# Havanese Feeding Guide: Calorie Targets and Sensitive Stomach Diet Plans
## Key Takeaways
- Adult Havanese typically require 250-400 kcal daily, with puppies and active dogs needing more, and seniors less, adjusted based on Body Condition Score (BCS) assessed via palpable ribs and visible waist.
- "Sensitive stomach" is a clinical sign complex, not a diagnosis, necessitating veterinary exclusion of parasites, bacterial overgrowth, IBD, or pancreatitis via fecal exams, bloodwork, and potentially imaging or biopsy.
- The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies or intolerances is a strict 8-12 week elimination diet trial using hydrolyzed protein or novel protein/carbohydrate diets, with zero deviations.
- Highly digestible diets for sensitive stomachs should feature quality protein, low-moderate fat, limited ingredients, and added prebiotics/probiotics, adhering to WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines for safety and adequacy.
- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals (3-4 daily) is crucial for Havanese with sensitive stomachs to reduce gastric load and prevent vomiting, alongside a slow 7-10 day transition to new foods.
- Unsafe home remedies include raw diets (bacterial risk), human medications (toxicity), milk (lactose intolerance), and bones (perforation risk); sudden diet changes and overfeeding treats are common mistakes.
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Feeding a Havanese correctly requires more than filling a bowl. This guide provides a direct answer to the two most common owner questions: how many calories should a Havanese eat each day, and what do you feed a Havanese with a sensitive stomach? The short answer is that adult Havanese typically need between 250 and 400 kilocalories per day, depending on age, body condition, and activity level. For sensitive stomachs, the priority is a highly digestible, consistent diet with a single protein source, introduced gradually and fed in smaller, more frequent meals. This article explains the science behind those numbers, outlines a step-by-step feeding plan, and clearly defines when you must contact a veterinarian.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before making significant changes to your [dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog)'s diet, especially if your dog has a medical condition.
## At a Glance: Havanese Feeding Decision Table
This table provides a rapid reference for daily calorie targets and feeding strategies. Use it as a starting point for discussion with your veterinarian, not as a prescription.
| Life Stage | Typical Weight Range | Daily Calorie Target (kcal) | Feeding Frequency | Key Nutritional Focus |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Puppy (2-6 months)** | 1.5 - 3.5 kg (3.3 - 7.7 lbs) | 200 - 350 (growing rapidly) | 3-4 meals per day | Growth formula, high-quality protein, DHA for brain development |
| **Puppy (6-12 months)** | 3.0 - 5.5 kg (6.6 - 12.1 lbs) | 300 - 450 (slowing growth) | 2-3 meals per day | Transition to adult formula around 12 months |
| **Adult (1-7 years)** | 4.0 - 7.5 kg (8.8 - 16.5 lbs) | 250 - 400 | 2 meals per day | Maintenance, weight management, joint health |
| **Senior (7+ years)** | 4.0 - 7.5 kg (8.8 - 16.5 lbs) | 200 - 350 (activity often decreases) | 2 meals per day | Easily digestible protein, joint supplements, fewer calories |
| **Sensitive Stomach (Any Age)** | Varies | Use target for life stage, adjust as needed | 3-4 smaller meals per day | Highly digestible, limited ingredient, single novel protein, low fat |
**Key Clinical Note:** These are estimates. The single most accurate way to determine if you are feeding the right amount is to monitor your dog's **Body Condition Score (BCS)** . A dog at an ideal BCS has a visible waist when viewed from above, a palpable ribcage with a thin layer of fat, and a tucked abdomen when viewed from the side. Your veterinarian can show you how to perform this assessment.
## Understanding the Havanese Digestive System
The Havanese is a toy breed, and like many small breeds, they have a fast metabolic rate relative to their size. This means they burn calories quickly but also have a small stomach capacity. This physiological fact has two practical implications for feeding.
First, a Havanese cannot comfortably consume a large volume of food in one sitting. Feeding one large meal can lead to gastric distension, discomfort, and vomiting. Second, because their energy needs are high per kilogram of body weight, they require a calorie-dense diet. This is why most commercial diets formulated for small or toy breeds are higher in calories and fat than large-breed diets.
