Havanese feeding chart: portions by age and weight

Daily portion guide (adult)

These are the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s calorie ranges for an average healthy adult dog in ideal body condition. They are starting points, not a prescription.

WSAVA gives these ranges for guidance only: dogs are individuals, and some need more or fewer calories to stay at an ideal, trim body condition. To turn calories into cups or grams, use the calories per cup or per 100 g printed on your food’s label: daily calories divided by calories per cup gives cups a day. The feeding guide on that label and your vet set the real amount, and your vet adjusts it by body condition: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines call for a feeding plan tailored to the individual dog.

Split into 2 meals. Energy needs drop after spaying or neutering (AAHA nutrition guidelines), so ask your vet how much to cut back.

Puppy (8 weeks to 10 months)

Small-breed puppy formula. Meals taper with age: 4 a day until 3 to 4 months old, 3 a day until 6 months, then 2 (Merck Veterinary Manual; Blue Cross). The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that small-breed puppies may have to be fed more often than this, so ask your vet. Switch to adult food at about 12 months, when the skeleton has finished growing, with your vet’s go-ahead (AAHA’s 2021 nutrition guidelines: a growth diet until skeletal maturity, about 1 year for small and medium-size dogs). Small and toy puppies may need 3 to 4 feedings a day until about 3 months old to avoid low blood sugar (Today’s Veterinary Nurse). Do not skip meals. If a puppy is weak, shaky or disoriented, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

Senior (from about 11 years)

Senior age here is the last 25% of expected lifespan (AAHA 2019 Canine Life Stage Guidelines), counted from the breed’s median life expectancy in McMillan et al. 2024 (Scientific Reports). Older dogs do not automatically need less food or a senior formula: AAHA notes that energy needs may fall with age, but not consistently. Ask your vet to check weight, muscle and calories. Keep up dental care.

What makes feeding a Havanese different

Dental disease. Cornell notes that periodontal disease is worse in smaller breeds and that daily brushing is the mainstay of home care.

Allergies. Skin / paw / ear flares → vet conversation.

Unexplained weight gain. Weight gain without a bigger appetite → vet bloodwork.

Long-coated grooming intersection. Diet-related health (skin, allergies) shows in coat condition. Feed a complete and balanced food.

Common breed concerns and feeding

• Dental: small-kibble + daily brushing + dental cleanings.
• Allergies: monitor; elimination diet if recurring.
• Patellar luxation: more common in small breeds (Cornell). Keep an ideal weight.

Sample daily routine

Adult Havanese, 11 lb (5 kg):

• 7am: breakfast (small kibble)
• 7:30am: 20-min walk
• 5pm: 20-min walk / play
• 6pm: dinner
• Daily brushing

What to keep track of

• Dental routine.
• Skin / coat condition.
• Weight monthly.
• Allergy flares.

Related

• Havanese vaccination schedule
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel feeding
• Shih Tzu feeding
• Yorkshire Terrier feeding