What to feed a Whippet
A Whippet needs a food that respects two things about the breed: a naturally lean, fast metabolism that often needs more calories per kilo of bodyweight than a stockier dog of the same size, and very little body fat for insulation, which affects how you manage weight and warmth together rather than food alone.
Why Whippets often need more food than they look like they should
Whippets are built for speed, with a naturally lean frame and a visible waist and rib outline that's normal for the breed rather than a sign of being underweight. Because of their fast metabolism and low body fat, many Whippets need a calorie-dense food relative to their size to maintain a healthy weight, and owners new to sighthounds sometimes underfeed them by comparing their body shape to a stockier breed.
That said, 'lean' isn't the same as 'too thin' — ribs that are easily felt with a light covering are the target, not a dog whose spine and hip bones are sharply visible. If you're unsure where your Whippet sits, a body condition check with your vet is more useful than judging by eye alone.
Puppies, adults and seniors
As a medium-sized but fine-boned breed, a Whippet puppy does well on a food formulated for their size rather than a large-breed formula, since they don't carry the same joint-loading concerns as a genuinely large or giant breed. Growth should still be steady rather than rapid, so stick to the feeding guide for your puppy's current weight and adjust as they grow.
Adult Whippets generally suit a standard complete food for a medium, moderately active breed, with the amount adjusted for how much running and exercise your individual dog actually gets — a Whippet who does regular lure coursing or fast off-lead runs will need more than one who's mostly a sofa companion with gentle walks.
What to look for on the label
A named protein source and a calorie content that matches your dog's real activity level are the main things to check, rather than chasing the highest-calorie option by default. Whippets can also be prone to sensitive stomachs in some lines, so a simpler ingredient list is worth considering if you notice recurring loose stools.
Introduce any new food gradually over a week, and keep an eye on body condition through the coat as much as the ribs — a Whippet in good condition typically has a visible waist, a slight tuck-up behind the ribs, and a coat with a healthy shine rather than a dull, thin-looking one.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
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
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Burgess Supadog Adult Complete Dog Active
Complete dry food for active adult dogs, built around poultry meal and calcium for bone health
£29.15
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
James Wellbeloved Adult Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice
A hypoallergenic dry food for adult dogs, in small and large breed versions, built around single-source turkey protein
From£45.75
Common questions
- Why does my Whippet always look thin?
- A visible waist and easily-felt ribs are normal for a healthy Whippet and reflect the breed's naturally lean build, not necessarily underfeeding. If you can see the spine or hip bones sharply, or your dog seems to be losing condition, that's worth checking with your vet rather than assuming it's just 'how Whippets look'.
- Do Whippets get cold easily?
- Yes, their short coat and low body fat mean they lose heat quickly, which is a warmth and management issue more than a food one, though a Whippet burning extra calories to stay warm in cold weather may need slightly more food during winter months.
- How much should I feed a Whippet?
- Start with the feeding guide on your chosen food based on your Whippet's weight, then adjust based on their actual activity level and body condition — many Whippets need more than a similarly-sized but stockier breed because of their fast metabolism.
- Are Whippets prone to food sensitivities?
- Some individual Whippets do have sensitive stomachs, though it isn't universal to the breed. A simpler, single-protein diet is a reasonable first thing to try if you notice ongoing loose stools or an unsettled tummy that your vet hasn't linked to another cause.
Related
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.