Hound group · Breed guide
Rhodesian Ridgeback: weight, routine and daily dose
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was first developed as a scent hound in South Africa to track a variety of game. The Royal Kennel Club notes that when the breed was taken to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, it was used largely for tracking lions — fast on the scent and courageous in holding them at bay until the hunters arrived. Its name comes from the ridge of hair growing in the reverse direction along its spine, a feature linked to the ancient dogs of the Khoikhoi people.
The breed standard describes a handsome, muscular, active dog capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed, and a temperament that is dignified and intelligent — aloof with strangers but showing no aggression or shyness. The RKC suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, so a Ridgeback’s day needs real outings, with meals timed to fit around them.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 31.5–39 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 3 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 40 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female). Ridgebacks are fast and powerful athletes who can weigh between 70 and 85 pounds, and oftentimes more.” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?
A typical adult Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs 31.5–39 kg, which sits entirely in the 25–40 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 3 tablets/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days | Every 4 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 tablets/day | 40 days | 80 days | 120 days | from £0.50 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Rhodesian Ridgeback owners
- The AKC notes Ridgebacks can weigh more than the typical 70–85 lb (about 32–39 kg), which brings some dogs close to the 40 kg line in the feeding guide — weigh your own dog.
- With more than two hours of exercise a day suggested, schedule the longest outing so that it does not sit right next to a meal.
- Two measured meals a day suit a large, athletic hound and make it easy to notice if appetite changes.
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry cupboard rather than on a worktop: a tall, athletic dog can reach more than you might expect.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Rhodesian Ridgeback have a day?
Typical adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 31.5–39 kg, which is the 25–40 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 3 tablets/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 3 tablets/day one bottle lasts 40 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
My Ridgeback is over 40 kg. Is that unusual?
Not necessarily. The AKC describes Ridgebacks as weighing between 70 and 85 pounds and oftentimes more. Use your own dog’s weight with the feeding guide, and ask your vet whether that weight is right for your dog’s frame.
How should I time meals around a Ridgeback’s exercise?
Feed once your dog has settled after exercise rather than just before it, and keep the time after a meal calm. A fixed timetable helps an active hound know what to expect. If your dog’s belly looks swollen or they retch without bringing anything up, call your vet immediately.
Can every Rhodesian Ridgeback have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback – Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated