Schipperke Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Schipperke, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Ranked #104 by the AKC, the Schipperke is a small non-sporting dog with roots in Belgium. Bred as small watchdogs and ratters on Belgian canal barges, earning their name which means 'little captain' in Flemish. The Non-Sporting Group is one of the most diverse in the AKC registry, and the Schipperke 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 Schipperke needs between 392 and 557 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Schipperke weighing 10 to 16 lb needs about 392 to 557 kcal a day, around 477 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1-1.5 cups daily, roughly 106 to 158 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 1.6-2.2 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 3-8 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 Schipperke 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-14-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 patellar luxation, a lean dog luxates less often, and the difference between a dog at the top and the bottom of its weight range is visible in how often the knee gives way. 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 Schipperke, 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 13 lb against 11 lb on average, a gap of 18 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 Schipperkes (10–16 lbs) typically need 0.5 to 0.3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. A formula suited to small breeds provides appropriate nutrient density. Need 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily despite their small size. They excel at agility and barn hunt trials. A tired Schipperke is the only well-behaved Schipperke., adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $38–61/month for food costs.
Daily Calorie Needs for Schipperke
Adult
392-557
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
405
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
261-371
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 Schipperkes
The Schipperke's exceptional energy level demands a feeding strategy that prioritizes sustained fuel delivery. Split daily portions of 1-1.5 cups into two meals to prevent energy crashes, and consider a performance or active-breed formula with higher fat content (15-20%) for endurance. On especially active days, long hikes, agility training, or field work, you may increase portions by 10-15%.
Schipperke Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.5-0.8 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.5-0.8 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Schipperke
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1-1.5 cups | 392-557 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.6-2.2 cans | 392-557 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 3-8 oz | 392-557 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1-1.5 cups
- Calories
- 392-557 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.6-2.2 cans
- Calories
- 392-557 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 3-8 oz
- Calories
- 392-557 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Schipperkes
The Schipperke 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 Schipperkes, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation. 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
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Schipperke 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 Schipperke's Double coat with harsh straight outer coat and soft dense 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
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Schipperkes, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Schipperke with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Schipperke 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
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Schipperkes 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.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Schipperke 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 10-16 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.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Schipperkes are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Schipperke 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, Schipperkes included.
Schipperke-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Tip 6
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Schipperkes, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Schipperke Ideal Weight
To determine if your Schipperke is at a healthy weight (10–16 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 with harsh straight outer coat and soft dense undercoat coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential.
Male Schipperke
10-16 lbs
5-7 kg
Female Schipperke
8-14 lbs
4-6 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Schipperke typically needs 392-557 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1-1.5 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 10-16 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Schipperkes should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of small 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 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.
Given the Schipperke's predisposition to joint issues, consider: glucosamine HCl (250-500mg/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.
While Schipperkes can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Schipperke'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 1-1.5 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Schipperkes, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Schipperke, that means roughly 3-8 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 Schipperke weighs between 10-16 lbs (males: 10-16 lbs, females: 8-14 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 Schipperke exceeds 18 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Schipperkes weigh 10–16 lbs (males: 10–16 lbs; females: 8–14 lbs). Adults weigh 10 to 16 pounds. They should feel solid and muscular when picked up. Their thick coat can mask both weight gain and true body condition.. 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.