Shetland Sheepdog feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Somewhere between 100 and 160 g of a typical dry food a day, roughly 1 to 1.5 cups, covers most adult Shelties, depending on size and activity. Because height within the breed varies so much, a 7 kg Sheltie and an 11 kg one can need quite different amounts. Weigh your dog every month or two and adjust in steps of about 10 percent.
Shelties are prone to weight gain after neutering, and the thick coat hides it well. Press through the fur with your fingertips: you should feel the ribs easily without pushing hard. Plenty of owners discover that their fluffy dog is carrying an extra kilogram, which is a lot on a frame this size. Using part of the daily ration as training rewards keeps treats from tipping the balance.
Shetland Sheepdog feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 8 kg | 470 kcal | 125 g (1.3 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 8 kg | 530 kcal | 145 g (1.5 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 9 kg | 580 kcal | 155 g (1.5 cups) |
| Male, very active | 9 kg | 730 kcal | 195 g (2 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
900 ml
17 cm across
Product height estimate
23.5 to 29.5 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
0.4 to 0.5 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.