Feeding Your Greyhound

Health & Well Being
Feeding Your Greyhound

Greyhounds have a fast metabolism and need a special high fat, high protein diet. Find out how often to feed them, what to look for in food, what to avoid, and how to keep them hydrated.

How often should I feed my greyhound?

Greyhounds are generally most content when fed twice per day in roughly equal amounts. It is recommended that you feed your greyhound in the morning and in the evening. Your greyhound may still be in fit 'racing condition' at the time of adoption and may need to gain some weight. Ideally you should be able to feel your greyhound's ribs but not see them.

What should I feed my greyhound?

Complete dry foods are often an effective and efficient way of feeding, and ensure your greyhound gets all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals required to be healthy. Look for a premium brand that contains around 26% protein and a minimum of 15% fat, and lists meat as the first ingredient.

Cheaper brands tend to have cereals as the main ingredient, while mid-range brands have meat by-products as the main ingredient.

Follow the feeding instructions on the packaging according to the weight of your dog but adjust the amount based on your greyhound's condition. Often greyhounds find dry food easier to swallow if it's been soaked in some warm water.

What should I avoid feeding my greyhound?

Greyhounds should never be fed cooked bones as these can splinter and cause serious health issues.

Canned dog foods are generally not recommended as they tend not to agree with the greyhound digestive system and often result in diarrhea and/or flatulence.

You can find more infomration on foods to avoid in this resource: gap.grv.org.au/resources/foods-to-avoid

And what about hydration?

Fresh water should be available for your greyhound at all times. Never leave your greyhound without water.

Some greyhounds play with their water dishes and might tip them over, so make sure they're a non-tip design!

Important stuff

As with all large breeds of dog, exercise, drinking excessive amounts of water around meal times should be avoided to prevent a condition commonly called 'bloat' (gastric dilation and volvulus, GDV or gastric torsion).

This is a life-threatening condition which can result in death within a few hours if untreated. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, gagging, restlessness, rapid pulse and breathing. If you suspect bloat you MUST take your greyhound to a veterinarian immediately (day or night).

Prevention of bloat includes the following:

  • Not feeding large amounts of food in one session – spread food over two smaller meals
  • Not exercising your greyhound for at least an hour before and an hour after eating; ensuring water is readily available at all times so the greyhound does not gulp down large amounts of water at one time
  • Purchase special bowls including obstacles to slow eating if your greyhound is a rapid eater

Related Resources

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Mary ARP

2 years old

Mary is an absolute sweetheart and the beauty to match! This gorgeous girl is friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm. She loves being around people, is incredibly affectionate and has a fun, puppyish nature that shines through. Mary is playful, boisterous and very excitable. She can be quite jumpy when she’s happy, often greeting people with a LOT of enthusiasm. She will need a home with a secure backyard where she can burn off some energy. Mary may besuited to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. She also may be suitable to live with a family that have older children aged 15+. Due to her energetic nature, she is not suitable to live with elderly people or dogs. With the right home, Mary’s fun-loving personality will make her a wonderful and entertaining companion.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.

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Jed ARP

4 years old

Jed is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and a real love of people. Personable and easy to spend time with, he enjoys being close to his handlers and has an endearing habit of leaning gently against you for comfort and companionship. With his kind heart and loving personality, Jed quickly wins over everyone he meets.

While Jed is generally social, he can sometimes feel a little worried around unfamiliar breeds of dog, so he would benefit from thoughtful introductions and would be best avoiding off-lead parks or busy areas where dogs may rush up to him. He may suit living with polite dogs of any size who will respect his space and could also be a wonderful companion for a family with children aged 5 years and older. With understanding and support, Jed will reward his new family with loyalty, affection and plenty of gentle cuddles.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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Lou Lou ARP

5 years old

This beautiful 5-year-old girl is as sweet as she is pretty. Friendly, social and outgoing, she loves being around people and greets life with confidence and enthusiasm. Her personable nature and very affectionate personality make her a wonderful companion, whether she's joining you on an adventure or simply enjoying some quality time by your side. She also walks beautifully on lead, making daily strolls together an absolute pleasure.

With her easy-going and loving temperament, she may suit living as an only dog where she can soak up all the attention, or with a compatible male dog of any size. She would likely do best in a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. Full of charm, affection and companionship, this lovely brindle girl is ready to become a treasured member of a lucky family.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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Ricey ARP

4 years old

Ricey is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a friendly and personable nature. While he enjoys the company of people and forms lovely connections with those he trusts, Ricey is more of an introvert at heart and can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Despite this, he always tries hard to be brave, taking things in his stride and showing a quiet determination as he navigates the world around him.

