How Much Ziwi Peak Should Feed My Dog? Expert Advice

August 20, 2025

Making conscious choices about your dog’s nutrition is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make as a pet owner. Your dog’s energy, coat, digestion, and general wellbeing all hinge on the food you serve up every day, highlighting the benefits of choosing a quality diet. Ziwi Peak is a brand that appeals to owners seeking uncompromising quality and nutrition, reflecting a deep commitment to the health of both dogs and cats.

Yet even with the finest food at your fingertips, questions often arise around portion sizes, especially if your dog has sensitive stomachs or other food sensitivities. With Ziwi Peak’s air-dried richness and concentrated goodness, how much is just right? Let’s break it down and uncover practical ways to ensure your dog gets exactly what they need to thrive, maximizing the benefits of a well-balanced diet.

The Uniqueness of Ziwi Peak

Before examining feeding amounts, it helps to understand why Ziwi Peak requires a different feeding approach compared to many other options on the pet store shelf.

Ziwi Peak is air-dried in New Zealand, not extruded or baked, allowing for rich flavors from premium beef and other meats. This means nearly all the nutrients, proteins, and natural fats from premium meat ingredients are retained. Pound for pound, it delivers far more nutrition — and calories — than typical kibble and even many other premium foods.

Here are some features that set Ziwi Peak apart:

High meat content: Up to 96% meat, organs, and NZ green mussels.
Minimal carbohydrates: No grains, potatoes, or cheap fillers, making it an excellent grain-free option.
Nutrient density: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Digestibility: Easily digestible because of its raw-inspired formulation.

Because each serving is so nutrient-dense, dogs need much smaller portions compared to traditional foods, and a topper can enhance this nutritional approach without overfeeding.

Why Feeding Guidelines Matter

When a dog’s diet is calorie-rich and concentrated, overfeeding can sneak up quickly. Signs can include sluggishness, weight gain, or digestive discomfort. Conversely, underfeeding leaves your dog short on essential nutrients and energy.

Feeding guidelines empower you to:

Match your dog’s intake to their lifestyle (active, couch potato, growing puppy, senior, etc)
Monitor and adjust based on changes in weight, age, or activity
Use your Ziwi Peak efficiently, stretching its value

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Dogs, like people, have unique metabolisms. Still, Ziwi Peak provides a detailed starting point, and you can easily personalise from there.

How to Calculate Feeding Portions

Start with the manufacturer’s recommendations based on your dog’s body weight. While the exact feeding chart depends on which Ziwi Peak formula you choose (venison, beef, lamb, etc), there’s a consistent approach across varieties.

Here’s an example feeding table for adult dogs:

Dog Weight (kg)	Grams per Day	Scoops per Day*
2.5	38	0.6
5	65	1
10	110	1.8
20	185	3
30	250	4
40	310	5

*Based on Ziwi Peak’s standard scoop (approx. 57g). Double-check your scoop’s capacity.

This is a starting guide. Adjustments will often be necessary for, taking into account the specific benefits of tailored feeding:

Puppies and growing dogs (require more per kg than adults)
Pregnant or lactating females (significantly increased needs)
Active/working breeds (higher daily energy burn)
Smaller breeds, seniors, or less-active dogs (lowered energy demands)

Adjusting for Your Dog’s Life Stage

Puppies

Young pups grow remarkably fast. Their nutritional needs — protein, fat, minerals — are high. Typically, a puppy will eat one and a half to double the amount (per kg of body weight) recommended for an adult. Feed them three to four meals a day, and consider adding a beef topper to entice them, gradually reducing frequency as they mature.

Adults Dogs

Most healthy, moderately active adult dogs thrive on feeding once or twice per day, reaping the benefits of balanced nutrition. Base their portion on the table, assess their body condition regularly, and tweak as needed.

Seniors

Older dogs have slower metabolisms and may be less active. While some maintain a slender physique, others are prone to weight gain. Monitor them closely and discuss with your vet any changes in appetite or weight.