The term "sensitive stomach" is not a specific diagnosis but a collection of clinical signs. It typically refers to a dog that frequently exhibits signs of gastrointestinal (GI) upset, such as:
- Intermittent vomiting
- Soft stools or diarrhea (or diarrhoea in Commonwealth spelling)
- Excessive flatulence
- Borborygmi (stomach rumbling)
- Reduced appetite
These signs can be caused by a wide range of underlying issues, from simple dietary indiscretion to food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even parasites. A structured feeding plan is the first line of management, but it is not a cure for an undiagnosed condition.
## Calorie Targets for Havanese: A Detailed Breakdown
Calculating the exact calorie needs for a Havanese is a veterinary exercise. The most accurate method uses the **Resting Energy Requirement (RER)** , which is the energy needed for basic bodily functions at rest. The formula is: **RER (kcal/day) = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75**.
This number is then multiplied by a factor to account for life stage and activity level. For a neutered adult dog, the factor is 1.6. For an intact adult, it is 1.8. For a puppy, it is 2.0 to 3.0. For a senior or less active dog, it is closer to 1.2 to 1.4.
**Example Calculation for a 5 kg (11 lbs) Neutered Adult Havanese:**
1. Calculate RER: 70 x (5)^0.75 = 70 x 3.34 = 234 kcal/day.
2. Multiply by 1.6 (neutered adult): 234 x 1.6 = 374 kcal/day.
This dog would need approximately **374 kcal per day** to maintain its weight. However, this is a starting point. If the dog is very active, it may need 10-20% more. If it is a couch potato, it may need 10-20% less. The final adjustment is always made based on the Body Condition Score.
**Important Note on Puppies:** Puppies have different requirements. A rapidly growing Havanese puppy may need up to twice the calories per kilogram of body weight compared to an adult. They also require a diet specifically formulated for growth, which has a higher protein and fat content, as well as a precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to ensure proper skeletal development. Do not feed an adult maintenance diet to a growing puppy.
## The "Sensitive Stomach" Diet Plan: A Step-by-Step Approach
When a Havanese shows signs of a sensitive stomach, the goal is to rest the GI tract and then reintroduce a diet that is easy to digest. This is a systematic process that should be done under veterinary supervision.
### Step 1: The Veterinary Examination
Before changing any food, a veterinarian must rule out underlying medical causes. This is non-negotiable. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea (diarrhoea) can be signs of serious conditions like pancreatitis, GI parasites (e.g., Giardia, roundworms), bacterial overgrowth, or inflammatory bowel disease. A simple fecal exam and bloodwork can rule out many of these. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, a thorough history and physical examination are the first steps in any diagnostic plan for chronic vomiting or diarrhea, and they are essential to avoid treating the wrong condition.
### Step 2: The Elimination Diet Trial
The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy or intolerance is an **elimination diet trial**. This involves feeding a diet with a single, novel protein source (one the dog has never eaten before, such as rabbit, venison, or duck) and a single carbohydrate source (such as potato or rice) for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. If the GI signs resolve, a food allergy is confirmed.
There are two types of diets used for this:
- **Hydrolyzed Protein Diets:** These are prescription diets where the protein is broken down into tiny, non-allergenic fragments. They are the most reliable option for an elimination trial.
- **Novel Protein Diets:** These are diets with a protein source the dog has not been exposed to.
This trial must be strict. No treats, no table scraps, no flavored medications, and no chews. Even a single bite of a different food can invalidate the trial.
### Step 3: Choosing a Highly Digestible Diet
For a Havanese with a sensitive stomach but no confirmed allergy, a highly digestible diet is often the answer. These diets are characterized by:
- **High-quality protein sources** that are easily broken down.
- **Low to moderate fat content.** High fat is a common trigger for pancreatitis and GI upset in small breeds.
- **Limited ingredients** to reduce the number of potential triggers.
- **Added prebiotics and probiotics** to support a healthy gut microbiome.
- **Soluble fiber** (like beet pulp or psyllium) to help firm up stools.
Look for diets that meet the **World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Guidelines** for food safety and nutritional adequacy. These guidelines help owners select a diet from a company with rigorous quality control and board-certified veterinary nutritionists on staff.
### Step 4: The Transition Protocol
When switching to a new food, a slow transition is critical to prevent further GI upset. A standard protocol is to mix the new food with the old food over 7 to 10 days.
