Each study participant was then asked to measure out three amounts of dry dog food \u2014 \u00bc cup, \u00bd cup and 1 cup \u2014 using their assigned measuring cup or scoop. The volume of kibble measured by each dog owner was weighed on an electronic gram scale and compared to the correct weight.<\/p>\n
The results revealed substantial inaccuracies in kibble measurements, ranging from 48 percent too little to 152 percent too much dog food. However, inaccuracy varied with the measuring tool used and the amount being measured. Dog owners using the 2-cup liquid measuring cup were most likely to inaccurately measure all three portions. Study participants were most accurate when they used a 1-cup dry-ingredient measuring cup to serve 1 cup of kibble.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe found it particularly concerning to see how often participants over-measured the assigned portions, particularly given that there is an ongoing problem with obesity,\u201d said lead author Jason Coe, DVM, PhD, in a University of Guelph news release<\/a>. \u201cDog owners can easily overfeed their animals if they don\u2019t measure out portions correctly, putting their animals at risk of several obesity-related diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n A measuring cup or scoop is the most obvious way to measure out dry dog or cat food. But if measuring cups are imperfect tools, what should a concerned dog or cat owner do?<\/p>\n One approach for improving accuracy is to use a dry-food (or ingredient) measuring cup that\u2019s matched to the amount of kibble needed<\/strong>. Consider buying a set of quality dry measuring cups specifically for your pet\u2019s food. Before you buy, check out some of the online reviews, like the ones here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n When measuring kibble, try to be consistent with your measurement technique<\/strong> each time. Consider scooping kibble from the package, shaking or tapping the measuring cup gently and leveling the amount of kibble so that it\u2019s level with the rim of the cup. (No mounds of kibble above the cup\u2019s rim!)<\/p>\n Another approach for improving accuracy is to decrease the number of times you measure kibble<\/strong> during the day. Simply measure out the full amount of food your dog needs for the day and place it in a storage container or plastic food storage bag. Then, when it comes time to feed your dog, you can \u201ceyeball\u201d how you divide the food for each meal. If you feed two meals daily, then split the daily amount roughly in half. If you prefer to feed three meals daily, then split the daily amount into thirds.<\/p>\n Finally, according to Coe and other veterinary nutritionists<\/a>, the gold standard is to use a kitchen food scale<\/strong> to weigh the amount of kibble you\u2019re feeding your pet. Some pet food manufacturers now include the weights (in grams) of serving sizes as part of the feeding guide on their dry pet food packages. Some companies report how much an 8-ounce measuring cup of a particular food weighs in grams or ounces so you can do the math (dry-ingredient measuring cups measure by volume, not weight). If you really want to start weighing your pet\u2019s kibble but the feeding guide only includes volume measurements, contact the pet food manufacturer\u2019s customer service team for information. You can reach Diamond\u2019s customer service team by calling 1-866-214-6945<\/a>. The weight of 1 cup of food likely varies from one formula to the next, so you\u2019ll want to know which brand and<\/em> formula you\u2019re feeding when asking for information.<\/p>\n Feeding the correct amount of food is as important to your pet\u2019s nutrition and overall health as choosing the \u201cright\u201d food. A pet\u2019s nutrient requirements aren\u2019t just met by the nutrient levels in a food. The amount of food offered and eaten, including treats, help satisfy a pet\u2019s nutritional needs. If you have questions about what and how much to feed your pet, please talk with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat\u2019s a pet owner to do?<\/h2>\n
The bottom line<\/h2>\n