Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Irish Setter
Enter your Irish Setter's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The Irish Setter is a strikingly beautiful sporting breed known for its rich mahogany coat and exuberant personality. Originally bred in Ireland for bird hunting, Setters are high-energy dogs that need substantial daily exercise. They are rollicking, fun-loving, and take a long time to mature mentally. Setters do best in active households where they get long runs or extended play sessions. Adequate calorie intake is important for this high-energy breed to maintain body condition during exercise.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Irish Setter (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Irish Setter (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Irish Setter weighing 70 lbs needs approximately 1311 calories daily, which works out to roughly 3.5 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 1.8 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Irish Setters
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Irish Setter immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Irish Setter
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Irish Setters benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Irish Setters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Irish Setter once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Irish Setters. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Irish Setter?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Irish Setters, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.