Okay, let’s talk about feeding big dogs. I’ve got a Great Dane mix named Tank, and figuring out his food situation was a headache at first. That giant 60 lb bag staring at me in the store? Felt overwhelming. How long would it even last? Was I feeding him enough? Too much? Time to actually figure this out.
Started With What Tank Was Actually Eating
First thing I did was grab his old food scoop and measure what I thought he should get daily. Was dumping roughly 5 cups total – split between morning and night. Noticed two things right away:
- Tank was always sniffing around the kitchen like a furry vacuum cleaner an hour after meals.
- His ribs were kinda hard to feel under all that fur and muscle.
Felt like maybe he wasn’t getting enough. But guessing? That’s stupid. Needed proper numbers.
Dug Into The Bag & Actually Read The Label
Grabbed the big 60 lb bag of his kibble. Found the feeding chart – usually ignore these, but this time I squinted at it. Chart recommended between 4 to 6 cups PER DAY for his weight range (around 100 lbs).
Wait, what? That’s way less than I thought big dogs needed! Felt confused. Was the chart for active dogs? Lazy ones? Didn’t say. Just a vague range.
Measured Everything For Real This Time
Started actually using a measuring cup, not eyeballing it. Set the scoop aside – too inconsistent.
- Week 1: Fed exactly what the bag recommended for his weight – 4 cups daily (2 cups twice a day).
- Observed Tank: He became even more obsessed with food scraps. Started looking… leaner? Not necessarily good lean.
My dude seemed hungrier. Walked him the same amount. Weather wasn’t crazy hot or cold either.
The Adjustment Phase & Finding Tank’s Sweet Spot
Okay, maybe the bag’s “average” didn’t cut it for Tank. Added half a cup daily (so 4.5 cups total).
- Week 2: Measured 2.25 cups per meal. Threw it in his bowl.
- Observed Tank: Less scavenging. Easier to feel his ribs with light pressure (couldn’t see them easily, but could feel ’em). He looked more comfortable.
This felt closer. Stuck with 4.5 cups daily, weighing him monthly. Weight stayed stable.
How Long Does That Giant 60 lb Bag Actually Last?
Here’s the real-world math:
- Tank gets 4.5 cups daily.
- His specific kibble: About 4 cups per pound (checked this by weighing measured cups).
- Total cups in a 60 lb bag: 60 lbs 4 cups/lb = 240 cups.
- Bag lasts: 240 cups ÷ 4.5 cups/day = roughly 53 days. Almost two months!
Way longer than I guessed initially. Good for the wallet.
The Takeaway For Other Big Dog Owners
Forget guessing. Here’s what worked:
- Start with the bag’s guideline, but know it’s just a starting point.
- Measure every meal religiously with a cup. No eyeballing.
- Watch your dog like a hawk those first few weeks:
- Begging constantly? Probably too little.
- Gaining weight or looking sluggish? Probably too much.
- Feel their ribs. Should be covered but easy to feel without digging.
- Adjust slowly. Add or subtract only a little food each week, then check again.
Tank needed a little more than the “average” on his bag. Your big dog might need less or spot on. Don’t trust the scoop. Trust measuring, watching, and feeling. That 60 lb bag lasts way longer when you know you’re feeding exactly what keeps ’em happy and healthy.
