Feeding Inukshuk: How to Feed for Best Results
Everything you need to know to feed accurately, adjust portions, and read your dog’s results.
Understanding Inukshuk Nutrition
Inukshuk formulas are nutrient-dense and built for efficiency. Every cup delivers more calories and usable nutrition than standard pet foods, meaning you feed smaller portions while maintaining energy, muscle tone, and stamina.
Feeding correctly isn’t about filling the bowl, it’s about meeting your dog’s needs with precision. Whether you’re feeding a puppy, an adult companion, or a working dog, these simple practices keep meals consistent and digestion steady.
Select the Right Formula based on Age and Activity Levels
Choosing the right formula is the foundation of effective feeding. Inukshuk formulas are built around activity level, because dogs who move more need more fuel and dogs who move less need balance. Starting with the correct formula keeps portions smaller, digestion steadier, and adjustments easier over time. Visit our Choosing a Formula page to match nutrition to your dog’s lifestyle before dialing in feeding amounts.
Dogs can move up or down between formulas as their energy demands change. All share the same herring protein meal, making transitions smooth.
Feeding Guides
Our feeding guides are based on your dog’s daily energy output, which is key to both portioning and choosing the right formula.
Active = More than 2 hours of physical activity per day (working dogs, hunting, mushing, structured training, etc.)
Inactive = Light to moderate activity (household pets, retired dogs, casual daily exercise)
Full feeding guides with detailed gram and cup breakdowns are available for download:
26/16 Guide & Marine 26/16 Guide • 30/25, Marine 30/25 & 32/32 Guide • All Formulas Guide
How to Feed by Weight
Inukshuk formulas are precision-made for performance, but feeding isn’t an exact science. Each formula is nutrient- and calorie-dense, so it's important to weigh the food. Volume can vary by scoop, but grams are always consistent.
Variability between manufacturing runs and differences in dog metabolism mean feeding recommendations are approximate, not absolute. Our charts are built on real-world use and scientific models, but you should always monitor your dog’s condition and adjust portions as needed.
While we list feeding estimates in both grams and cups on each bag, we recommend using a kitchen scale for best results. This is especially important with performance formulas like Inukshuk, where a slightly heaping cup can add up to 20% more calories than intended.
Grams Per Level Cup by Formula:
| Formula | Cups to Weight | Calories per Cup |
|---|---|---|
| 26/16 & Marine 26/16 | 1 cup (250 ml / 8 fl oz) = approx. 130 g / 4.58 oz | approx. 474 kcal per cup |
| 30/25 & Marine 30/25 | 1 cup (250 ml / 8 fl oz) = approx. 140 g / 4.94 oz | approx. 580 kcal per cup |
| 32/32 | 1 cup (250 ml / 8 fl oz) = approx. 160 g / 5.64 oz | approx. 720 kcal per cup |
Why Grams Matter More Than Cups
Caloric values on our feeding guides are calculated using the Modified Atwater system, which accounts for how dogs actually metabolize protein, fat, and carbohydrates. That’s why feeding by grams ensures your dog receives the correct amount of usable energy (kcal/day).
The cup measurement is a helpful estimate, but it doesn’t always match the exact calorie delivery. For working dogs, growing pups, or dogs with weight goals, grams are the more reliable tool.
Power-Dense Kibble
Common dog food brands typically range from 95 g to 115 g per cup. In comparison, our lowest fat and protein formula starts at 130 g per cup, while our highest fat and protein formula reaches 160 g per cup. A denser kibble means more nutrition per cup. Every scoop of Inukshuk provides more calories, protein, and fat where it counts, so dogs get the fuel they need without extra volume
Measure by Weight, Not by Eye
Inukshuk is calorically dense, so a heaping cup can quietly overfeed by 20% or more.
Weigh your cup once:
Place an empty bowl on a kitchen scale and zero it.
Fill a level measuring cup with kibble.
Record the weight, that’s your “true cup.”
Feed by that standard each time.
Small consistency steps like this make a visible difference in coat, stool quality, and overall condition.
The Feeding Feedback Loop
Your dog’s body condition tells the story faster than any chart.
Because every breed is built differently and coats can hide a lot, use your hands, not just your eyes. Thick coats, dense muscle, and working builds can make dogs look heavier or leaner than they really are.
A dog being fed the right amount will show:
A waist you can feel and usually see when viewed from above
Firm muscle without excess padding when you run your hands along the ribs
Steady energy that matches their daily workload
If your dog gains weight, reduce portions slightly.
If your dog feels too lean or struggles to maintain condition, increase portions or reassess the formula.
The goal is balance, not a number on a chart. Every dog is different, and body condition is your most reliable guide.
Reading Stool Quality
Your dog’s stool is the best feedback tool. See our Stool Guide for more information.
Firm, compact, easy pickup → perfect portion.
Soft or bulky → slightly too much food.
Loose with low energy → too little food or too-quick transition.
Hard or dry → check hydration or feeding schedule.
Healthy stools are compact on Inukshuk because the food is highly digestible, more nutrients in, less waste out.
When to Adjust Portions
Reassess portions every 2–3 weeks.
If ribs are hard to feel → reduce portions 5–10%.
If ribs are visible or energy dips → increase 5–10%.
Keep notes for a few days after each change to spot trends.
Quick Reference Tips
Store food in a cool, dry area away from sunlight.
Push out air and clip bags tightly after each use.
Feed twice daily for steady energy.
Use the same formula for 4 weeks before switching.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about portions or want to confirm you’re feeding the right formula, contact our nutrition team or your Inukshuk sales representative.
Email: inukshukpro@corey.ca
Phone: 1-800-561-0072