Feeding Your Greyhound

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