Schnauzers like to eat. They also like to beg for food, if not trained consistently and properly. When those large eyes stare you down and that iconic beard is begging to nuzzle in some food, it’s hard to resist. However, the entire Schnauzer breed has every reason to be reigned in when it comes to how much they eat. I wanted some basic numbers and facts to guide my own approach to feeding our Livi, and here’s what a lot of research has revealed (hint: the answer is more complex than you might think).
How much and when should Schnauzers eat? Depending on your Schnauzer’s size and activity level, the daily calorie range can be anywhere from 150 to 2800. All Schnauzers should be fed a controlled amount 2-3 times per day to avoid known Schnauzer issues such as weight gain, pancreatitis, and bloat.
The tables below give specific amounts of dry food for each breed based on weight and age.
Calorie control and quality isn’t just for humans, your Schnauzer needs to control his calories and eat a high quality diet for many reasons.
My Favorite Prepared Foods
Before we get to the specifics of dry food, I want to share a healthy, time-saving option. As pet parents, the desire to feed our pups (young or old) the healthiest diet possible seems to be growing faster than ever.
Many of us want to offer human-grade food that is at least as healthy as what we serve to our families. Raw food diets, homecooking for pets, and food delivery options are definitely on the rise.
I’ve cooked for our Schnauzer, Livi, and also use home-delivery services formulated specifically for her tendency to develope bladder stones.
The two below, Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog are my two favorite options. They might just become your favorite, as well.
As a Schnauzer Collective reader, click either image below to receive 50% off of your order, customized to your Schnauzer’s specific needs.
I encourage you to consider them!
General Feeding Guidelines for Dry Food
The challenge is that how much, when, and even what to feed your Miniature, Standard, or Giant Schnauzer is not as straightforward as it sounds.
Let’s first cover an overview of feeding amounts by weight, then highlight options for controlling your Schnauzer’s intake, and cover “special case” feeding suggestions.
Then, we’ll dive into specific feeding suggestions for each Schnauzer breed, cover the health reasons behind why managing your Schnauzer’s feeding schedule is imperative, and wrap up with diet options and nutrient ratio recommendations.
Schnauzer Feeding Chart By Weight
For a quick glance at how much you should feed your Schnauzer, based only on weight, refer to the table below.
When you are measuring food, use a standard 8 oz. measuring cup.
Keep in mind that the recommendations below are based purely on weight and don’t take into account your Schnauzer’s age, activity level, or other health considerations.
This is, however, a solid basic guideline and will give you a foundational place to start.
“Calorie control and quality isn’t just for humans, your Schnauzer needs to control his calories and eat a high quality diet for many reasons.”
THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE
Later in this article, we’ll talk about the general guidelines for each of the Schnauzer breeds.
Just to be clear, the quantity of food recommended in this article is based on the dry kibble of your choice. We have some excellent dry food recommendations, and if you are interested in fresh, dehydrated food, we recommend The Honest Kitchen.
And remember that there are always excellent food delivery services such as Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog.
Some pet parents I’ve talked to use their favorite, high-quality dry kibble in combination with a meal delivery service, using the human-grade delivered meals as a “topper” for the kibble.
Remember that the amounts below are daily amounts and should be spread out between 2-4 meals.
| WEIGHT | AMOUNT OF FOOD |
|---|---|
| 3 lbs | 1/3 cup, approximately 140 calories |
| 6 lbs | 1/2 cup, approximately 335 calories |
| 10 lbs | 3/4 cup, approximately 345 calories |
| 15 lbs | 1 cup, approximately 465 calories |
| 20 lbs | 1 1/3 cup, approximately 575 calories |
| 30 lbs | 1 3/4 cup, approximately 780 calories |
| 40 lbs | 2 1/4 cup, approximately 970 calories |
| 50 lbs | 2 2/3 cup, approximately 1145 calories |
| 60 lbs | 3 cups, approximately 1315 calories |
| 70 lbs | 3 1/2 cups, approximately 1475 calories |
| 80 lbs | 3 3/4 cups, approximately 1630 calories |
| 90 lbs | 4 1/4 cup, approximately 1780 calories |
| 100 lbs | 4 1/2 cups, approximately 1975 calories |
Effective Ways to Control Your Schnauzer’s Dry Food
In addition to simply measuring your Schnauzer’s food and pouring it into a bowl, you have some creative and effective ways of controlling how fast he eats.
