How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Dog?
Key takeaways:
Studies suggest that feeding an adult dog once a day is most beneficial to their health. But veterinarians often recommend at least two meals a day for dogs.
Puppies need to eat two to four times a day until they reach a year old.
Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) can lead to overeating and obesity. Only free-feed a dog if a vet recommends it.
Table of contents
Your dog needs to eat meals during the day just like you do. But just how many meals depends on a dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Typically, adults dogs should eat at least twice a day and puppies up to four times a day.
We’ll cover how often to feed your dog, why a consistent feeding schedule is important, and why leaving food out all day can harm your dog’s health.
How many times a day should your dog eat?
You should feed an adult dog at least two measured meals a day to prevent obesity. Puppies should be fed a balanced growth diet two to four times a day, depending on their breed and age. Larger-breed puppies may require more meals a day than smaller-breed puppies.
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The table below outlines general feeding guidelines.
Age | 6 to 12 weeks | 3 to 6 months | 6 to 12 months (up to 24 months in giant breeds) | Adult |
Daily frequency | 4 meals | 3 meals | 2 meals | 2 meals |
Type of food | Puppy food | Puppy food | Puppy food | Adult food |
One study suggests that once-daily feeding may be ideal and lead to better health outcomes in dogs.
Potential health benefits of feeding a dog only once a day include:
Better cognitive function scores
Lower risk of developing kidney and liver disorders
Better dental health
Lower risk of orthopedic issues
Talk to a vet before limiting a dog to one meal a day.
Factors to consider
Below are some factors to consider when deciding how often to feed your dog.
Age
Puppies grow at a rapid rate the first 6 months of their lives. They also burn through their energy stores quicker than adult dogs. That’s why they need extra calories from a complete and balanced diet served two to four times a day.
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After the age of 1, most puppies reach skeletal maturity. At this point, they’re considered adults and can eat two meals a day to maintain a healthy weight.
Size and breed
Larger-breed puppies often take longer to reach skeletal maturity. They may need up to four meals a day until they reach 16 months.
Adult dogs (dogs over 12 to 16 months) should get fed at least twice daily, regardless of their size or breed.
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Activity level
Active dogs don’t need to eat more often, but they may need more calories from carbohydrates or fats in their meals. Ask a vet for dog food recommendations for active or high-energy dogs.
Medical conditions
Dogs with certain medical conditions may require more than one meal a day. For example, a dog with diabetes may need to eat twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Dogs who are nursing may need food available throughout the day.
Talk to a vet about the best feeding schedule for your dog’s medical condition.
Schedule and portions
Your dog’s feeding schedule and portion size depend on several factors. Here are some basic guidelines.
Feeding a dog on a schedule
It’s important to feed your dog around the same time every day. A set schedule can make it easier for you to predict things like when your dog will probably poop. In addition, dogs like routine. They want to know they’re getting fed at a consistent time. This can help them feel secure and curb misbehavior.
Measuring dog food
One cup or two? Many dog owners want to know how many cups to feed their dog. It depends on their age, weight, breed, activity level, and health. It also depends on the nutrients in their dog food. A vet can help you determine how much food to serve your dog.
Monitoring a dog’s weight
A healthy weight can protect a dog from medical issues, such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Ask a vet for your dog’s ideal weight. They should be able to give you a range. If possible, weigh your dog monthly and keep track. If you notice significant weight gain (or loss), talk to a vet.
You may need to feed your dog less food or less often, depending on what’s causing weight changes.
Frequently asked questions
Feeding a dog once a day is OK for many dogs, but veterinarians often recommend at least two meals a day. If your dog has a medical condition like diabetes, they may need to eat twice a day on a set schedule. Nursing mothers may require continuous feeding. Ask a vet for recommendations.
For most dogs, it’s not a good idea to leave dry dog food out all day. This is called “free-feeding.” It can lead to overeating and weight gain. Only free-feed if a vet recommends it for your dog.
The best time of day to feed a dog depends on your schedule and lifestyle. However, some veterinarians recommend serving meals when you can walk your dog shortly afterward.
The bottom line
Puppies need meals two to four times a day because of their rapid growth. Once they reach adulthood (12 to 16 months), dogs need to eat twice a day at the same time every day to establish a routine. Veterinarians recommend feeding your dog when you can walk them shortly afterward.
Ask a vet for dog food recommendations and portion sizes. These will depend on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and medical conditions.
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References
Blue Cross. (2024). What should I feed my puppy?
Bray, E. E., et al. (2022). Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs: Results from the Dog Aging Project. GeroScience.
Brooks, W. (2024). Diabetic dog diet. Veterinary Partner.
Buffington, C. A. T. (2004). An organized approach to clinical nutrition. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Buffington, C. A. T. (2004). The role of food intake in veterinary therapy. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Feeding your performance dog.
Davis, K. (2003). Wild behavior: How to help your dog settle down. Veterinary Partner.
Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Feeding schedule for dogs.
Sanderson, S. L. (2023). Feeding practices in small animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. (n.d.) Your dog’s diet.
