Why does my retired racing Greyhound need less food than expected?

A dog who trained and raced was burning far more calories than a pet living a normal, considerably less active life. Feeding at the same level as their racing days is one of the more common reasons retired Greyhounds gain weight as pets.

How many meals a day should a Greyhound have?

Many owners and vets favour two or more smaller meals over one large one, partly because deep-chested breeds carry a higher risk of bloat. Your vet can advise on the best pattern for your individual dog's age and routine.

Should I exercise my Greyhound straight after feeding?

It is generally better to avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after a meal in deep-chested breeds, as a precaution against bloat. A calm period either side of a meal is a simple habit worth building into your dog's routine.

How much to feed a Greyhound

There is no single figure for how much to feed a Greyhound, because the right amount depends heavily on age, activity level and whether your dog is a working sighthound or a retired racer settling into life as a pet. The starting point is the feeding guide on your food's packaging for your dog's weight, adjusted against how they actually look and feel, and checked with your vet.

Why Greyhounds are hard to generalise about

Greyhounds are lean, deep-chested sighthounds built for short bursts of speed rather than sustained heavy activity, and a naturally lean, visible waist and slightly visible ribs are normal for the breed rather than a sign of being underweight. This confuses some new owners used to judging condition on breeds carrying more natural padding.

Retired racing Greyhounds in particular often need considerably less food as pets than they did during their racing career, since a much lower activity level means a much lower calorie need. Feeding a retired racer as though they were still training is one of the more common ways owners accidentally let a Greyhound gain weight.

A method, not a fixed number

Start with the feeding guide on your dog's food for their current weight, then watch their body condition over the following weeks rather than treating that figure as final. You should be able to feel ribs easily under a thin layer of fat without seeing them prominently, and see a visible waist from above.

Adjust the amount gradually if your dog is gaining or losing condition, and reweigh periodically rather than guessing by eye alone, since coat length and lighting can make weight changes surprisingly hard to spot early. Your vet can check body condition properly at a routine visit and flag anything that needs adjusting.

Feeding around a deep chest

Deep-chested breeds including Greyhounds carry a higher risk of bloat, a serious and sudden condition, and many vets recommend feeding two or more smaller meals a day rather than one large one, along with avoiding strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating. This is a general precaution worth discussing with your vet rather than a fixed rule for every dog.

If your Greyhound ever appears to be trying to vomit without bringing anything up, has a visibly swollen abdomen, or seems suddenly distressed, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet immediately rather than waiting to see if it passes.

Feeding kit

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice

A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.

£49.00

Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken

An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.

£29.00

James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg

Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints

£82.35

Lily's Kitchen Dog Lean Machine — 10 x 150g Trays

Sold as a case: 10 x 150g trays. Lily's Kitchen's lowest-calorie wet recipe for adult dogs, in a 150G foil

£16.89

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Common questions

Why does my retired racing Greyhound need less food than expected?: A dog who trained and raced was burning far more calories than a pet living a normal, considerably less active life. Feeding at the same level as their racing days is one of the more common reasons retired Greyhounds gain weight as pets.
Is it normal to see a Greyhound's ribs?: Yes, a lean build with a visible waist and slightly visible ribs is normal and healthy for the breed, rather than a sign of being underweight. Your vet can confirm your individual dog's body condition at a check-up if you are unsure.
How many meals a day should a Greyhound have?: Many owners and vets favour two or more smaller meals over one large one, partly because deep-chested breeds carry a higher risk of bloat. Your vet can advise on the best pattern for your individual dog's age and routine.
Should I exercise my Greyhound straight after feeding?: It is generally better to avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after a meal in deep-chested breeds, as a precaution against bloat. A calm period either side of a meal is a simple habit worth building into your dog's routine.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.