Schnauzers are prone to pancreatitis and need to avoid high-fat food and overeating. In addition to controlling how much he eats, you should also offer a low-fat, weight-management formula.
In addition, Giant Schnauzers are prone to bloat. This is a potentially life-threatening, stomach-twisting situation covered in detail later in this article. It is essential to control not only how much your Giant Schnauzer eats, but also how fast he eats.
Here are some very helpful ways to manage your Schnauzer’s feedings:
Slow Feeders
Dog bowls that are designed to essentially make your Schnauzer work for his meal are terrific ways to work his brain while slowing down his eating. These slow feeder dog bowls are creative, effective solutions to a fast-eating Schnauzers.
Raised Feeders
While raised feeders don’t solve every feeding problem, such as fast eating or a tendency towards bloat, they do prevent your Schnauzer from playing in his water and aggressively moving the bowl around. They are also good for Schnauzers with pain or joint problems, and may be useful for Schnauzers with injuries that makes bending their neck down to eat painful or difficult.
Automated Feeders
Automated feeders are a terrific option if you want exact and timed portion control. They are especially helpful if you need to be gone during the day or simply want to automate the process of feeding your Schnauzer on a schedule.
Ceramic Bowls
Heavy ceramic bowls are helpful for feeding large dogs like Giant Schnauzers, or dogs that aggressively move their food bowl around. The weight of ceramic bowls helps to keep them in place and is a safe alternative to standard stainless steel bowls.
Special Feeding Rules: Puppies, Pregnant Schnauzers, and Senior Schnauzers
As if determining how much, when, and what to feed your Schnauzer wasn’t potentially complex enough, here are a few more life-stage facts you should know.
Puppies
Schnauzer puppies generally require 2-3 times the amount of food an adult Schnauzer needs. Be sure to spread the meals out across between 2-4 offerings throughout the day.
Mothers
Pregnant or lactating Schnauzers can be allowed to free-feed based on her particular appetite, caloric needs, and interest. Generally speaking, pregnant or lactating females will be able to self-monitor their needs.
Seniors
Senior Schnauzers may only need ¾ of the amount they ate as adults. Read my article Can Older Schnauzers Be Trained for a breakdown of when each Schnauzer breed approaches senior age. The senior ages are also in each table below.
Now that we have some basics under our belt, let’s take a closer look at the general recommendations for each Schnauzer breed.
How Much and How Often Should a Miniature Schnauzer Eat?
- Height: 10-24 inches
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
- Food: 3/4 – 1 cup each day, spread over two meals
- Intelligence: Ranked in the top 12 of 140 dogs
- Popularity: Ranked 18th out of 190 dogs
Miniature Schnauzers generally weigh between 12 and 20 pounds and do not need many calories to be healthy.
In addition, teacup-sized Miniature Schnauzers might only weigh between 6-8 pounds.
Depending on their weight, Miniatures only need between 150 and 480 calories each day. If your Mini is very active, she may need up to 775 calories, while seniors will probably only need roughly 400 calories every day.
Miniature Schnauzers are specifically prone to pancreatitis, diabetes, and weight gain. Controlling her portions will help to keep her healthy.
In addition to the weight guideline for portions above, here are some guidelines specific to Miniature Schnauzers based on age.
Keep in mind that you will be the best judge of her activity level and overall health. Please consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about feeding.
| AGE | FEEDING SCHEDULE |
|---|---|
| 8-12 Weeks | 1/4 cup, 3-4 times per day |
| 3-6 Months | 1/3 cup, 3 times per day |
| 6-12 Months | 1/2 cup, 2-3 times per day |
| 1-2 Years | 1/2 cup, 2 times per day |
| Adult (2+) | 1 cup, 2 times per day |
| Senior (10+) | 3/4 cup, 2 times per day |
How Much and How Often Should a Standard Schnauzer Eat?
