Saluki Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Saluki, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originally bred in Middle East, the Saluki has become one of the world's most recognizable large breeds, sitting at #111 in AKC popularity. An ancient, ethereal sighthound who carries the dignity of a pharaoh and the speed of the desert wind in a delicate, feathered frame. The Saluki 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 tendency toward weight gain during less active periods. An adult Saluki needs between 923 and 1329 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Saluki weighing 40 to 65 lb needs about 923 to 1329 kcal a day, around 1132 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 2.4-3.5 cups daily, roughly 253 to 369 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 3.7-5.3 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 13-31 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 Saluki 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-17-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
The condition this breed is most often screened for changes how it should be fed. 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. That is a reason to weigh the ration rather than estimate it, not a reason to buy a different food.
A short coat makes body condition visible, which is the one advantage that matters at feeding time: the waist and the ribs can be seen and felt without parting fur, so the weekly check takes seconds and needs no scale. For a Saluki, 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 53 lb against 46 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.
Adult Salukis (40–65 lbs) typically need 0.6 to 1.3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Choose a large-breed formula to support joint health and manage the risk of Hemangiosarcoma. Needs daily sprinting opportunities in a securely fenced area; they require tall fencing as they can clear five-foot barriers from a standstill., adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $62–95/month for food costs.
Daily Calorie Needs for Saluki
Adult
923-1329
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1155
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
738-1063
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 Salukis
The Saluki has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 2.4-3.5 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.
Saluki Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.2-1.8 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.2-1.8 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Saluki
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 2.4-3.5 cups | 923-1329 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 3.7-5.3 cans | 923-1329 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 13-31 oz | 923-1329 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 2.4-3.5 cups
- Calories
- 923-1329 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 3.7-5.3 cans
- Calories
- 923-1329 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 13-31 oz
- Calories
- 923-1329 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Salukis
Moderate daily exercise (45-60 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Saluki fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Salukis 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.
Heart-Supportive Nutrition
Salukis have a genetic predisposition to Cardiomyopathy, making heart-supportive nutrition especially important. Choose foods naturally rich in taurine (found in animal proteins, especially dark meat and organ meats) and L-carnitine. Keep sodium moderate, not salt-free, but avoid high-sodium treats and table scraps. The FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); while research is ongoing, discussing diet choices with your veterinarian is prudent for this breed. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in dogs, supporting healthy heart rhythm and reducing inflammation.
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Salukis, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Saluki with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Saluki 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.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Salukis are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Saluki 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, Salukis included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Saluki's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 788 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Saluki-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Salukis, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Antioxidants
Include foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein). Blueberries and carrots make excellent treats.
Saluki Ideal Weight
Is your Saluki at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 40–65 lbs (males 40–65, females 34–57). Check these three signs: Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat. Waistline: A clear narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above.
Male Saluki
40-65 lbs
18-29 kg
Female Saluki
34-57 lbs
15-26 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Saluki typically needs 923-1329 calories per day, which translates to approximately 2.4-3.5 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 40-65 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Salukis 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.
Large breed Saluki 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 Salukis, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Saluki, that means roughly 13-31 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 Saluki weighs between 40-65 lbs (males: 40-65 lbs, females: 34-57 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 Saluki exceeds 75 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Salukis weigh 40–65 lbs (males: 40–65 lbs; females: 34–57 lbs). Weighs 40 to 65 pounds with a lean, elegant build; like all sighthounds, visible ribs and hip bones are normal and healthy.. 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 Saluki is predisposed to Hemangiosarcoma, Cardiomyopathy, Hypothyroidism, and other conditions. Generally healthy but veterinarians must be aware that normal Saluki bloodwork values differ from standard canine reference ranges.. An adult Saluki weighs 40-65 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.