How much to feed a lurcher
Lurchers are sighthound crosses and they are built lean, which makes feeding guidance written for an average dog of the same weight misleading. Start from the food manufacturer's figure for your dog's weight, then adjust to what you can feel rather than what the packet says, because a lurcher in good condition looks thinner than most people expect.
Start with the packet, then adjust
Complete food packaging gives a daily amount by bodyweight, and it is a reasonable starting point. It is not a prescription: activity level, age, whether the dog is neutered and individual metabolism all shift the real requirement.
Split the daily amount across two meals rather than one, particularly for deep-chested dogs. Feeding one large meal and exercising soon after is associated with bloat, which is a serious risk in that body shape.
Judging a sighthound
On a lurcher you should be able to see the last couple of ribs, feel the spine and hips easily, and see a clear waist and tuck. That looks alarmingly thin to someone used to Labradors and it is correct for the breed type.
What you should not see is prominent hip bones with no covering at all, or a dog that is losing condition week on week. The difference between lean and underweight is real and your vet can show you where the line sits for your dog.
Working and resting lurchers
A lurcher that is regularly working or coursing burns a great deal more than one that does two walks a day, and the difference between those two lives can be substantial. Feed to the work being done rather than to a fixed figure.
Many lurchers also lose condition in cold weather because they carry very little fat and have thin coats, so a winter increase is common and reasonable.
Feeding kit
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
LickiMat OH Bowl for Dogs — Slow Feeder with Tongue-Cleaning Tips
A vet-developed dog feeding bowl with raised rubber tips that clean the tongue as your dog licks — calming, dishwasher safe, and available in three sizes.
From£12.99
Tarhong Paw Ikat Teal Pet Placemat – BPA-Free PVC & EVA
A vibrant teal ikat placemat with paw print accents — BPA-free, wipe-clean, and 29 × 48 cm for protecting floors under pet bowls.
£8.49
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Tarhong Country Orchard Melamine Pet Saucer
A pretty fruit and floral orchard-print melamine saucer for pets — BPA-free, non-slip, shatterproof, and dishwasher safe at 13.2 cm.
£9.49
Common questions
- Why does my lurcher look so thin?
- Because sighthound types are built that way. Visible last ribs, easily felt hips and a pronounced waist are normal for a lurcher in good condition, and dogs of this shape look underweight against a stockier breed.
- How many meals a day should a lurcher have?
- Two is generally preferred to one, particularly given the deep chest. Feeding a single large meal and exercising around it is associated with bloat, which is serious and fast-moving.
- Should I feed more in winter?
- Often yes. Lurchers carry little body fat and have thin coats, so many lose condition in cold weather. A modest increase through the winter is common, adjusted by what you can feel.
- How do I know if my lurcher is actually underweight?
- If the hips and spine are prominent with no covering at all, or the dog is losing condition week on week, that is beyond lean. A vet can assess body condition properly and rule out anything underlying.
Related
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.