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

One common question among Havanese owners is, “How much should I feed my Havanese?” Understandably, no pet lover wants to overfeed or underfeed their beloved furry friend.

The required food intake for a Havanese largely depends on its age and weight. A Havanese puppy typically needs between 1⁄2 and 1 ¼ cups of food daily, while an adult Havanese should be fed between ¾ and 1 cup. For senior Havanese dogs, the ideal daily portion ranges from ½ and ¾ cup.

If you’re eager to learn more about feeding Havanese dogs, you’re in the right place! This article will delve into the dietary essentials for this breed, covering aspects like meal frequency and the most asked questions.

What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Havanese?

Determining the right amount to feed your Havanese can be a complex task, as several factors influence their dietary requirements.

Here are some key factors that affect how much you should feed a Havanese:

• Age: Havanese puppies, due to their rapid growth, require more calories and nutrients than their adult counterparts. It’s advisable to feed them high-quality puppy food designed specifically for their nutritional needs until they are one year old. In contrast, adult Havanese need a balanced diet that caters to their energy and nutritional requirements.
• Size: The size of your Havanese also plays a role in how much food it needs. Havanese typically weigh 7 to 13 pounds, and their dietary needs vary based on weight. A larger Havanese will need more food compared to a smaller one, as their dietary needs vary with weight.
• Activity Level: Known for their playful and energetic nature, Havanese dogs need regular exercise for good health. If your Havanese is particularly active, an increase in daily food intake might be necessary to fulfill their energy demands.
• Health Condition: Certain health issues can influence the feeding requirements of a Havanese. For instance, a Havanese with diabetes might need a specialized diet with a particular balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Likewise, a Havanese with a sensitive stomach may require a diet that is easier to digest.

When calculating the appropriate food quantity for your Havanese, it’s important to consider aspects like age, size, activity level, health status, food quality, and feeding habits.

How Much to Feed Your Havanese?

This section of the guide offers an extensive overview of the recommended food portions, measured in cups, and the calorie intake needed by a Havanese at various stages of its life.

However, it’s important to understand that these guidelines are not one-size-fits-all. The actual amount of food a Havanese requires can differ based on factors such as their body size, daily activity levels, and any existing health conditions.

Havanese Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)

Havanese puppies, especially during their early weeks from 6 to 12 weeks old, rely primarily on their mother’s milk for nutrition. At this stage, they are unable to process solid food and depend on their mother’s colostrum for essential nourishment.

As they reach the age of two months, they become ready for weaning. The weaning process, typically starting between six and eight weeks, gradually introduces Havanese puppies to solid puppy food.

Refer to the following table for the recommended daily feeding amount for your Havanese puppy:

Feeding Havanese puppies with food specially formulated for small breeds is essential, considering their tiny mouths may struggle with regular-sized kibble.

Given that Havanese are toy-sized dogs with moderate activity levels, they only need a modest amount of food each day.

For the most accurate guidance on your Havanese puppy’s dietary needs, it’s advisable to consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian. They can provide expert advice on whether your puppy requires more or less food than the general recommendations.

Adult Havanese Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)

Once your Havanese puppy reaches the age of eight months, it transitions into adulthood. This milestone is the ideal time to switch from puppy food to adult dog food, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of a mature dog.

Below is a feeding chart that outlines the daily recommended amount of food for an adult Havanese:

It’s important to note that individual dogs might require different amounts of food based on various factors like gender, diet, and level of exercise.

To ensure your Havanese remains healthy and content, monitoring their weight is crucial. Adjust their diet and exercise routine as necessary to maintain their optimal health and well-being.

When my sister’s white Havanese, Cubana, reached her adult years, her fur grew long and silky — a common trait among cute and fluffy dogs. Yet, this is something to watch out for in relation to feeding.

The downside of this is maintaining her long facial hair clean, especially after meals. Cubana’s face would be so messy right after she eats and there would be a lot of food debris even in other parts of her body.

Hence, I advised my sister to choose a specific hairstyle for Cubana that will require less maintenance and will keep her neat and clean even during meals or playtime, and she settled for a shaved look.

Senior Havanese Feeding Chart (8 years and above)

As Havanese dogs age and enter their senior years, it’s advisable to transition them to senior dog food formulas specifically designed to meet their changing nutritional needs.

The transition to senior food should be gradual to prevent any digestive issues. It’s also important to select high-quality food tailored for small breeds, ensuring it’s suitable for your senior Havanese.

Here’s a simple feeding guideline for senior Havanese dogs:

By following this feeding chart and providing your senior Havanese with proper nutrition, you can help ensure a healthy and happy life for your furry friend in their golden years.

How Often Should You Feed Your Havanese?

The feeding frequency for your Havanese largely depends on their age and lifestyle. For Havanese puppies not being free-fed, it’s generally recommended to offer three to four meals a day. In contrast, adult and senior Havanese typically do well with just one to two meals daily.

