Whippet
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Detailed guide to the best dog food for Whippets based on their medium size, moderate energy level, and health needs including heart disease.
Nutritional Needs of Whippets
As a medium hound breed with moderate energy levels, the Whippet has specific nutritional requirements that differ from other dogs. Understanding these needs is key to keeping your Whippet healthy throughout their 12-15 yrs lifespan.
Whippets typically weigh 25-40 lbs and need approximately 800–1,200 calories per day, depending on age, activity level, and metabolism. With moderate energy levels, most Whippets do well on standard feeding guidelines for their size.
Breed-Specific Health Profile: Research identifies heart disease, eye problems, anesthesia sensitivity as conditions with higher prevalence in Whippets. These are population-level trends, not individual certainties. Discuss with your veterinarian which screening tests are recommended for your Whippet.
Daily Feeding Guidelines
| Life Stage | Daily Amount | Meals Per Day | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2-6 months) | 1-2 cups | 3-4 | 500-1,000 |
| Puppy (6-12 months) | 1.5-2.5 cups | 2-3 | 700-1,200 |
| Adult | 1.5–2.5 cups | 2 | 800–1,200 |
| Senior (7+ years) | 1-2 cups | 2 | 600-1,000 |
Health-Specific Diet Considerations
Whippets are prone to several health conditions that can be managed or prevented through proper nutrition.
- Eye Problems: Look for foods with nutrients that support eye problems management
- Anesthesia Sensitivity: Look for foods with nutrients that support anesthesia sensitivity management
Best Protein Sources for Whippets
- Chicken and turkey: Lean, easily digestible proteins ideal for most Whippets
Foods to Avoid
Never feed your Whippet these dangerous foods.
- Macadamia nuts and alcohol
- Cooked bones (splintering risk)
Supplements Worth Considering
Based on Whippet-specific health concerns, these supplements may benefit your dog.
- Glucosamine: Supports joint health as your Whippet ages
Wet Food vs Dry Food for Whippets
Both wet and dry food have advantages for Whippets.
- Mixed feeding: Many Whippet owners find success combining both for balanced nutrition and variety
Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Common feeding errors that Whippet owners make include:
- Overuse of treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your Whippet's daily caloric intake. Many training treats are high in calories, so adjust meal portions accordingly.
- Ignoring body condition: Use the body condition score (BCS) system to assess your Whippet's weight rather than relying solely on scale numbers. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard.
Age-Specific Nutrition Considerations
Your Whippet's nutritional needs change significantly throughout their life.
Adult stage (1-7 years): Maintain a consistent feeding routine with measured portions. Monitor weight monthly and adjust food amounts based on activity level, seasonal changes, and body condition. Adult Whippets benefit from a protein content of 22-30%.
Senior stage (7+ years): Older Whippets may need fewer calories but higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. Senior formulas often include joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, plus antioxidants for cognitive health. Watch for changes in appetite.
More Whippet Guides
Find more specific guidance for Whippet health and care.
- Whippet Pet Insurance Cost
- How to Train a Whippet
- Whippet Grooming Guide
- Whippet Health Issues
- Whippet Temperament & Personality
- Whippet Exercise Needs
- Whippet Cost of Ownership
- Adopt a Whippet
Cardiac Health Monitoring
How much should I feed my Whippet?
Adult Whippets typically need 1.5–2.5 cups of high-quality food per day, split into two meals. Adjust based on your dog's activity level, age, and body condition score.
What is the best food brand for Whippets?
Look for foods that list real meat as the first ingredient, meet AAFCO standards, and address Whippet-specific health needs like heart disease. Brands offering medium breed-specific formulas are often a good choice.
Should I feed my Whippet grain-free food?
Mitral valve disease in a Whippet is a heart-valve problem, screened by listening and by echocardiogram. A grain-free bag does not take the place of a Whippet's echocardiogram. Feed this sighthound a complete dog food sized to ribs that are easy to feel. A grain allergy is uncommon in Whippets and is a clinic diagnosis.
Got a Specific Question?
What this means in practice is that two Whippet from different lines, raised in different environments, can display meaningfully different behavioral tendencies while still sharing core breed characteristics.
Before getting a Whippet, ask breeders for cardiac evaluations, eye certifications, and BAER testing.