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Days 1-3 | 75% | 25% |
| Days 4-6 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 7-9 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 10 | 0% | 100% |
If at any point the dog develops vomiting or diarrhea (diarrhoea), stop the transition and contact your veterinarian. You may need to extend the transition period or try a different diet.
### Step 5: Meal Frequency and Feeding Management
For a sensitive stomach, feed smaller, more frequent meals. Instead of two large meals, feed three or four smaller meals spread throughout the day. This reduces the workload on the stomach and helps prevent vomiting from an overly full stomach. Always provide fresh, clean water. In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend a "bland diet" of boiled white meat chicken (skinless) and plain white rice for a few days to rest the gut, but this is not nutritionally complete and should only be used short-term under veterinary direction.
## Unsafe Home Remedies and Common Feeding Mistakes
There is a significant amount of misinformation about feeding dogs with sensitive stomachs. Many well-intentioned home remedies can be dangerous.
- **Raw Diets:** Feeding a raw diet to a dog with a sensitive stomach is risky. It introduces a higher bacterial load and can be unbalanced, especially for a growing puppy. The AVMA and other major veterinary organizations advise against feeding raw diets due to the risk of bacterial contamination like Salmonella and Listeria, which can also pose a risk to human family members.
- **Human Medications:** Never give a dog human anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication without explicit veterinary instruction. Drugs like loperamide (Imodium) can be toxic to dogs, especially those with certain genetic mutations.
- **Milk or Dairy:** Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Giving milk to soothe a stomach will often worsen diarrhea (diarrhoea) and gas.
- **Bones:** Cooked bones can splinter and cause life-threatening intestinal perforations. They are never a safe treat for a dog with a sensitive stomach.
- **Sudden Diet Changes:** Abruptly switching brands or flavors of food is a common cause of acute GI upset. Always transition slowly.
- **Overfeeding Treats:** Treats are a source of calories and potential allergens. During a diet trial, treats must be eliminated. For general management, treats should make up no more than 10% of the daily caloric intake.
## Risk Factors for GI Issues in Havanese
While the Havanese is not a breed with a specific, inherited predisposition to a single GI disease, their small size and rapid metabolism make them vulnerable to certain issues.
- **Dietary Indiscretion:** Their small mouths and curious nature can lead them to eat things they shouldn't, from garbage to toxic plants. This is a leading cause of acute vomiting and diarrhea (diarrhoea).
- **Stress:** Like many small breeds, Havanese can be sensitive to stress and changes in routine. Stress can directly impact gut motility and cause GI upset.
- **Dental Disease:** Dental pain can lead to poor chewing and reduced appetite, which can contribute to GI discomfort.
- **Pancreatitis:** Small breeds are at a higher risk for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that is often triggered by high-fat meals. This can be a severe, painful, and life-threatening condition.
## Veterinary Examination and Diagnostics for Chronic GI Upset
If your Havanese has persistent GI issues, your veterinarian will likely perform a series of tests to find the root cause. This is not a one-size-fits-all process.
1. **History and Physical Exam:** This is the most important step. The vet will ask about the duration, frequency, and nature of the symptoms. They will also palpate the abdomen to check for pain or masses.
2. **Fecal Examination:** A fresh stool sample is checked for parasites (like Giardia, Coccidia, or worms) and bacterial overgrowth.
3. **Bloodwork:** A complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry profile can check for signs of infection, inflammation, liver disease, kidney disease, and pancreatitis.
4. **Imaging:** X-rays or ultrasound may be recommended to look for foreign bodies, tumors, or thickening of the intestinal wall, which can be a sign of IBD.
5. **Endoscopy and Biopsy:** If IBD or cancer is suspected, an endoscopy may be performed to visually examine the stomach and intestines and take small tissue samples for biopsy.
This diagnostic process is essential because treating a sensitive stomach with diet alone when the dog actually has a parasite or a foreign body will not resolve the problem and could delay critical treatment.
## Prevention and Long-Term Management
Preventing GI upset is always better than treating it. For a Havanese, a consistent and structured feeding routine is the cornerstone of prevention.
- **Consistency:** Feed the same high-quality diet at the same times every day. Avoid frequent changes in food brands or flavors.
- **Portion Control:** Measure every meal. Do not free-feed or leave a bowl of food out all day, as this can lead to overeating and obesity, which is a risk factor for many health problems.
