Why must owners calculate 'how much' food based on caloric density rather than just volume measurements like cups?
A cup of one high-quality formula might contain 350 calories while another contains 450 calories
A common error in feeding management involves relying solely on the volume measurement indicated on a food package (e.g., one cup) without considering the energy content of that specific product. This approach is flawed because the caloric density of dog foods varies significantly, even among high-quality commercial kibbles. For instance, one brand's cup might deliver 350 calories, whereas a different brand's cup, despite occupying the same volume, could yield 450 calories. Feeding according to volume alone, without factoring in the actual energy content of the specific formula being used, creates a high risk of either unintentional overfeeding or chronic underfeeding, regardless of whether the food is kibble, fresh, or raw.
