Old English Sheepdog Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Old English Sheepdog — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Ranked #60 by the AKC, the Old English Sheepdog is a large herding dog with roots in England. Bred as a drover's dog to move cattle and sheep to market. The Old English Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Group, a lineage of tireless working dogs bred to manage livestock across demanding terrain. Their high stamina and mental alertness mean they burn calories steadily throughout the day, requiring careful meal planning to match their output. An adult Old English Sheepdog needs between 1251 and 1835 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Feed an adult Old English Sheepdog approximately 0.9–2.0 cups of quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Males (60–100 lbs) may need slightly more than females (51–88 lbs). Males weigh 60 to 100 pounds, females 60 to 85 pounds. They should appear square and muscular under their profuse coat. Regular grooming sessions help monitor body condition hidden beneath the fur.. With moderate energy (3/5), portions at the middle of guidelines usually suffice.
Daily Calorie Needs for Old English Sheepdog
Adult
1251-1835
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1584
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
1001-1468
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 Old English Sheepdogs
The Old English Sheepdog has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 3.3-4.8 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.
Old English Sheepdog Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.7-2.4 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.7-2.4 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Old English Sheepdog
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 3.3-4.8 cups | 1251-1835 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 5-7.3 cans | 1251-1835 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 19-48 oz | 1251-1835 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 3.3-4.8 cups
- Calories
- 1251-1835 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 5-7.3 cans
- Calories
- 1251-1835 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 19-48 oz
- Calories
- 1251-1835 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Old English Sheepdogs
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Old English Sheepdog fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Old English Sheepdogs 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.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Old English Sheepdogs, 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 Old English Sheepdog's Double coat, long, shaggy, and profuse 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 Old English Sheepdogs, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Old English Sheepdog with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Old English Sheepdog 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.
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
Old English Sheepdogs are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Old English Sheepdog 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, Old English Sheepdogs included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Old English Sheepdog's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 1200 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Old English Sheepdog-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Old English Sheepdogs, 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.
Old English Sheepdog Ideal Weight
To determine if your Old English Sheepdog is at a healthy weight (60–100 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, long, shaggy, and profuse coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential.
Male Old English Sheepdog
60-100 lbs
27-45 kg
Female Old English Sheepdog
51-88 lbs
23-40 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.