Ricey would likely thrive in a patient and understanding home that allows him to build confidence at his own pace. He may suit living as an only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of one-on-one attention, or with a confident medium or large canine companion. Ricey may also be suited to a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. With kindness, routine and support, this sweet-natured boy will make a loyal and rewarding companion.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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Possum ARP

5 years old

Possum is a sweet, friendly and confident 5-year-old boy who never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Outgoing, personable and affectionate, he loves meeting everyone and anyone, greeting the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at a local café or strolling through a weekend market, Possum is the kind of dog who enjoys being part of the action and sharing adventures with his people.

With his easy-going nature and love of human company, Possum may suit a home with respectful young children aged 5 years and older. He may also be happy living as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for himself, or sharing his home with a like-minded medium or large caninecompanion. Charming, social and full of affection, Possum is a wonderfulall-rounder who is sure to bring plenty of joy to his future family.

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Bobby

3 years old

How handsome is Bobby! He has an infectious personality that everyone will love. He loves treats, cuddles and just being a goof! We think he may suit living with children 10 and over and with another medium or larger dog for company. Due to a previous injury and his love for zoomies, its best this boy doesn't have a large backyard to do zoomies to protect his leg from any future issues. But he doesn't let this slow him down so on lead walks and play time in a controlled area is perfectly fine. Bobby has a previous hock fracture, that happened prior to his arrive in GAP. He has hardware present, but this isn't causing any problems. Bobby has some mild arthritis due to this.
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Luke

5 years old

Luke is a handsome young greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger zest for life. Affectionate, confident and full of fun, he approaches every day with a wonderfully playful, puppyish attitude that is sure to keep his family smiling. Luke loves spending time with his people and thrives on interaction, games and adventures. While he has all the makings of a fantastic companion, he is still learning that good manners matter, so his new family will need to continue his training and provide clear, consistent guidance as he matures. Luke is best suited to a home with adults or children aged 10 years and over who can comfortably handle his enthusiastic nature. He is not suitable for homes with elderly residents, cats or apartment living. Luke would be happiest as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, although he may be able to share his home with a robust, well-matched canine companion. With space to run, ongoing training and a family ready to embrace his energetic spirit, Luke will make a loyal, loving and entertaining addition to the right home.
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Lana

8 years old

Lana is a sweet and friendly greyhound who wins hearts wherever she goes. With her personable nature and affectionate personality, Lana loves spending time with her people and is always happy to soak up attention. She has a gentle charm that makes her easy to love, and if treats are involved, you'll quickly become her favourite person! Whether she's enjoying a leisurely walk, relaxing by your side, or accepting a well-earned snack, Lana is a lovely companion who enjoys the simple pleasures in life. Lana is looking for a home with children aged 5 years and over, or adults who are ready to welcome a devoted and loving friend into their lives. She may suit apartment living provided her exercise and enrichment needs are met. Lana would be happy as an only dog, but she may also live successfully with a medium to large canine companion. She is not suitable to live with cats and will need a feline-free home. If you're searching for a kind-hearted greyhound with a sweet disposition and a soft spot for treats, Lana could be the perfect addition to your family.
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Mugatu

3 years old

He may not be a villain or a flamboyant fashionista as his name sake but he will certainly brainwash you into loving him till the end of time. P.S. he is also a Valentines baby! This quiet, sweet guy is a little on the shy side at first but he certainly warms up to you and wants to please. We think he may suit a home with children 15 and over and maybe with another Greyhound buddy. He thinks other breeds are just too scary to live with right now. He didn't find the cats as terrifying and may be suitable to live with one. He may be ok for full time workers. Magatu has a low-grade heart murmur, which doesn't require medicating, and it doesn't affect his day-to-day life
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Carly ARP

5 years old

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Carl is a quiet, gentle girl who enjoys taking life at her own pace. She can be a little submissive and cautious. While she can be anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and gains confidence with patience and kindness. Once she feels comfortable,her sweet and personable nature begins to shine through. Carly is looking for a home where she can continue to build her confidence. She may be suited to living as an only dog or with medium or large dogs. She also may be suited to live with older kids 15+, and she is best suited to a home with a backyard rather than an apartment.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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