Refer to the following table for how to best schedule your Havanese’s meals:

Due to their small size, Havanese dogs require a consistent feeding schedule. Additionally, Havanese cannot digest large quantities of food in one go.

Hence, small portions of meals should be distributed throughout the day. Provide enough food to keep them satiated but not so much that their stomachs become distended.

One thing to take note of, though, when it comes to Havanese is that they are quirky eaters. Cubana is a perfect example of this. She is not really picky, and she eats what you give her. However, she doesn’t finish her food all at once.

Cubana has a habit of eating in small portions, then playing a bit or resting beside us for a moment, and then going back to nibbling her food. This quirky food habit is common to the Havanese breed.

How to Transition Your Havanese to a New Food

Transitioning your Havanese to a new food can be challenging. A sudden change in diet can cause digestive problems and upset your pet’s stomach.

To avoid this, it’s important to introduce the new food gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current food until your dog gets used to it.

The table below outlines the AKC’s suggested food transition schedule:

Transitioning your Havanese to a new food requires patience and careful consideration of their nutritional needs.

By gradually introducing the new food, choosing a high-quality food, monitoring your Havanese’s weight, and consulting your veterinarian, you can help ensure a smooth and successful transition to a new diet.

Tips on Feeding an Overweight Havanese

If your Havanese is overweight, it can lead to various health issues. Overweight Havanese dogs are at risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.

As a responsible pet owner, it is essential to take steps to help your Havanese reach a healthy weight. Here are some tips for feeding an overweight Havanese:

• Consult with your veterinarian. The first step to helping your overweight Havanese is to consult your veterinarian. They will evaluate your dog’s overall health and determine its ideal weight. Your veterinarian can also recommend a specific diet plan tailored to your Havanese’s needs and suggest an appropriate exercise regimen.
• Measure food portions. Portion control is essential when feeding an overweight Havanese. You can use a measuring cup or a kitchen scale to ensure you feed your pet the recommended amount. Be sure to follow the feeding instructions on the dog food bag or your veterinarian’s recommendations.
• Choose high-quality dog food. The quality of dog food is crucial for your dog’s health and weight. Look for high-quality dog food designed for small-breed dogs. The food should also contain high-quality protein and essential nutrients to support your Havanese’s overall health.
• Avoid table scraps and treats. Table scraps and treats can add unnecessary calories to your Havanese diet. While it may be tempting to treat your furry friend, limiting the number of treats you give them is essential. Instead, offer your Havanese healthy snacks, such as carrot sticks, green beans, or small chicken or turkey pieces.

Feeding an overweight Havanese requires careful attention to their diet and exercise routine. By working with your veterinarian and following these tips, you can help your furry friend reach a healthy weight and live a long life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The first step in ensuring you feed your Havanese enough is to consult your veterinarian. A personalized feeding plan based on your dog’s specific needs, age, and activity level can be provided.

Adhering to the feeding guidelines while adjusting the food amount according to your dog’s weight, age, and activity level is important.

Also, monitor your dog’s weight, look for signs of hunger or overfeeding, and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

Why Is My Havanese Not Eating?

There are several reasons why your Havanese may refuse to eat, and it is essential to identify the underlying cause to address the issue.

For instance, medical conditions, such as dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, infections, or illnesses, can cause a loss of appetite in dogs.

If your Havanese isn’t eating and has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in behavior, you should take them to the vet for a checkup immediately.

Can I Feed My Havanese With Human Food?

Some human foods can be harmful or toxic to dogs, while others can provide nutritional benefits. Before giving your Havanese any human food, you should learn about the possible risks and benefits and talk to your vet.

If you decide to incorporate human food into your Havanese diet, it’s important to do so in moderation and consult your veterinarian.

Introduce human food to your pet’s diet gradually and in small amounts to avoid digestive issues.

Do Havanese Eat a Lot?

Havanese dogs generally do not eat much compared to larger dog breeds. However, their appetite can vary depending on age, activity level, and overall health.

Havanese puppies may eat more frequently than adult dogs, as they require more energy for growth and development. As they mature, their appetite may decrease.

Several factors can also affect your Havanese’s appetite. For instance, if your pet is highly active and engaged in physical activity, it may require more food to meet its energy needs.

Can Havanese Eat Bones?

Bones can break into small pieces or splinters, which can get lodged in your Havanese’s throat and cause choking. Feeding your pet with bones can also cause teeth to fracture, leading to pain and dental problems.

In addition, bones can cause digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Pieces of bone can also get stuck in your Havanese’s intestines, causing blockages that require surgery to remove.

But while it’s generally not recommended to feed your Havanese bones, some types of bones are safer than others. If you decide to give your Havanese bones as a treat, choose bones that are soft and easy to chew.

We hope this article made you more confident with feeding your pet Havanese. If you have any more questions or thoughts about the Havanese diet, feel free to leave a comment below!