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 35-45 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Food: 1-2 cups each day, spread over two meals
- Intelligence: Ranked in the top 22 of 140 dogs
- Popularity: Ranked 90th out of 190 dogs
Standard Schnauzers can generally weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. As adults, they need approximately 1,000 calories per day. If your Standard is very active, she may need up to 1,600 calories per day, and seniors only need around 800 per day.
While Standard Schnauzers are the healthiest of all Schnauzer breeds, they are still prone to health issues associated with weight gain. Controlling his portions will ensure that weight, and any related health problems, are kept to a minimum.
In addition to the weight guideline for portions above, here are some guidelines specific to Standard Schnauzers based on age.
Keep in mind that you will be the best judge of her activity level and overall health. Please consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about feeding.
| AGE | FEEDING SCHEDULE |
|---|---|
| 8-12 Weeks | 1 cup, 3-4 times per day |
| 3-6 Months | 1 1/2cups, 3 times per day |
| 6-12 Months | 1 1/2 cup, 2-3 times per day |
| 1-2 Years | 1 1/2 cup, 2 times per day |
| Adult (2+) | 1 1/3 cup, 2 times per day |
| Senior (7+) | 3/4 cup, 2 times per day |
How Much and How Often Should a Giant Schnauzer Eat?
- Height: 23-28 inches
- Weight: 65-110 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Food: 4-5 cups each day, spread over two or more small meals
- Intelligence: Ranked in the top 35 of 140 dogs
- Popularity: Ranked 80th out of 190 dogs
By far the largest of all Schnauzer breeds, Giant Schnauzers need plenty of food. They need between 1-2 hours of exercise each day and males can weigh upwards of 110 pounds.
As large working dogs, they can still be found on farms and demand a lot of activity to remain psychological and physically healthy.
Adult Giant Schnauzers generally need 1,680 calories each day, and very active Giants, or those who will work on farms, will need as many as 2,800 calories per day. Seniors may only need around 1,500 calories to maintain good health.
Giant Schnauzers are particularly prone to bloat, which is common among large, barrel-chested dogs. If your Giant Schnauzer eats too much too quickly, the air intake can cause his stomach to twist. The result is severe, life-threating, and will require surgery. As a result, controlling portions and using bowls that slow down feeding are essential.
In addition to the weight guideline for portions above, here are some guidelines specific to Giant Schnauzers based on age.
Keep in mind that you will be the best judge of her activity level and overall health. Please consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about feeding.
| AGE | FEEDING SCHEDULE |
|---|---|
| 8-12 Weeks | 1 cup, 4 times per day |
| 3-6 Months | 1 3/4 cups, 3 times per day |
| 6-12 Months | 1 3/4 cups, 2-3 times per day |
| 1-2 Years | 1 1/2 cup, 2-3 times per day |
| Adult (2+) | 1 1/3 cup, 2-3 times per day |
| Senior (5+) | 1 cup, 2-3 times per day |
Why Should You Control How Much Your Schnauzer Eats?
Schnauzers can be voracious eaters at times if they are left to control their feeding habits. Unfortunately, they are highly susceptible to many illnesses related to overeating, which can cause severe health problems. Thus, as much as possible, you should avoid free-feeding your Schnauzer (unless she is pregnant or lactating) if you want her to have a long and healthy life.
Here are some of the most common health problems that can arise due to overeating.
Weight gain
Schnauzers, like human beings, also gain excess weight due to overeating. Though they need a lot energy for their exercise, most of them will not utilize all the calories that their bodies absorb from the food they eat. As a result, these unused calories will be converted and stored as fat in their body. This will lead to increased weight, which may lead to digestive and metabolic disorders, heart diseases, back pain, breathing and kidney problem. In severe cases, many of these health issues can cause death.
Diabetes
Although your Schnauzer requires energy giving food, you should ensure that you don’t feed him too many carbohydrates, especially wheat products. A balanced diet is always recommended. Overeating carbs can lead to a high concentration of sugar in the blood, which may cause serious health problems. Schnauzers are prone to diabetes and diet is a key cause.
