Unless you’re an avid baker or food specialist, you probably haven’t given much thought to your kitchen measuring cups and spoons. The same probably goes for the measuring cup or spoon you use to prepare your pet’s food. After all, a cup is a cup is a cup, right?
It turns out that’s not always the case.
Not for those in your kitchen. Not for those used to feed your dog or cat.
To complicate matters, it turns out that pet owners aren’t very accurate when measuring dry dog food. At least that’s what researchers at the University of Guelph found. And based on their findings, consistent measurement errors could lead to undernutrition, weight gain, or obesity in pets.
Study tests dog owners’ measurement skills
The study, published in the journal Veterinary file, asked 100 dog owners to use one of three common tools for measuring kibble: a standard 2-cup scoop with graduated markings, sold at a local pet store; a 2-cup liquid measuring cup typically used for cooking and baking; and a one-cup plastic dry ingredient measuring cup.
Each study participant was then asked to measure three amounts of dry dog food – ¼ cup, ½ cup and 1 cup – using their assigned measuring cup or spoon. The volume of kibble measured by each dog owner was weighed on an electronic scale and compared to the correct weight.
The results revealed substantial inaccuracies in the kibble measurements, ranging from 48% too little to 152% too much dog food. However, the inaccuracy varied depending on the measuring tool used and the quantity measured. Dog owners using the 2-cup liquid measuring cup were most likely to inaccurately measure all three servings. Study participants were most accurate when using a 1-cup dry ingredient measuring cup to serve 1 cup of kibble.
“We found it particularly concerning how often participants over-measure assigned portions, especially since there is a persistent problem with obesity,” said lead author Jason Coe, DVM, PhD, in a press release from the University of Guelph. “Dog owners can easily overfeed their pets if they don’t measure portions correctly, putting their pets at risk for several obesity-related diseases.”
What should a pet owner do?
A measuring cup or spoon is the most obvious way to measure dry dog or cat food. But if measuring cups are imperfect tools, what should a worried dog or cat owner do?
One approach to improve accuracy is to use a dry food (or ingredient) measuring cup suitable for the amount of kibble needed. Consider buying a set of quality dry measuring cups specifically for your pet’s food. Before you buy, check out some of the reviews online, like the ones here and here.
When measuring kibble, try to be consistent with your measurement technique every time. Consider removing the kibble from the package, gently shaking or tapping the measuring cup, and leveling the amount of kibble so it’s flush with the rim of the cup. (No mounds of kibble above the rim of the cup!)
Another approach to improving accuracy is to decrease the number of times you measure kibble during the day. Simply measure out the total amount of food your dog needs for the day and place it in a storage container or plastic storage bag. Then, when it comes time to feed your dog, you can “watch” how you divide the food for each meal. If you give two meals a day, divide the daily amount approximately by two. If you prefer to give three meals a day, divide the daily amount into three.
Finally, according to Coe and other veterinary nutritionists, the gold standard is use a kitchen scale to weigh the amount of kibble you give your pet. Some pet food manufacturers now include serving weights (in grams) in the feeding guide on their dry pet food packages. Some companies list the weight of an 8-ounce measuring cup of a particular food 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’s kibble but the feeding guide only includes volume measurements, contact the pet food manufacturer’s customer service for more information. You can reach Diamond’s customer service team by calling 1-800-442-0402. The weight of a cup of food will most likely vary from formula to formula, so you’ll want to know which brand And formula you give when you ask for information.
The bottom line
Feeding the right amount of food is as important to your pet’s nutrition and overall health as choosing the “right” food. An animal’s nutrient needs are not only met by the nutrient levels in a feed. The amount of food offered and consumed, including treats, helps meet the animal’s nutritional needs. If you have any questions about what and how much to feed your pet, please speak with your veterinarian.
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