Whippet Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Whippet, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Ranked #55 by the AKC, the Whippet is a medium hound dog with roots in England. Known as 'the poor man's racehorse,' they were bred for rag racing in mining communities and for catching rabbits to supplement the family diet. The Whippet 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 Whippet needs between 649 and 923 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Whippet weighing 25 to 40 lb needs about 649 to 923 kcal a day, around 790 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1.7-2.4 cups daily, roughly 179 to 253 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 2.6-3.7 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 8-19 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 Whippet 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 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 Whippet, 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 33 lb against 28 lb on average, a gap of 16 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 Whippets (25–40 lbs) typically need 0.5 to 0.8 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. A formula suited to medium breeds provides appropriate nutrient density. Needs daily opportunities to sprint in a safely enclosed area; a few short bursts of running satisfy their exercise needs more than long walks., adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $50–78/month for food costs.
Daily Calorie Needs for Whippet
Adult
649-923
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
806
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
519-738
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 Whippets
The Whippet has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 1.7-2.4 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.
Whippet Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.9-1.2 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.9-1.2 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Whippet
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.7-2.4 cups | 649-923 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 2.6-3.7 cans | 649-923 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 8-19 oz | 649-923 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.7-2.4 cups
- Calories
- 649-923 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 2.6-3.7 cans
- Calories
- 649-923 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 8-19 oz
- Calories
- 649-923 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Whippets
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Whippet fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Whippets 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
Whippets have a genetic predisposition to Mitral Valve Disease, 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.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
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, Whippets included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Whippet's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 488 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Whippet-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Whippets, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Antioxidants
Include foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein). Blueberries and carrots make excellent treats.
Whippet Ideal Weight
Is your Whippet at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 25–40 lbs (males 25–40, females 21–35). 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 Whippet
25-40 lbs
11-18 kg
Female Whippet
21-35 lbs
10-16 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Whippet typically needs 649-923 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1.7-2.4 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 25-40 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Whippets should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of medium 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 medium breeds. A standard adult formula from a reputable brand that meets AAFCO standards provides complete nutrition.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Whippets, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Whippet, that means roughly 8-19 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 Whippet weighs between 25-40 lbs (males: 25-40 lbs, females: 21-35 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 Whippet exceeds 46 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Males: 25–40 lbs. Females: 21–35 lbs. Weighs 25 to 40 pounds with a lean, muscular build; any visible ribs are normal and not a sign of being underweight.. Consult your vet for a personalized assessment. These are general guidelines, not veterinary advice: a dog losing or gaining weight on the recommended amount should be seen by a vet rather than simply fed differently.
Common Whippet health concerns include Mitral Valve Disease, Eye Disorders, Anesthesia Sensitivity. One of the healthiest purebred dogs with few genetic issues, though veterinarians must be aware of their anesthesia sensitivity.. An adult Whippet weighs 25-40 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.