Dog Food for Portuguese Water Dogs
The Portuguese Water Dog worked alongside fishermen on Portugal's coast, herding fish into nets, retrieving lost gear, and carrying messages between boats. That heritage shows today in an athletic, water-loving, highly trainable dog. Porties usually weigh 35 to 60 lb and have a single-layer coat, either curly or wavy, that sheds very little but grows continuously and needs regular grooming.
Like Poodles, Porties have hair rather than fur, so their owners care a lot about coat quality, along with steady energy and easy digestion.
Why Your Best Friend fits Portuguese Water Dogs
Support for a coat that keeps growing
Omega-3 fatty acids (1.5% min), zinc, vitamin E (400 IU/kg min), and biotin support healthy skin and a strong, glossy coat.
Fish-first, like the breed
Salmon and fish are the protein, with no chicken, corn, wheat, or soy, plus pre-, pro-, and postbiotics for steady digestion.
Energy for an athlete
27% protein and 15% fat (minimums) at a moderate 385 calories per cup: fuel for swimming and play without making it easy to overfeed.
Heart health, guaranteed
Guaranteed taurine (0.10% min) and L-Carnitine (300 mg/kg min), in one formula from puppyhood through the senior years.
How much to feed a Portuguese Water Dog
These are starting points for an average adult with a normal activity level. Adjust to keep your dog lean: the ribs should be easy to feel under the coat.
| Adult weight | Cups per day | A 28 lb bag lasts about |
|---|---|---|
| 35 lb | 2¼ | 7½ weeks |
| 45 lb | 2¾ | 6 weeks |
| 60 lb | 3½ | 5 weeks |
Puppies need more food per pound than adults, so split their daily amount into three or four meals. Your vet can help you fine-tune portions as your puppy grows.
Related breeds: Standard Poodles · Wheaten Terriers · Labradoodles · All breeds