- **Supervise and Restrict:** Keep your Havanese away from trash cans, compost piles, and areas where they might pick up foreign objects. This is especially important during walks.
- **Regular Parasite Control:** Work with your veterinarian to maintain a consistent deworming and parasite prevention program, as internal parasites are a common cause of GI issues. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) provides guidelines for parasite prevention.
- **Weight Management:** Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces stress on all organ systems, including the GI tract. An overweight Havanese is more prone to pancreatitis and other metabolic issues.
## Prognosis and What to Expect
The prognosis for a Havanese with a sensitive stomach is generally excellent, provided the underlying cause is identified and managed. For dogs with food allergies or intolerances, dietary management is lifelong but highly effective. For dogs with stress-related GI issues, management may involve behavioral modification and environmental enrichment in addition to diet. For more serious conditions like IBD, a combination of diet and medication can often control the signs, allowing the dog to live a long and comfortable life.
The key to a good prognosis is early intervention. Chronic GI inflammation can lead to more severe problems over time. If your dog is having frequent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea (diarrhoea), do not wait to see a veterinarian.
## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian
This article provides general guidelines based on standard veterinary science. It is critical to understand that breed-level information, like this feeding guide, cannot predict the individual health needs of your specific dog. Every Havanese is unique, and factors like genetics, environment, and underlying health conditions will influence their nutritional requirements.
**You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your Havanese exhibits any of the following red flags:**
- **Vomiting:** More than two times in a 24-hour period, or if the vomit contains blood (bright red or looks like coffee grounds).
- **Diarrhea (Diarrhoea):** Lasting more than 24 hours, or if it is black and tarry, contains blood, or is accompanied by straining.
- **Lethargy:** Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- **Loss of Appetite:** Refusing food for more than 24 hours.
- **Abdominal Pain:** Whining, panting, or a hunched posture.
- **Bloating:** A visibly distended or hard abdomen. This is a medical emergency.
- **Dehydration:** Dry gums, sunken eyes, or a loss of skin elasticity.
Never attempt to treat these serious signs at home. They require immediate professional veterinary care.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How many calories does a Havanese need per day?
An adult Havanese typically needs between 250 and 400 kilocalories per day, but this varies based on age, activity level, and body condition. Puppies and highly active dogs need more, while seniors and less active dogs need fewer.
### What is the best food for a Havanese with a sensitive stomach?
The best food is a highly digestible, limited-ingredient diet with a single, novel protein source and low to moderate fat content. Prescription hydrolyzed protein diets are often the most effective for diagnosing and managing food allergies.
### How often should I feed my Havanese?
Adult Havanese should be fed at least two meals per day. Puppies require three to four meals per day, and dogs with sensitive stomachs often benefit from three to four smaller meals to reduce gastric stress.
### Can I give my Havanese human food for an upset stomach?
No, you should not give human food without veterinary instruction. A short-term bland diet of boiled chicken and rice may be recommended by a vet, but it is not nutritionally complete for long-term use, and many human foods are toxic to dogs.
### Is it normal for Havanese puppies to have soft stools?
It is not normal for a puppy to have persistently soft stools. It can indicate parasites, a dietary intolerance, or an infection. A fresh fecal sample should be checked by a veterinarian to rule out common puppy parasites.
### How do I switch my Havanese to a new food?
You should transition over 7 to 10 days, gradually increasing the amount of new food while decreasing the old food. For example, mix 25% new food with 75% old food for the first few days, then 50/50, and so on.
### What are the signs of a food allergy in a Havanese?
Common signs include chronic itching, recurrent ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhoea), and excessive gas. A food allergy is diagnosed with a strict 8 to 12 week elimination diet trial.
### Can stress cause digestive problems in Havanese?
Yes, stress can directly impact gut motility and cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhoea), and loss of appetite in sensitive dogs. Changes in routine, travel, or new environments can trigger these episodes.
## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides
* [What Does It Mean When A Cat Throws Up Undigested Food](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/what-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-throws-up-undigested-food)
* [Tibetan Terrier Feeding Guide: Calorie Targets and Sensitive Stomach Diet Plans](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/tibetan-terrier-feeding-guide-calorie-targets-and-sensitive-stomach-diet-plans)
* [Hydrolyzed Protein Diet Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/hydrolyzed-protein-diet-dogs)