Vizsla feeding chart – how to feed your Vizsla

Pets Can Smile – 14 July 2024

You can’t just give your Vizsla any food – and in any amount.

Yes, your Vizsla has specific food requirements.

So you need to know:

• When to feed your Vizsla
• How much food your Vizsla needs (puppy, adult, or senior)
• What are the specific food qualities for your Vizsla

But worry not, this Vizsla feeding chart covers it all.

Let’s do this. 

Let’s quickly find out how you should feed your Vizsla – so your dog can become the best it can ever be! 

Vizsla feeding chart

Giving your Vizsla the right food at the right time and quantity is critical.

Here are Vizsla feeding schedules for: 

• Vizsla puppies
• Adult Vizslas
• Senior Vizslas

Vizsla feeding chart (puppy)

Age	Number of cups (per day)	Kilocalories (per day)
2 – 3 months	2.63 – 3.73	288 – 397
4 – 5 months	3.5 – 4.56	489 – 567
6 – 9 months	3.75 – 4.88	659 – 833
10 – 12 months	5.13 – 5.38	850 – 863

• Protein (daily): 22% – 26%
• Fat (daily): 5% – 8%
• Fiber (daily): 6%

Vizsla feeding frequency (puppy)

Age	Feeding Frequency
2 – 4 months	4 times a day
5 – 12 months	3 times a day

Important: In addition to age, the amount and frequency of food will depend on your Vizsla’s activity levels and health (more on this later).  

BONUS: Vizsla feeding before 2 months of age

Use these tips for a puppy before 2 months of age (before you start using the above feeding chart for puppies). 

0 – 2 weeks of age

Between 0 and 2 weeks of age, a puppy relies on its biological mother for food. 

If a mother rejects a puppy, you’ll need to step in. For this, you’ll usually use a heating pad and a special milk bottle that is designed to simulate sucking on a nipple.

For best results, we recommend that you cover the heating pad in something that resembles the texture of a dog mother’s fur. You can even use a ticking clock under the pad to simulate the mother’s heartbeat. 

3 – 4 weeks of age

As this stage, a Vizsla puppy is starting to explore its surroundings. 

But the puppy is still entirely relying on its mother’s milk.

By week 4, you should start introducing a puppy to more solid food. This will make it easier for the puppy to adjust to the new surroundings once the dog is rehomed. 

Moving to a solid food should be completed by week 8, which is the time puppies are usually handed over to their new owners. 

When introducing a puppy to dry dog food, it’s best to do this in small batches of food. 

When we prepared a Vizsla feeding schedule (chart) for our friend, we recommended that she gave dry dog food to her two puppies 4 times per day. This ensured that the puppies were not eating too much (overfeeding) during any feeding session. 

We also ensured that our friend was introducing her puppies to a new food gradually. She started by mixing dry dog food with water, which helped her puppies get used to the new texture. She then gradually reduced the amount of water until dry dog food was mostly kibble and little to no water.  

5 – 6 weeks of age

At this stage, it’s important to pay attention to the puppy’s weight gain and adjust the amount of puppy food accordingly.

If a puppy is still relying on mother’s milk, now is the time to get more assertive in introducing the puppy to dry dog food. 

By the end of week 6, you should consider giving a puppy some basic obedience training. This will make life easier for the new owner.  

7 – 8 weeks of age

This is the final stage before a puppy is given to a new owner. 

This is also the last chance to switch a puppy to solid puppy food. A puppy will have no access to mother’s milk after the puppy is taken away by a new owner. 

At this stage, you should be giving a puppy around 2 cups of food per day (3 to 4 times a day). 

9 – 10 weeks of age

At this stage, the puppy is with its new owner (or stays with you, if this is the plan). 

Our friend got her two Vizslas at this stage too. 

And it was at this stage, that our friend started using the above Vizsla feeding schedule for her puppies. 

If you’re the new owner of a puppy, we recommend that you ask the previous owner (or breeder) what brand of dog food was used to feed the puppy. This will ensure the puppy won’t reject a new dog food from a new brand. 

If you decide to switch your puppy to a new dog food (puppy food to adult food), make sure to transition your Vizsla to the new food gradually:

• Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4: 100% new food

When our friend was switching her Vizsla puppies to a new food, we made sure she only increased the above recommended weekly food percentage if her dogs were doing well during each weekly transition. 

