Norwegian Elkhound Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Norwegian Elkhound, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originally bred in Norway, the Norwegian Elkhound has become one of the world's most recognizable medium breeds, sitting at #83 in AKC popularity. A bold, Viking-era hunter wrapped in a plush silver coat who combines independence with unwavering loyalty to their family. The Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound needs between 1164 and 1289 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Norwegian Elkhound weighing 48 to 55 lb needs about 1164 to 1289 kcal a day, around 1227 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 3.1-3.4 cups daily, roughly 327 to 359 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 4.7-5.2 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 15-26 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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.
Two of the conditions this breed is screened for change how it should be fed, and the less common one matters more here because it is the one a general feeding guide never mentions. 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. With hip dysplasia, every excess pound is carried by the joint, so the body-condition score matters more here than in a breed without the predisposition, and a dog kept one rib-width leaner has measurably less pain over its life. Neither is a reason to choose a different food off the shelf; both are reasons to weigh the ration rather than estimate it.
A double coat is grown and shed twice a year, and that growth is made of protein: a dog moulting heavily needs the same ration but genuinely benefits from adequate protein and from omega-3, which is one of the few supplements whose effect on coat quality is visible within two months. For a Norwegian Elkhound, 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 52 lb against 44 lb on average, a gap of 17 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 Norwegian Elkhound's daily food intake is typically 0.7–1.1 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Weighs 48 to 55 pounds for males and slightly less for females; they should be compact and muscular, not lanky.. At 48–55 lbs with energy level 4/5, Generally robust and hardy, reflecting centuries of natural selection in harsh Scandinavian conditions..
Daily Calorie Needs for Norwegian Elkhound
Adult
1164-1289
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1138
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
847-938
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 Norwegian Elkhounds
With an above-average energy level, the Norwegian Elkhound benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 3.1-3.4 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.
Norwegian Elkhound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.6-1.7 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.6-1.7 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Norwegian Elkhound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 3.1-3.4 cups | 1164-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 4.7-5.2 cans | 1164-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 15-26 oz | 1164-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 3.1-3.4 cups
- Calories
- 1164-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 4.7-5.2 cans
- Calories
- 1164-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 15-26 oz
- Calories
- 1164-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Norwegian Elkhounds
The Norwegian Elkhound 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.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Norwegian Elkhounds, which are predisposed to Hip Dysplasia. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Coat & Skin Nutrition
The Norwegian Elkhound's Double Coat, Dense requires nutritional support from the inside out. Double-coated breeds undergo significant seasonal shedding (known as "blowing coat") in spring and fall, during which nutritional demands for skin and hair production increase. A diet deficient in essential fatty acids, biotin, or zinc will show in the coat quality within weeks, look for dullness, excessive shedding, or dry, flaky skin as early warning signs.
Key Nutrients for Coat Health
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Norwegian Elkhounds, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Norwegian Elkhound with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Norwegian Elkhound 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
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Norwegian Elkhound 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.
Skipping joint supplements until problems appear
For breeds predisposed to joint issues, preventive supplementation with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect cartilage before damage occurs. Starting these supplements early, even at 1-2 years old, is more effective than waiting for symptoms.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Norwegian Elkhounds are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Norwegian Elkhound 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, Norwegian Elkhounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Norwegian Elkhound's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 773 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Norwegian Elkhound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Norwegian Elkhounds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Add a joint supplement with glucosamine (500-1000mg) and chondroitin. Consider foods with added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce inflammation.
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.
Norwegian Elkhound Ideal Weight
To determine if your Norwegian Elkhound is at a healthy weight (48–55 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 double coat, dense coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential.
Male Norwegian Elkhound
48-55 lbs
22-25 kg
Female Norwegian Elkhound
40-48 lbs
18-22 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Norwegian Elkhound typically needs 1164-1289 calories per day, which translates to approximately 3.1-3.4 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 48-55 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Norwegian Elkhounds should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of medium 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 medium breeds. A standard adult formula from a reputable brand that meets AAFCO standards provides complete nutrition.
Given the Norwegian Elkhound's predisposition to joint issues, consider: glucosamine HCl (500-1000mg/day), chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA). Green-lipped mussel extract is also showing promise in studies. Many premium dog foods already include glucosamine, check your current food's label before adding supplements. Start joint support early (1-2 years old) for prevention rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Always consult your vet before starting a supplement regimen.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Norwegian Elkhounds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Norwegian Elkhound, that means roughly 15-26 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 Norwegian Elkhound weighs between 48-55 lbs (males: 48-55 lbs, females: 40-48 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 Norwegian Elkhound exceeds 63 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Norwegian Elkhounds weigh 48–55 lbs (males: 48–55 lbs; females: 40–48 lbs). Weighs 48 to 55 pounds for males and slightly less for females; they should be compact and muscular, not lanky.. 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 Norwegian Elkhound is predisposed to Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Fanconi Syndrome, and other conditions. Generally robust and hardy, reflecting centuries of natural selection in harsh Scandinavian conditions.. An adult Norwegian Elkhound weighs 48-55 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.