Updated on December 14, 2022
When you bring a new dog into your home, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how often it should be fed. A happy, healthy dog can be achieved by providing it with regular, well-timed meals, as dogs are known to enjoy eating and thrive on routine. As a result, how frequently should you offer your dog a serving of Pure?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?
When you should feed your dog depends on the dog’s age, size, and health. An adult dog, regardless of size or breed, should be fed twice daily, in the morning and evening.
It’s true that some canines require more frequent feedings than this. Puppies need three to four smaller meals each day since they use more energy throughout the day than adult dogs do, yet they can’t handle a large amount of food at once. However, dogs with preexisting health disorders, especially those that cause digestive issues, may require smaller meals more frequently.
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Similarly to how we humans have breakfast, lunch, and supper, some pet owners choose to give their dogs three separate meals per day. The dog can eat three times a day if the portions are controlled and they are not being overfed.
There are no hard and fast rules about how many times a day a dog should eat, but it is crucial that they get the correct amount of food every day.
Your dog’s caloric needs will differ from one individual to the next based on factors such as his or her age, size, gender, degree of activity, and general well-being. An underweight dog may experience nutrient shortages from eating too little food, while an overweight dog may be more at risk for developing diabetes and other health problems from eating too much.
Aside from avoiding free feeding your dog, there are no hard and fast rules on how often you should feed him.
Free feeding means always providing food for your pet. Dogs typically do not practise portion control, so providing them with a limitless supply of food in their dish would only encourage them to overeat. This increases the likelihood that they may gain weight, which can have serious consequences for their health. Your dog will likely eat all of their food in one sitting if you set out enough for the entire day.
DIVIDING FOOD INTO MEALS
Keep in mind that references to “1 cup of food” or “200g of food” indicate total daily amounts, not per meal, for your dog’s diet.
Pure recommends that an adult dog of 15 kilogrammes consume 4 scoops of food each day. It follows that the four scoops should be divided into the customary number of servings. If your dog needs 4 scoops of food per day and you feed it twice a day, you’ll want to give it 2 scoops at each meal.
Check out our convenient feeding chart to see how much your dog should be eating, or speak with one of our Nutritional Advisors who will be happy to tailor a diet plan to your dog’s specific requirements.
WHAT AFFECTS HOW OFTEN MY DOG SHOULD EAT?
Generally speaking, a dog’s age is the primary determinant of how often they should be fed. Growing pups have higher energy demands at regular intervals than adult dogs do, thus they need to eat more frequently.
Because of their increased calorie needs, active dogs should eat more frequently. A really active working dog will still eat twice a day, like a pet dog. When a working dog needs to gain weight, they simply eat more.
Although a dog’s caloric requirement drops after being neutered or spayed, it still has to be fed twice daily, just like an intact dog. Rather, they need to have their portion sizes reduced to match their energy expenditure.
Because of their massive appetites, giant breed dogs may benefit from eating three meals every day. This helps keep their weight under control and prevents them from becoming distended.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?
Whether or not your puppy is weaned affects how often you should feed him or her.
PUPPIES BEFORE WEANING
Below the age of three weeks, puppies will need nothing but their mother’s milk. They take a meal every three to four hours at the very most.
Once your puppy reaches the age of three to four weeks, you can begin feeding him or her a little amount of soft food multiple times a day. Puppies should also continue drinking their mother’s milk while eating this gentle food.
You should start by feeding it a porridge-like mixture of milk, water, and puppy food. After a week, when the puppies have learned to recognise this as food and lap it up, you can gradually reduce the amount of water and milk in the combination. If you want to wean your pups off milk, you should gradually increase the amount of food they eat as they get older.
When should I feed my puppy?
Just how regularly should I be giving my new puppy food?
Puppies can wean off their mother’s milk and into solid puppy food at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. Small portions of puppy chow up to four times a day can be given to puppies as long as they are at least 6 weeks old and are still receiving their mother’s milk.
WEANED PUPPIES
At around 8 weeks of age, most puppies are weaned and ready to find permanent homes. Puppies should be on solid food and eating four times a day, with three meals a day once they reach the age of three to four months.
At six months old, a puppy can begin eating twice a day, and this schedule should be maintained throughout the animal’s life.
If your puppy is a little breed, like a Yorkshire Terrier, you may want to keep feeding it three times a day for a while longer. This is because little breeds require special care to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) so that they can maintain their high energy levels. To avoid this issue, it’s best to feed your dog a high-quality diet that’s rich in complex carbs and fibre. Together, these ingredients release energy slowly, which will help maintain your dog’s stamina and blood sugar levels.
Your puppy should be eating two meals per day and adult dog food by the time he or she is 12 months old.
Even if some gigantic breeds take longer to mature and hence require puppy food for a longer period of time, it is still recommended that they consume two meals each day after their first birthday.
Your dog’s optimal feeding time will depend on their activity level, age, and the nutritional value of the food you give them, among other factors. Discussing your dog’s unique dietary requirements with one of our knowledgeable Nutritional Advisors can help you determine the best feeding plan and portion size for your pet.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY OLD DOG?
When your puppy settles into a schedule of twice-daily feedings, that’s usually the way it will stay for the remainder of its life. A senior dog’s diet consists of the same two meals per day as it did when the dog was an adult.
However, the frequency of feeding should be based on your senior dog’s individual needs and eating habits. Some senior pets may not eat everything they are given. If they do, remove their bowl from the table and serve the food again at a later time so they can finish their meal.
Alternately, you can ensure that your senior dog is getting enough to eat by feeding it smaller but more regular servings of food.
Reduce the number of calories your senior dog is getting to avoid weight gain, as they have fewer caloric needs than adult dogs. Either reduce their portion sizes or move them over to a diet designed for senior dogs. However, they should continue eating at their regular meal times.
ARE REGULAR MEALS IMPORTANT FOR DOGS?
Feeding your dog at the same time every day helps establish a sense of security and routine for them. However, your dog will be happier, less anxious, and more in control of his or her body processes if you feed him or her at regular intervals. Your dog will likely have to go potty soon after eating because the food stimulates its digestive tract.
Puppies, in particular, have a habit of going potty just 15 to 20 minutes after finishing a meal. If you feed your dog at certain times each day, you’ll be able to anticipate when it has to go to the bathroom and take it outside before any accidents happen, which will speed up the toilet training process.
HOW LONG CAN DOGS GO WITHOUT FOOD?
As long as they’re getting enough water, dogs can spend as long as three to five days without eating. If your dog or cat suddenly stops eating, you shouldn’t wait this long before taking them to the clinic; there could be a significant underlying issue.
RECAP
Feeding a healthy adult dog twice a day is the recommended amount. However, it is important to create a feeding schedule that works for both you and your dog by consulting with your physician.
