Icelandic Sheepdog feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
A typical adult of 12 kg (26 lb) eats around 170 to 220 g of dry food a day, roughly 2 cups, split into two meals. Very active working dogs or those living outdoors in cold weather need more, while a pet walked for an hour a day often needs the lower end.
Long-coated dogs in particular can hide weight gain. Put your hands on the ribs every few weeks rather than relying on how the dog looks. A slow feeder or scatter feeding in the garden gives a herding brain something to solve at mealtimes, which many Icelandics enjoy.
Many Icelandics are keen eaters and work happily for kibble, which makes part of the daily ration handy for training. If you use food as rewards on walks, weigh out the full day in the morning so you never double up. From about 8 years, many dogs need 10 to 20 percent less food as they slow down.
Icelandic Sheepdog feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 11 kg | 570 kcal | 155 g (1.5 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 11 kg | 650 kcal | 175 g (1.8 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 13 kg | 740 kcal | 200 g (2 cups) |
| Male, very active | 13 kg | 930 kcal | 250 g (2.5 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
31 to 37 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
0.6 to 0.7 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.