Old English Sheepdog Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
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.
An adult Old English Sheepdog weighing 60 to 100 lb needs about 1251 to 1835 kcal a day, around 1552 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 3.3-4.8 cups daily, roughly 348 to 507 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 5-7.3 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 19-48 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 Old English Sheepdog 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-12-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 Old English Sheepdog, 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 80 lb against 70 lb on average, a gap of 15 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.
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
An adult Old English Sheepdog typically needs 1251-1835 calories per day, which translates to approximately 3.3-4.8 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 60-100 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Old English Sheepdogs should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of large 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 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.
Given the Old English Sheepdog'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.
Large breed Old English Sheepdog 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.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Old English Sheepdogs, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Old English Sheepdog, that means roughly 19-48 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 Old English Sheepdog weighs between 60-100 lbs (males: 60-100 lbs, females: 51-88 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 Old English Sheepdog exceeds 115 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Old English Sheepdogs weigh 60–100 lbs (males: 60–100 lbs; 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..
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.