Hovawart feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Hovawart.
A 35 kg (77 lb) adult usually needs around 350 to 450 g of dry food a day, about 4 to 5 cups, split into two meals. Active working dogs need more, and neutered or older dogs often need less. Most Hovawarts are good eaters without being greedy, which makes portion control easier than with many retrievers.
As a deep-chested large breed, the Hovawart may be at risk of stomach bloat and twisting. Feeding two or three smaller meals, avoiding vigorous exercise for an hour before and after eating, and discouraging very fast gulping are sensible habits. A bowl at or slightly below elbow height is comfortable for most dogs of this size.
During puppyhood, use a food formulated for large-breed puppies and keep them on the lean side. Rapid weight gain puts extra stress on developing hips and elbows, and a slim Hovawart puppy often looks almost lanky at 6 months, which is exactly right.
Hovawart feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 30 kg | 1260 kcal | 340 g (3.5 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 30 kg | 1440 kcal | 390 g (4 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 35 kg | 1610 kcal | 435 g (4.3 cups) |
| Male, very active | 35 kg | 2010 kcal | 545 g (5.5 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
46 to 52 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
1.6 to 2 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.