offer meals at consistent times, removing uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 7-14 lb dog, a single ounce of cheese is equivalent to a person eating an entire hamburger. Table scraps quickly add up to a significant portion of a small breed's daily calories. Stick to dog-appropriate treats sized for small mouths.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Italian Greyhounds are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Italian Greyhound 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, Italian Greyhounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Italian Greyhound's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 158 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Italian Greyhound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Italian Greyhounds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Antioxidants
Include foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein). Blueberries and carrots make excellent treats.
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Italian Greyhound Ideal Weight
To determine if your Italian Greyhound is at a healthy weight (7–14 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 Italian Greyhound
7-14 lbs
3-6 kg
Female Italian Greyhound
5-12 lbs
2-5 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
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.