Pancreatitis
This is a digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the pancreas. It is common when your Schnauzer eats too fast or too much food than his stomach can tolerate. Pancreatitis is particularly cause and aggravated by a diet that is too high in fat. Due to the vital role played by the pancreas of production of insulin, a Schnauzer suffering from this problem will show symptoms such as vomiting, fever, diarrhea, dehydration, and stomach pain. At its worst, pancreatitis can lead to death or cause long term health problems like diabetes.
Bloat
Bloat, also known as Dilation Volvulus, it is a very real danger with Schnauzers (particularly Giant Schnauzers) that overeat or eat very fast. It can occur if your Schnauzer is gulping down a large amount of air with his food. When his stomach volume reaches it maximum food capacity and is filled with air, it begins twisting and turning. This blocks food from passing from the stomach to the small intestine. Bloat is life-threating and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Should Your Feed Your Schnauzer BARF, Cooked Homemade, or Dry Kibble?
Schnauzer’s nutritional needs are different enough from human’s needs that you will absolutely want to offer an AAFCO balanced diet. These requirements ensure that all canine nutritional needs are met.
However, there are several approaches to meeting canine nutritional requirements and it can feel overwhelming.
While this article isn’t dedicated to covering your options comprehensively, the articles below will give you a starting point, if you are interested:
This WebMd article outlines the pros and cons of raw food, cooked homemade diets, and dry kibble diets. It will give you a good foundation for making some decisions.
This American Kennel Club article addresses the subject of cooking homemade meals, and this ingredient calculator is designed to help you prepare more balanced canine meals.
This Perfectly Rawsome site is a knowledge-base and provides information specifically for BARF (an acronym for “Bones and Raw Foods).
You can see our dry food recommendations, and you might also be interested in home delivery options such as Barf World, The Farmer’s Dog, and NomNomNow, all of which offer forms of raw and whole dog foods shipped directly to you.
You will also want to read my article Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer Should NEVER Eat?.
What Makes A High-Quality Dog Food?
As a final note, because you have many alternatives for what to feed your Schnauzer, ensuring that her diet is optimized for nutritional value is important.
High quality dry dog foods are, for the most part, created with the following recommendations in mind. If you are implementing either a BARF (raw food) diet, or are preparing homemade meals for your Schnauzer, the guidelines below should still be met.
Here are primary ingredients and proportions that should be in your Schnauzer’s meal plan:
Protein
Protein is an essential food ingredient that should not miss in your Schnauzer’s diet. They provide him with ten essential amino acids that are vital for a healthy life. According to the National Academy of Science (NAS), Schnauzers, like other dogs, should get 10% of their calories from protein. Protein sources include eggs, meat, soy, poultry, fish, and legumes.
Fiber and Carbohydrates
According to NAS, a nutritional balance diet of a Schnauzer should contain between 2.3% to 4.5% of fiber and 50% carbohydrates. These can be obtained from plant foods like legumes and cereals grains like oats and barley. Avoid wheat products as much as possible, as most of the Schnauzers are allergic to wheat products. Besides, these products may also cause weight gain.
Fats
Fat is a significant source of energy that helps to transport vitamins throughout your Schnauzer’s body. Additionally, they help in cell functions, prevent dry, flaky skin as well as help to keep his skin and fur healthy and attractive. According to NAS, dog food should carry 5% fat. Fat obtained from some nuts and meat fat is a good source of fat and fatty acids.
Dairy supplements Supplements like vitamin D and calcium are essential for the proper development of strong bones and teeth. You can use bits like cheese to add calcium to your Schnauzer’s diet. Note that Schnauzers are prone to Oxylate stones in their bladder, a condition caused by high levels of calcium. As a result, be careful with calcium supplementation. If your Schnauzer has suffered from stones, your veterinarian can recommend a lower calcium food that will decrease the chance of stones re-developing.
And finally, from one pet parent to another, discover my all-time favorite resources designed to cover your every Schnauzer need. I’ve done the legwork for you so you can spend more time with the people and fur friends in your life.
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They train and register pets to become therapy animals,
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