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Quick answer: each day, note the food (brand and recipe), the amount in grams, treats, roughly how much water and any change in appetite, stools or vomiting. Weigh your pet once a month. This record helps you adjust portions, spot intolerances and give your vet accurate information.
Keeping a food diary takes no more than a minute a day and is especially useful for puppies, overweight pets, animals with sensitive stomachs or when you change food.
What to record
- Date and time of each meal.
- Food: brand, recipe and type (dry food, tin, pouch).
- Amount: in grams, weighed with scales.
- Treats and snacks: type and amount.
- Water: whether your pet drinks more or less than usual.
- Stools: consistency and frequency.
- Incidents: vomiting, itching, refusing food.
- Weight: once a month, at the same time of day.
Simple template
| Date | Food | Grams | Treats | Stools / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/11 | Adult chicken dry food | 2 × 75 g | 3 biscuits | Normal |
How it helps
- Adjust portions according to weight changes.
- Spot patterns: for example, soft stools after a particular snack.
- Food changes that are better controlled.
- Vet appointments with real data instead of rough memories.
