Saluki Weight & Calorie Guide

Salukis are one of the oldest known sighthound breeds, originally bred in the Fertile Crescent to hunt gazelle across open desert. They are built for explosive speed — slender, deep-chested, and long-legged, with a body designed for minimal weight and maximum stride. Their thin skin and low body fat make them highly sensitive to anesthesia and temperature. Excess weight undermines their athletic frame, stressing joints not designed for heavy loads and increasing the risk of cardiac strain during sprinting. A Saluki should always appear visibly tucked and lean.

Exercise: Salukis need 40–60 minutes of daily exercise, ideally including a chance to run at full speed in a securely fenced area. They are sprinters, not endurance runners, so short bursts of chasing a lure or ball suit them best. Always keep them leashed in unfenced areas — their prey drive is relentless. Provide a soft, padded resting area to protect their bony prominences from pressure sores.

Feeding tips: Feed two measured meals daily using a high-quality formula appropriate for active sighthounds. Salukis can be finicky eaters, but do not compensate by offering high-fat treats or table scraps. Avoid exercising right before or after meals to reduce bloat risk in this deep-chested breed. Monitor ribs and spine — you should be able to feel them easily under the skin.

Keeping your Saluki at a healthy 40–65 lbs (18–30 kg) is critical for joint health and sprint performance. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Salukis to dial in exact portions, check body condition with our BCS assessment tool, and build a balanced meal plan with the feeding guide.