Norwegian Lundehund Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Norwegian Lundehund, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originally bred in Norway, the Norwegian Lundehund has become one of the world's most recognizable small breeds, sitting at #96 in AKC popularity. A living anatomical marvel with six toes and joints that bend in ways no other dog can achieve, the Lundehund is a primitive, quirky companion who remains one of the world's rarest breeds. The Non-Sporting Group is one of the most diverse in the AKC registry, and the Norwegian Lundehund brings its own distinct set of feeding requirements. This small breed does well on a measured, consistent feeding regimen tailored to its activity level. An adult Norwegian Lundehund needs between 437 and 487 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Norwegian Lundehund weighing 13 to 15 lb needs about 437 to 487 kcal a day, around 462 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1.2-1.3 cups daily, roughly 127 to 137 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 1.7-1.9 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 4-7 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 Lundehund 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.
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 Lundehund, 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 14 lb against 12 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.
Plan on 0.5–0.3 cups of premium dry food daily for your adult Norwegian Lundehund, divided into morning and evening meals. Given this non-sporting breed's predisposition to Lundehund Syndrome (Intestinal Lymphangiectasia), discuss dietary approaches that may help manage this risk with your vet. Adults weigh 13 to 16 pounds. They are small, spitz-type dogs with a rectangular body shape that reflects their need to maneuver in tight cave spaces..
Daily Calorie Needs for Norwegian Lundehund
Adult
437-487
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
429
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
318-354
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 Lundehunds
With an above-average energy level, the Norwegian Lundehund benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 1.2-1.3 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.
Bloat Prevention for Norwegian Lundehunds
Norwegian Lundehunds are predisposed to Gastric Cancer (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 Norwegian Lundehund directly impacts this risk. Deep-chested breeds like the Norwegian Lundehund 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
Norwegian Lundehund Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.6-0.7 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.6-0.7 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Norwegian Lundehund
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.2-1.3 cups | 437-487 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.7-1.9 cans | 437-487 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 4-7 oz | 437-487 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.2-1.3 cups
- Calories
- 437-487 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.7-1.9 cans
- Calories
- 437-487 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 4-7 oz
- Calories
- 437-487 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Norwegian Lundehunds
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Norwegian Lundehund fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Norwegian Lundehunds 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 Norwegian Lundehund 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
Coat & Skin Nutrition
The Norwegian Lundehund's Dense double coat with harsh outer coat and soft undercoat 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
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Norwegian Lundehunds 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.
Feeding one large meal per day
Norwegian Lundehunds 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.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Norwegian Lundehund 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.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 13-15 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.
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 Lundehunds included.
Norwegian Lundehund-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Norwegian Lundehunds, 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.
Norwegian Lundehund Ideal Weight
To determine if your Norwegian Lundehund is at a healthy weight (13–15 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 Norwegian Lundehund
13-15 lbs
6-7 kg
Female Norwegian Lundehund
11-13 lbs
5-6 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Norwegian Lundehund typically needs 437-487 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1.2-1.3 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 13-15 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Norwegian Lundehunds 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 small breeds. Small breed formulas offer calorie-dense kibble in smaller pieces suited to your dog's jaw. 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.
While Norwegian Lundehunds can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Norwegian Lundehund's small jaw and teeth to chew, reducing choking risk and improving digestion. Small-breed formulas are also more calorie-dense per cup, which matters when your dog only eats 1.2-1.3 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
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 Norwegian Lundehund. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet, especially if you're getting a puppy.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Norwegian Lundehunds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Norwegian Lundehund, that means roughly 4-7 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 Lundehund weighs between 13-15 lbs (males: 13-15 lbs, females: 11-13 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 Lundehund exceeds 17 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Norwegian Lundehunds weigh 13–15 lbs (males: 13–15 lbs; females: 11–13 lbs). Adults weigh 13 to 16 pounds. They are small, spitz-type dogs with a rectangular body shape that reflects their need to maneuver in tight cave spaces.. 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.
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.