Skip to content

Gordon Setter feeding guide: how much and how often

Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Gordon Setter.

An active adult male typically needs around 1,400 to 1,800 kcal a day, which is about 370 to 470 g of dry food (roughly 3.5 to 4.5 cups), split into two meals. Hunting dogs in the season may need more. Females and less active dogs often need about 20 percent less.

Gordons are keen eaters and can gain weight if exercise drops, so check body condition every few weeks by feeling the ribs under the coat, which can hide extra weight. They are deep-chested and have some risk of bloat, so avoid strenuous exercise around mealtimes and use a slow feeder if your dog gulps. Long ear feathering can drag in food and water, so some owners use a narrow bowl or a snood to keep ears clean at mealtimes.

Gordon Setter feeding in numbers

Illustrative adult portions

DogWeightCaloriesDry food per day
Female, relaxed lifestyle26 kg1130 kcal305 g (3 cups)
Female, typical pet26 kg1290 kcal350 g (3.5 cups)
Male, typical pet31 kg1450 kcal395 g (4 cups)
Male, very active31 kg1820 kcal490 g (5 cups)

Puppy portions need measured weight, growth stage and the food’s energy content. A breed-average curve is not a feeding plan. Calculate with measured inputs and review the result with your vet.

Bowl capacity

1800 ml

21.5 cm across

Product height estimate

45.5 to 51.5 cm

not a veterinary recommendation

Rough drinking estimate

1.4 to 1.7 L

keep fresh water freely available

Adult examples assume midpoint breed weights, neutered pets and food with 370 kcal per 100 g. Cups assume 100 g per cup; actual food density varies. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Feeding guides for similar-sized breeds