When we noticed an adverse reaction to the new food intake (it happened to one of the puppies), we immediately stopped feeding it to the affected dog.    

Vizsla weight from 3 to 12 months

Age	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)
3 Months	17.6 – 24.3 lbs	8 – 11 kg
4 Months	23.1 – 32.4 lbs	10.5 – 14.7 kg
5 Months	28.6 – 38.8 lbs	13 – 17.6 kg
6 Months	32.5 – 45.2 lbs	14.7 – 20.5 kg
7 Months	35.9 – 49.6 lbs	16.3 – 22.5 kg
8 Months	37.9 – 53.7 lbs	17.2 – 24.4 kg
9 Months	39.6 – 56.8 lbs	18 – 25.8 kg
10 Months	41.2 – 58.6 lbs	18.7 – 26.6 kg
11 Months	42.1 – 60.6 lbs	19.1 – 27.5 kg
12 Months	42.8 – 61.7 lbs	19.4 – 28 kg

Male Vizslas are usually bigger than female Vizslas. 

And yes, male Vizslas usually need more food and calories than female Vizslas. 

Vizsla feeding chart (adult)

Age	Number of cups (per day)	Kilocalories (per day)
1 – 6 years	4 – 6	940 – 1350

• Protein (daily): 18% – 26% (depending on a dog’s specific needs and activity level)
• Fat (daily): 8%
• Fiber (daily): 3%

Vizsla feeding frequency (adult)

Age	Feeding Frequency
1 – 6 years	2 times a day

Pro Tips:

Feed your adult Vizsla:

• Every 12 hours (one meal in the morning and one in the evening).
• A few hours before going to bed in the evening (allows digestion before sleep)

Vizsla feeding chart (senior)

Age	Number of cups (per day)	Kilocalories (per day)
7 years and above	4 – 5	940 – 1150

• Protein (daily): 20%
• Fat (daily): 5%

Vizsla feeding frequency (senior)

Age	Feeding Frequency
7 years and above	2 times a day

Pro Tips:

• Feed your senior Vizsla every 12 hours (one meal in the morning and one in the evening).
• Feed your senior Vizsla a few hours before going to bed in the evening (allows digestion before sleep)
• You can continue giving your senior Vizsla the same food you give your adult Vizsla, just in a smaller quantity
• We recommend that you consult your vet for advice on feeding your senior Vizsla

What to consider when feeding your Vizsla

Providing your Vizsla with the right food (from weaning to maturity) is critical to your dog’s health and happiness. 

As a medium breed, a Vizsla has specific nutritional needs that require your careful consideration. 

Here is what every dog owner needs to consider when feeding a Vizsla. 

• Age
• Activity
• Health

Make sure to follow our Vizsla feeding schedules (above) for puppies, adults, and seniors. 

Yes, Vizslas have very specific nutritional needs at different stages of their lives. 

Puppy

Vizsla puppies require a diet:

• Higher in calories for optimal growth
• Higher protein count (22% – 26%) for healthy development
• A balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for a healthy bone growth
• Added DHA (component in omega-3 fatty acid) for healthy brain development

Adult

Adult Vizslas require a diet:

• Moderate in calories and protein to maintain healthy weight and to prevent obesity (luckily, Vizslas are less prone to obesity than most dogs)
• Protein count between 18% to 26%, depending on your Vizsla’s specific needs & activity level
• A balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to support optimal health and energy needs

Senior

Senior Vizslas require a diet:

• Lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight (and reduce the risk of obesity)
• Higher in fiber for optimal digestion
• Added joint supplements for optimal mobility and healthy joints
• Full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to enhance the weakening immune system of senior dogs & older dogs
• Avoid free feeding (it makes it impossible to monitor the correct daily food intake)

Vizslas are very active.

We agree – our friend’s Vizslas never stay still! 

This is why Vizslas require a well-balanced and nutritious diet to sustain their high activity levels. 

It goes without saying that an active Vizsla requires more calories to sustain their activity levels. And yes, a less active Vizsla require fewer calories to avoid gaining unwanted weight. 

Due to their active nature, Vizslas require more exercise than the average dog. 

Based on extensive personal experience with two extremely active Vizslas, we recommend that your Vizsla gets at least 2 hours of daily walks and play. 

Thanks to their high activity levels, Vizslas rarely get obese. 