Activity Makes All the Difference

A Border Collie on a daily run will burn far more energy than a Dachshund whose favourite activity is napping. Activity level can easily mean a 20–50% difference in feeding requirements.

Here’s a quick checklist for feeding your dog, whether you're in New Zealand or anywhere else:

Very active/working: Add 25–50% to standard guide
Sedentary/indoor: Reduce by 10–20%
Weight control needed: Gradually reduce and monitor closely

It’s smart to weigh your dog every few weeks. Adjust food gradually — sudden changes can upset sensitive stomachs.

Recognising the Signs of Overfeeding or Underfeeding

Dogs can’t describe how they feel, but you’ll spot clues if you know where to look, especially if your dog has food sensitivities or requires a grain-free diet.

Potential signs of overfeeding:

Unwanted weight gain
Looser stools or digestive distress
Lethargy or lack of interest in play

Potential signs of underfeeding:

Visible ribs or spine, lack of muscle tone
Listlessness, waning interest in exercise
Hunger-driven behaviour (searching for food, eating non-food items)

If you notice any of these, adjust portions in small increments and reassess weekly. Consistency, patience, and regular check-ins will get you to the right balance.

Making Feeding Time Work for You

Beyond measuring out the correct portion, make feeding a positive, predictable event for your dog.

Serve at the same time(s) each day to help regulate digestion
Ensure fresh water is always available
Keep their bowls clean and in a consistent location
Reward calm, polite behaviour at mealtimes

Many dogs benefit from using enrichment feeders or slow-bowl designs to encourage slower eating and gain the benefits of mental stimulation.

The Benefits of Premium Nutrition

Choosing a food like Ziwi Peak represents a bigger commitment: delivering nutrition with options like grain-free formulas that support vitality, lean muscle, and clear eyes, as well as glossy coats and digestive ease. Pet owners often notice improved energy and enthusiasm, firmer stools, and less waste to pick up — signs the food is being used well by the body.

Dogs on premium air-dried formulas may also:

Drink a bit less water (as the food itself is low in moisture)
Have better breath and gum health
Shed less or have noticeably softer fur

It’s the careful balance of quality beef ingredients, gentle air-drying, and careful manufacturing that brings these health outcomes.

Working with Your Vet for Optimal Results

However tuned in you are to your dog’s needs, regular check-ins with your veterinarian support long-term wellbeing, especially when addressing potential food sensitivities. Especially for puppies, seniors, dogs with sensitive stomachs, or dogs with chronic health conditions, professional advice ensures that your feeding plan meets every need — not just calories, but calcium, vitamins, joint support, and more.

Bring your Ziwi Peak feeding chart to vet appointments, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if your dog’s body shape or habits change.

Making Ziwi Peak Work with Your Budget

Feeding a nutrient-dense air-dried food is often more economical than it seems at first glance. The portion sizes are smaller, so a single bag lasts much longer than most kibbles. Combine this with lower vet bills, a happier pet, and less waste.

Ways to optimise your feeding budget include:

Using a digital scale for accurate measurement (reduces overfeeding)
Storing air-dried food in airtight containers for freshness
Supplementing with Ziwi Peak treats or a meal topper for training, rather than adding extra meals

Retailers like Petso, based in Sydney, offer helpful subscription tools and attentive support to ensure you always have exactly what your dog needs, right when you need it.

Ziwi Peak Feeding: Key Takeaways

While there’s an art to perfecting any dog’s diet, starting with high-quality food gives you a big head start. Pay close attention to your dog’s behaviour, coat, weight, and energy. Don’t be alarmed if they need less (or occasionally more) than the standard table — individuality reigns, and attentive feeding matches nutrition to real life.

Armed with this information, both you and your dog can enjoy the confidence and peace of mind that comes from optimal nutrition. With brands like Ziwi Peak and support from expert retailers, whether you're in Australia, New Zealand, or beyond, offering superior dog care seamlessly becomes part of everyday life.

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