How Much to Feed a Corgi (Feeding Chart & Guide)

Feeding your Corgi properly plays a huge role in their overall health. Similar to other dogs, Corgis have varying feeding requirements, depending on age, weight, level of activity, and health considerations.

On average, a Corgi puppy needs to eat around 1 ¼ to 2 ¼ cups of food daily. Meanwhile, adult Corgis have a daily food requirement of 1 ½ to 2 cups. Finally, a senior Corgi needs to be fed a little less — 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups of dog food every day.

In this guide, you will learn all about Corgi feeding — the feeding frequency, how to transition your pup to a new food, tips on feeding an overweight Corgi, and some FAQs. Let’s start!

What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Corgi?

There are several factors that can affect the amount of food a Corgi needs. Keeping these in mind will help you create a feeding schedule and health plan for your Corgi pup.

Here are some of the factors that impact how much to feed a Corgi: 

• Activity Level: Generally, Corgis are active dogs. However, some can be more active than others. A Corgi with a higher activity level might need to be fed more. Meanwhile, a Corgi with a moderate level of activity would require less amount of food.
• Age: Feeding your Corgi will also depend on its current life stage. Corgi puppies require food that would be beneficial for their development. As they mature, their nutritional requirements change. For this reason, food adjustment is necessary.
• Health Status: Certain health conditions call for a specific diet. Notably, Corgis are prone to obesity, hip dysplasia, diabetes, as well as heart disease. It is important to seek veterinary advice when it comes to feeding Corgi pups with health issues.
• Reproductive Status: A spayed or neutered Corgi will have a slower metabolism than unaltered ones. In effect, they will need food in smaller amounts. Pregnant and lactating Corgis, on the other hand, demand a diet that will meet their nutritional requirements at this stage.
• Size and Weight: Corgis come in two variants with a slight size difference — Pembroke and Cardigan. They may also come in a hybrid of the two -— the American Corgi. Given this, they may need to be fed in varying quantities as well. In addition, an overweight Corgi will have a special diet. The same goes for an underweight pooch.

These factors must be taken into account when feeding a Corgi. Keep in mind that the recommendations given in this guide are tailored to healthy Corgi dogs that are not pregnant or lactating and are spayed/neutered.

Environmental factors such as humidity and temperature may also affect the nutrition of your Corgi. Furthermore, the brand and quality of dog food you choose could have an impact on how much you need to feed your pup.

How Much to Feed Your Corgi?

As previously discussed in this guide, the amount of food to feed a Corgi will depend on several factors. In general, the usual daily food requirement of a Corgi ranges from 1 ¼ to 2 ¼ cups. This amount should be split into smaller meals.

This section will provide a closer look at how much to feed your Corgi according to its life stage, from puppyhood to adulthood, as well as in its senior years. 

Corgi Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)

A breeder friend of mine who focuses on producing Corgis has advised that when Corgi puppies are born, their main source of nutrition must be their mother’s milk, whenever possible.

He mentioned that the good foundation of his pups is because of colostrum, which is present in the female mother’s milk in the first few days after giving birth. This substance is critical for a Corgi puppy’s early development. 

At around 3 to 4 weeks, Corgi puppies will start to transition to puppy food. This is where the weaning stage begins. 

In the following chart, you will see the daily feeding amount and caloric intake Corgi puppies need from ages 2 to 12 months:

Corgi puppies should be fed more often than adult Corgis, about 3 to 4 small meals a day. Furthermore, they should always be hydrated. Follow the recommended serving sizes above, and feel free to make adjustments if needed.

Adult Corgi Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)

Upon reaching its first year, or adulthood, your Corgi should transition from puppy food to adult dog food. This is because adult Corgis have different nutritional requirements compared to Corgi puppies.

That said, you might need to modify your dog’s diet to account for its changing needs.

On average, here’s how much an adult Corgi should eat in a day as well as its daily caloric intake:

It is worth noting that this stage requires the balance of components necessary for your Corgi’s nutrition, such as fat, protein, and carbohydrates. 

Getting the right balance of these components is essential as it will help in your Corgi’s bodily functions. You can also start giving your pooch probiotics, multivitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.

As Corgis can be prone to joint problems such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, you may also give them joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin. Of course, supplementing your Corgi’s diet must be consulted with a vet first.

Senior Corgi Feeding Chart (8 years and above)

As Corgis age, their metabolism tends to slow down, necessitating a change in your Corgi’s diet. For this reason, senior dogs are fed less frequently and in smaller portions than adults and puppies.

It is also important to monitor their food intake as they are at a high risk of developing health issues at this stage. 

Refer to the table below for the daily amount of food you can give to your senior Corgi:

Food quality is crucial once a Corgi reaches its senior years. Apart from requiring fewer calories, senior Corgis also need a diet that would include joint and digestive support, among other nutrients.

Senior dogs are prone to dehydration as well, so they need more water and moisture content in their diet. While supplements may still be helpful, weight management is more critical for a senior Corgi.

How Often Should You Feed Your Corgi?

How often you feed your Corgi depends on its age. As a puppy, they’ll need meals 3 to 4 times a day. Once they hit a year old, you can cut this down to just three meals a day. For adult Corgis, eating twice each day is ideal, and when they reach their senior years, once-a-day feeding will suffice. 

