Your greyhound may be a beautifully muscled athlete with low body fat, but the breed still enjoys its food quite a lot. Your own "chow hound," as many food-loving greyhounds are often affectionately called by owners, will need different amounts of food throughout his life to maintain optimum health.
As Puppies
Greyhound puppies will subsist on mother's milk in their early lives and will generally do well eating a mix of goat's milk and rice cereal. Some owners measure specific amounts based on veterinary advice and others may free-feed their greyhound puppies. Softened puppy chow mixed with cold water is typically the preferred diet for a greyhound puppy, with amounts varying according to veterinary advice. Because greyhound puppies grow so rapidly, their food needs can change from week to week or even day to day, and therefore their intake is not often measured as strictly as an adult dog's is.
Dogs 60 Pounds or Fewer
Greyhounds who weigh up to 60 pounds, which is most female greyhounds and some males, will generally be able to maintain their weight and get proper nutrition on three cups of premium-type kibble daily, according to Greyhound Pets of America guidelines. Qualifying kibbles generally include those with human-grade ingredients, such as meat protein sources.
Dogs over 60 Pounds
Greyhound Pets of America recommends following the general feeding guideline of about four cups of premium-quality kibble per day for dogs weighing over 60 pounds, these being most males and some large females. Especially large greyhounds may require more food, and this should be discussed with the veterinarian. For example, a 100-pound greyhound—a rarity, but they do exist—will likely need considerably larger daily rations; your vet can advise you as to the proper amount.
Senior Greyhounds
As a senior—typically age 7 or older—your greyhound may naturally become less hungry. This is not at all uncommon and may reflect the lowered activity levels that older greyhounds tend to have. Continue to feed your senior greyhound the amount that he has eaten in the past, but if you notice that he is consuming less, consult your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend lowering portion sizes or making other dietary changes to ensure your senior is getting all his nutritional needs met. As the Greyhound Gang says, "Giving your dogs the best food you can is important for their health and longevity," so feeding properly in both younger and senior years can help you to keep your beloved grey with you for a long and happy life.
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