To sustain their high-activity levels, Vizslas require a diet with these characteristics: 

• Quality protein to support optimal muscle development & repair
• Balanced fats to provide your Vizsla with concentrated energy
• Quality fats are also critical for a healthy and coat & skin
• Complex carbohydrates (slow-releasing carbs) to keep your Vizsla energetic throughout the day 

And don’t forget about water. Vizslas need to stay well-hydrated, especially during intense physical activity. So make sure your Vizsla has access to fresh, clean water at all times (especially in summer).  

Vizslas are healthy dogs in general.  

Still, Vizslas are prone to certain health issues.

Although some of these health issues are beyond your control, some health risks can be minimized by feeding your dog the right food.

Here are some of the most common health issues facing Vizslas.

Food intolerances & allergies 

Certain food ingredients can trigger allergies and food intolerances in your Vizsla.

These allergies and intolerances usually present as dry and itchy skin, paws, and ears. 

The most common allergens you should avoid in your Vizsla’s diet are beef, chicken, lamb, rabbit, pork, fish, wheat, dairy, eggs, and soy.

Hypothyroidism

Vizslas can also develop hypothyroidism. 

In a Vizsla with hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces insufficient amounts of hormones involved in metabolism. This can result in unwanted weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. 

Unfortunately, a Vizsla affected by hypothyroidism will need medication for the rest of its life. 

The good news is that your vet or pet nutritionist can recommend specific foods that should help treat hypothyroidism symptoms. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can prevent dry skin and coat issues that commonly occur in dogs with hypothyroidism.

Hip & elbow dysplasia

Vizslas are also at a risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia.

In Vizslas with hip or elbow dysplasia, the dog’s joints don’t fit correctly. Those joints rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. This can result in further deterioration, which can lead to an eventual loss of proper function of the joints. 

Fortunately, you can help your Vizsla if it suffers from hip or elbow dysplasia. We recommend dietary supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. But do contact your veterinarian for advice tailored to your Vizsla specifically.

Von Willebrand disease

Vizslas are also at a relatively high risk of developing Von Willebrand disease.

Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in a blood clotting factor, which scientists call Von Willebrand factor. 

Vizslas suffering from Von Willebrand disease will often experience excessive bleeding and bruising.

If your Vizsla suffers from Von Willebrand disease, we recommend that you avoid food containing ingredients that interfere with blood clotting, such as garlic and onions.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Vizslas are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy. 

In Vizslas with progressive retinal atrophy, the cells in the retina develop abnormally. This usually causes gradual degeneration of the retina’s cells. 

Unfortunately, progressive retinal atrophy can lead to permanent blindness.

Epilepsy

Some Vizslas may also suffer from epilepsy. 

By the way, epilepsy occurs in 2% to 4% of dogs.

But some dog breeds, including Vizslas, suffer from epilepsy more commonly than others. 

Epilepsy in dogs can cause seizures (mild or severe).

Cancer

Yes, your Vizsla can also develop cancer, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma.

Dental issues

Vizslas are also susceptible to dental issues – just like any other dog breed. 

To avoid dental issues, we regularly help remove plaque from the teeth of our friend’s two Vizslas. We recommend that you do the same for your Vizsla. 

Regular dental care will also help your dog avoid unpleasant conditions such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and various infections.

Specific food qualities for your Vizsla

Here are the specific nutritional requirements you should consider when buying dog food for your Vizsla.

Probiotics

Some Vizslas have sensitive digestive systems. 

This is why we recommend that you look for quality food that contains probiotics. 

Dog probiotics will support your Vizsla’s digestive health and strong immune system. 

Probiotics will also help reduce your Vizsla’s inflammatory responses to allergens.

Avoid common allergens

Your Vizsla can develop various allergies and food intolerances. 

This is why we recommend that you feed your Vizsla dog food that is free from common allergens, such as beef, chicken, corn, and wheat. 

Digestibility

As mentioned earlier, Vizslas are prone to digestive issues. 

So look for dog food that is minimally processed. 

For example, we always avoid feeding our Vizslas lower-quality kibble, as it usually contains artificial preservatives, cheap fillers, and other ingredients that dogs often struggle to digest.

Omega-3 fatty acids

We also recommend that you add omega-3 fatty acids to the diet of your Vizsla. 