Since they have high energy needs, puppies require feeding four times a day to sustain their growth and development. As a Corgi puppy grows, feeding may be gradually reduced to three times daily.

The chart below shows how frequently you can feed your Corgi at every appropriate life stage:

Based on the table above, the feeding frequency of a Corgi varies with age, similar to the amount of food it needs. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines only. 

It is recommended to tailor your dog’s feeding frequency based on its needs. You can use the recommendations above as a reference point. Afterward, see how your Corgi responds to the diet and adjust if needed.

How to Transition Your Corgi to a New Food

During its lifetime, your Corgi will need to transition to a new food. There can be several reasons for this, such as changing nutritional needs, weight management, change of preference, or health concerns.

Whichever the reason, transitioning your pooch to a new food must be done gradually. This will help them to adjust to the new diet and minimize digestive upset. 

The table below demonstrates how to transition a Corgi to a new food:

Throughout the transition, monitor your Corgi closely. Watch out for any signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas. If these symptoms present themselves, seek guidance from your veterinarian.

Pro Tip: The same colleague of mine who breeds Corgis I mentioned earlier has also shared that most reputable breeders will voluntarily provide you with freebies along with the purchase of a puppy, and this includes a sample of the dog’s current diet.

You can utilize this for transitioning your new puppy from its old diet to the new diet that you prefer to give. This will also help prevent your dog from getting any stomach upsets as you do the switch.

Tips on Feeding an Overweight Corgi

Corgis are known to have large appetites and can easily gain weight due to their body structure and genetic predisposition. If not properly managed, they can get overweight, which may eventually lead to obesity.

Achieving a healthy weight is crucial for your Corgi, but if you happen to have an overweight one, below are some tips you can try when feeding your pooch:

• Measure your Corgi’s food. Measure your Corgi’s food portions carefully. Follow the dog food manufacturer’s or the veterinarian’s guidelines during feeding schedules. Avoid free-feeding as well, and stick to its specific diet at designated times.
• Limit treats. Treats, as well as table scraps, can quickly add up in terms of calories. Minimize these or pick low-calorie options for rewards. Alternatively, you can use portioned-out pieces of their regular kibble as treats.
• Choose high-quality dog food. High-quality dog foods are usually healthier options, particularly ones that are low in calories and fat. Look for dog food with a low-calorie content per serving size and is high in protein and fiber. Apart from choosing high-quality dog food, ensure your pup is still getting a balanced diet.
• Monitor progress. Keep track of your pup’s weight and body condition score. Adjust their diet and exercise routine as needed. Take a gradual and consistent approach to weight loss to ensure your Corgi’s health and well-being.

Ultimately, before making any changes to your Corgi’s diet or exercise routine, it is important to consult with a veterinarian. They can help determine the dog’s ideal weight and provide guidance tailored to its needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Corgi Enough?

You are feeding your Corgi enough by monitoring its weight. If it has the ideal weight of its breed, it does not require changes to its diet. Otherwise, it could be underweight or overweight, which can be physically visible.

One way of determining this is through body conditioning score chart evaluation. You have to look at your Corgi’s body from above and feel its sides. If you can feel its ribs without pressing too hard, your pooch is adequately fed.

In contrast, if it is difficult to feel your Corgi’s ribs, it could be overfed. If you can both feel and see the pup’s ribs with a very thin layer of fat covering them, your dog might be underfed.

Why Is My Corgi Not Eating?

Stress, illness, injury, age, dental issues, change in routine, and even overfeeding are some reasons that may affect your Corgi’s appetite. Different eating schedules and lack of exercise could also be an issue.

Some of these causes might be resolved with human intervention. However, for issues that may need medical attention, it is best to seek the help of a veterinarian. 

Can I Feed My Corgi With Human Food?

Generally, feeding your Corgi human food is not recommended. Since many human foods can be toxic to dogs, it is better to completely avoid them. However, if eaten in moderation, some can be safely fed to your pup.

You can give your Corgi foods such as plain cooked chicken, plain cooked vegetables, and fruits like apples and bananas in small amounts. Notably, though, these foods should not replace their regular dog food. 

Do Corgis Eat a Lot?

Yes, Corgis tend to eat a lot. In fact, they are known to have a huge appetite. Because of this, they can be prone to overeating and weight gain, which may lead to some serious health issues. 

While there are ways to reverse obesity in Corgis, it is better to prevent it in the first place. Monitoring how much your Corgi eats, giving it nutritious dog food, and exercising will help maintain its healthy weight.

Can Corgis Eat Bones?

Corgis can eat raw bones, whereas cooked bones should be off-limits. Even so, raw bones should be fed with supervision, as accidents can still happen. Also, pick a raw bone that is around the same size as your Corgi’s head.

Despite the dangers of gnawing on bones, it can be beneficial to your pooch if done properly. Bones can be a source of calcium and any nutrition coming from the attached meat, fat, connective tissues, and cartilage on the bone.

Moreover, chewing on raw bones keeps teeth clean and is good for mental stimulation. 

Hopefully, this guide provided some valuable insights on how much to feed a Corgi. Have you experienced feeding challenges with your Corgi? Let us know your thoughts about Corgi feeding by leaving a comment below!