{"id":11157,"date":"2022-06-13T19:17:39","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T18:17:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=11157"},"modified":"2023-02-10T15:54:24","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T15:54:24","slug":"how-many-times-a-day-should-a-dog-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-many-times-a-day-should-a-dog-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Times a Day Should a Dog Eat? Tips & Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"
The question \u201c<\/span>How many times should a dog eat<\/span>?\u201d is probably one of the most common ones that vets get asked. Truthfully speaking, there\u2019s no single correct answer, since you need to take several points into account. We did some research and gathered all the basics.<\/span><\/p>\n When seeking info on dog feeding frequency, you\u2019ll mostly find a <\/span>dog feeding schedule by age<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n According to the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), puppies (typically dogs under the age of one) need to eat at least three times a day. If it\u2019s a large breed, reducing the frequency to twice per day is okay at 4\u20135 months of age.<\/span><\/p>\n As for adult dogs, again, the answer can depend on the size (discussed in more detail later in the text), but most experts agree that fully grown dogs should be fed at least twice a day. Lifestyle, individual metabolism, and spay\/neuter status can also play a role.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, when it comes to senior dogs, twice a day is recommended again. The PFIAA notes that most senior dogs need a different kind of food and lower amounts than adult dogs, since their physical activity and metabolic rates usually drop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, some sources claim <\/span>there\u2019s no reason to make dietary changes<\/span><\/a> unless a senior dog has some health issues, such as arthritis, dental problems, diabetes, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n People with pets know how special that companionship is, but you may not be aware that <\/span>having a pet can even bring you health benefits<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s only fair that you do everything in your power to protect your best friend\u2019s health, isn\u2019t it?<\/span><\/p>\n Apart from the age factor, when designing a <\/span>dog feeding schedule<\/span>, you should think about the following:<\/span><\/p>\n Gallant offers a thorough feeding chart <\/span><\/a>that combines age and weight. Let\u2019s look at various dog sizes and the suggested food range for adult dogs (daily amounts):<\/span><\/p>\n Some folks simplify the feeding process by opting for <\/span>dog food delivery services<\/span>, as these companies typically give you a questionnaire and design an individualized <\/span>dog meal plan<\/span> with specific portions for your pooch.<\/span><\/p>\n Speaking about the <\/span>best time to feed<\/span> a <\/span>dog<\/span> in <\/span>an interview<\/span><\/a>, Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinary consultant, explained:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhile there is no best time, with most dogs that eat twice a day, it is best to feed them in the morning as soon as you get up and then again when you get home from work in the afternoon. This gives them time to digest their food and go outside to potty before you have to leave for the day or go to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n According to the doctor, dogs eating twice a day should have their meals 10\u201312 hours apart.<\/span><\/p>\n We covered the question \u2014 \u201c<\/span>how many times a day should a dog eat<\/span>?\u201d \u2014 but what if your pet doesn\u2019t want to eat at all?<\/span><\/p>\n According to the <\/span>American Kennel Club<\/span><\/a>, there are several reasons a dog refuses to eat. The most probable one is an illness, in which case you could try to make their food more appealing by microwaving it or offering some wet food if they are used to dry food and vice versa.<\/span><\/p>\n A lack of appetite could also be a result of taking medications, social and emotional issues, owner absence, or your dog\u2019s personal preferences not being met.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regardless of the reason,\u00a0 if the \u201chunger strike\u201d continues for longer than a day or two, you should contact your vet.<\/span><\/p>\n As usually is the case with any habit one wants to build, the best thing is to set up a routine. That means you ought to feed your dog in the same place every day at the same time if possible.<\/span><\/p>\n You should also try to encourage good mealtime behavior. For instance, teach your dog to sit and wait for your command to eat. Additionally, once they start eating, leave them alone to enjoy their meal.<\/span><\/p>\n Previously mentioned Dr. Sara Ochoa claims that free feeding is only for dogs that self-regulate what they eat. If your dog tends to overeat when given a chance, you shouldn\u2019t have a bowl of food out at all times in order to avoid obesity.<\/span><\/p>\n Free feeding may seem more convenient because you don\u2019t have to be home to feed your dog, but let us remind you that you could get an automatic food dispenser.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, having a <\/span>feeding schedule for puppies<\/span> will add structure to their day and help you notice potential changes in their appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n Experts say <\/span>therapeutic fasting leads to numerous benefits for animal and human health<\/span><\/a>. For example, calorie restrictions are connected with increased lifespan, decreased osteoarthritis, and protection of normal cells from adverse effects of chemotherapy.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s crucial to underline that fasting does not equal starvation \u2014 vital tissues need to be maintained!<\/span><\/p>\n Some studies indicate that feeding dogs once a day might keep them healthier as they age. Nevertheless, it is underlined that the findings are not meant to be treated as veterinary advice, just an intriguing first step to studying the matter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s also evidence that providing one meal per day leads to aggression and other behavioral problems. A normal dog\u2019s stomach typically empties in 6\u20138 hours, so one feeding in the morning would leave the dog hungry and agitated at the end of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n The total amount rather than the frequency might be more important to consider.<\/span><\/p>\n (Newsweek, 2021; k9aggression.com, 2022; New Scientist, 2021)<\/span><\/p>\n For most puppies, eating three times a day is the appropriate frequency. That\u2019s because a\u00a0 puppy\u2019s stomach is too small to hold enough food in a single feeding to meet its daily requirement of needed nutrients.<\/span><\/p>\n As previously explained, depending on breed size, feedings can be reduced to twice per day when puppies are 4\u20135 months old.<\/span><\/p>\n (PFIAA, 2020)<\/span><\/p>\n A healthy dog can survive up to five days without food, provided it has access to drinking water. In extreme situations, they are known to survive for longer, but usually with some health-related consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n (Camp Canine, 2020)<\/span><\/p>\n If a young, healthy dog of normal weight exhibits a notable increase in appetite, it\u2019s probably because of intestinal parasitism. It may also be diabetes or some other health-related issue.<\/span><\/p>\n If that\u2019s not the case, it means dietary changes are necessary to improve the nutritional value of the food.<\/span><\/p>\n (SFGATE, 2013)<\/span><\/p>\n To avoid upsetting your dog\u2019s stomach, you should follow this rule:<\/span><\/p>\n (American Kennel Club, 2022)<\/span><\/p>\n Since <\/span>dog domestication<\/span><\/a> thousands of years ago, these little creatures have proven their unconditional love time and time again. Every dog owner should thus take care of their pet with utmost dedication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That means learning answers to questions such as \u201c<\/span>How many times a day should a dog eat<\/span>?\u201d and we hope our guide has helped you.<\/span><\/p>\nHow Many Times a Day Should a Dog Eat<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Other Things Worth Mentioning<\/span><\/h2>\n
How Much to Feed a Dog by Weight<\/span><\/h3>\n
Toy Dogs<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
Small Dogs<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
Medium-Sized Dogs<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
Large Dogs<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
Extra Large Dogs<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
What Time a Day to Feed Your Dog<\/span><\/h3>\n
What to Do When Your Dog Doesn’t Want to Eat<\/span><\/h3>\n
How to Get Your Dog on a Feeding Schedule<\/span><\/h3>\n
Scheduled Feeding vs Free Feeding Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n
Is Fasting Good for Dogs<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n
FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n
Is it cruel to feed a dog once a day?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How often should you feed a puppy?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How long can dogs go without food?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Why is my <\/span>dog hungry all the time<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\n
What\u2019s the best way to change my dog\u2019s food?<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n
Sources<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n