Omega-3 fatty acids will help your dog:

• Maintain healthy skin and coat. 
• Reduce inflammation
• Support joint health (very useful if your Vizsla suffers from hip or elbow dysplasia) 

To ensure our two Vizslas get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, we often choose dog food that contains salmon and other fatty fish. By the way, flaxseed and plant oils are also a good option. 

Joint support

As mentioned earlier, Vizslas are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. 

This is why we recommend that you look for dog food that contains chondroitin and glucosamine. 

Antioxidants

Unfortunately, Vizslas are also prone to developing cancer. 

This is why we make sure the diet of our Vizslas are packed with antioxidants, which support the immune system and can help reduce the risk of cancer. 

So look for dog food that contains carrots, cranberries, blueberries, and spinach. 

Vitamin K

As discussed earlier, Vizslas are prone to Von Willebrand’s disease, a disorder that affects the blood’s clotting ability. 

While vitamin K won’t alleviate symptoms of Von Willebrand’s disease, it plays an important role in the blood clotting processes.

So choose dog food that contains leafy greens, certain vegetables, and fruits. 

Eye care

Vizslas are prone to progressive retinal atrophy. 

To be sure, no specific diet can prevent progressive retinal atrophy. 

Still, antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) and other nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and taurine, will support overall eye health of your Vizsla.

Frequently asked questions

How long will my Vizsla live? 

Most Vizslas will live between 12 to 15 years (13 years is the average). 

Vizslas live longer than the “average” dog, which is between 10 and 13 years (equivalent to 60-74 human years). 

When should I switch my Vizsla from puppy to adult food?

You should switch your Vizsla from puppy to adult dog food around month 8 to month 12. 

Vizsla is considered an adult at month 8, which is when Vizsla’s growth greatly slows down 

Vizslas stop growing at around month 12. 

When switching your Vizsla to a new dog food, make sure to do it gradually.

• Week 1: 25% new food an- d 75% old food
• Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4: 100% new food

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Vizsla is doing well during each weekly transition. 

If you notice any adverse reaction to the new food, just stop feeding it to your Vizsla.

Switching your dog to a new dog food too fast can upset your dog’s stomach and can lead to diarrhea or vomiting.  

Can I give raw food to my Vizsla?

Yes, you can give raw food to your Vizsla. 

But remember that raw food (especially meat), contains bacteria, parasites and other pathogens that would normally be killed during cooking. This means that raw food brings extra risks, and not just to your Vizsla but also to other people in your household.

Can I give my Vizsla wet dog food?

Yes, wet dog food is great for most Vizslas.

Compared to dry dog food, wet dog food contains more water, fewer carbs, more fat, and often more protein. Wet dog food is also tastier than dry food. 

Can I give my Vizsla human food?

Not really. This is because human food often contains ingredients that can be toxic to your Vizsla (chocolate, grapes, raisins, almonds, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic). 

How do I know if I’m feeding my Vizsla enough?

You can do a quick physical test to see if you’re feeding your Vizsla enough (not too much and not too little). 

If you feel (with your hands) a small layer of fat but you can still find your Vizsla’s ribs easily, your dog is at a healthy weight.

If you have to press hard to feel your Vizsla’s ribs, your dog is most likely overweight.

How will spaying / neutering impact my Vizsla’s diet? 

Spaying or neutering your Vizsla will mostly likely slow your dog’s metabolism. This means, your Vizsla may need fewer calories in its diet. 

Contact your veterinarian to discuss a diet adjustment after spaying / neutering to prevent your Vizsla gaining unwanted weight. 

What food ingredients should my Vizsla avoid?

Avoid the following food ingredients: 

• Fillers (corn, wheat, and soy)
• Meat byproducts (they often come from slaughterhouse leftovers)
• Rendered fat (used to add flavor to dog food)
• Artificial preservatives & food colorings
• Toxic foods (grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, tropical nuts, chocolate, and Xylitol)

Final word

As you know, feeding your Vizsla the right amount of food is critical to your dog’s health and happiness. 

This is why we prepared this Vizsla feeding chart. 

In fact, we prepared 3 feeding charts for:

• Vizsla puppies
• Adult Vizslas
• Senior Vizslas

This article also told you everything you need to know about: 

• What you need to consider when feeding your Vizsla
• How much to feed a Vizsla
• What are the specific food qualities for your Vizsla specifically

Out team wishes your Vizsla a good appetite!