How many meals should a dog have a day
How Many Meals Should Your Dog Have?
How many meals should your dog have? One?
This is a viable option if you cannot feed him more times a day because of your work, for example. It is also possible that your dog is small and has a delicate stomach, and so this is more than enough.
Dogs are adaptable animals, so eating once a day will not be a problem for them. That said, make sure that the amount and quality of the food that you give him is ideal for your pet.
Are two meals better?
This is okay in an adult dog that does not have health problems. It is recommended that you feed him in the morning and in the afternoon. That way, the amount of energy will be distributed, and your animal will be active throughout the day.
However, this does not mean that you have to give him double the recommended amount, but that you will have to distribute it in two. This way of eating is not suitable for hyperactive or nervous dogs, since it will only encourage their activity and make your coexistence worse.
And if you decide to feed him three or four times a day?
Without a doubt, feeding your pet three or four times a day will be an ideal option if your dog is calm or he struggles to exercise, for example; also if he has to lose weight.
The same way with humans, the less time that passes between meals, the more your animals metabolism will accelerate. So this will be perfect for losing weight. Again, we remind you that the amount of food must be the same.
Your veterinarian will tell you how much food your dog should eat and you simply will have to distribute that amount in several meals. Scientists have shown that feeding a dog more times a day maintains a good level of energy and regulates his weight, and therefore, a good state of health.
What you should not do
Something that you should not do under any circumstance is leave the bowl full of food all the time so that your animal goes to it any time that he wants. This could make your animal eat more than necessary. You could think that he is hungry and fill the bowl up more times than necessary. Even if this does not happen, your animals metabolism will not work properly because there is no time between meals.
As you can see, there are several options to answer the question of how many meals your dog should have. In the end, you are the one who decides what is best for your circumstances.
Your dog's diet
Picking healthy treats for your dog
Giving your dog the odd healthy treat is fine, but too many could cause them to become overweight. Remember that there are lots of other ways to show your love to your dog, such as playing with them, taking them for a walk, buying them a new toy or grooming them.
When you give your dog a treat, make sure to reduce their meals accordingly.
You can buy vet approved treats and chews for your dog, or find something safe and tasty from your kitchen. As well as small pieces of lean meat (such as cooked chicken breast, turkey or ham), there are plenty of fruit and veg that are safe and healthy for the occasional treat.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
Dogs dont need fruit or vegetables as part of their diet, but can have a small amount as an occasional treat. Just make sure whatever you give them is in bite-sized pieces, seedless, and doesnt have any oil, butter, salt, or flavourings on it. These are our dog-friendly vegetable suggestions:
- Broccoli: raw or steamed, and only in very small quantities because large amounts can cause illness.
- Brussel sprouts: steamed or boiled, and only in very small quantities because large amounts can cause illness.
- Carrots: raw or cooked.
- Celery: raw as a crunchy snack.
- Green beans: raw or cooked.
- Peas: raw or cooked.
- Potatoes: raw potatoes contain a compound called solanine that is toxic to dogs, so should never be given. Cooking potatoes destroys much of their toxicity, but they should only ever be given in small quantities, without any oil, butter, salt or seasoning. Its best to remove the skin because it can cause tummy upsets in some dogs, and remember to feed bite sized pieces to avoid choking.
- Sweet potatoes: cooked and peeled because some dogs find the skin difficult to digest.
- Sweetcorn: cooked and cut off from the cob, as the cob can cause gastrointestinal obstruction.
What fruit can dogs eat?
There are several different fruit that dogs can eat safely, but they should only ever be given in very small quantities as an occasional treat because most of them contain high levels of sugar. As with vegetables, make sure that any fruit you give your dog is plain, cut into bite-sized pieces, and is free from pips/stones/seeds to avoid choking. Here are our dog-friendly fruit suggestions:
- Apples: de-seeded and cored
- Bananas: peeled
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
- Mango: stone and skin removed
- Nectarine: stone removed
- Orange: skin and seeds removed
- Peach: stone removed
- Pears: seeds, core and pit removed
- Pineapple: skin removed
- Melon: rind and seeds removed
What human food should I avoid feeding dogs?
Our vets dont recommend feeding your dog any of the foods/drinks listed below:
- Chocolate chocolate toxicity depends on the type of chocolate eaten, the amount of chocolate eaten, and the size of your dog. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and tachycardia.
- Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas can cause kidney failure
- Onion, garlic, and leeks can cause severe, life threatening anaemia
- Xylitol a sweetener which can cause a severe drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts amongst other symptoms, these can cause weakness, stiffness, tremors, and an increase in body temperature.
- Alcohol affects the nervous system, can cause drowsiness, low body temperature, low blood sugar, and even coma.
- Caffeine can cause overstimulation of the nervous system, muscles and heart.
- Mouldy food waste contain mycotoxins that can cause vomiting, whole body muscle tremors, increased body temperature and potentially seizures (fits).
Are You Feeding Your Dog the Right Amount?
Why the Right Dog Food Amount Matters
If you feed your dog too little, they can suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
However, If you feed your dog too much, it will eventually result in obesity and its related health issues, like:
Giving your dog the right amount of quality dog food can help support your pets overall health and keep them feeling their best.
How to Find the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your Dog
You need to account for several factors when determining exactly how much your dog should be eating.
Consider the Important Factors
The correct meal size depends on factors like:
Type of food
Number of meals
Body weight
Metabolic rate
Amount of exercise
Look at the Feeding Guide on the Bag
To start the process, take a look at the feeding guide on your dog foods label. They are usually presented as a table that looks something like this:
Unless stated otherwise, these amounts give you the total that is recommended for your dog over a 24-hour period.
Most adult dogs should eat two meals a day, and puppies often require threeor more feedings, so youll need to divide the amount in the table by the number of meals you are offering.
Take Your Dogs Lifestyle Into Account
Combine this information with your knowledge of your dogs lifestyle to come up with the initial amount of food to offer your dog.
For example, if I had a relatively inactive 35-pound Corgi who had a tendency to gain weight, I might start with a little less food than the table recommends. On the other hand, if my dog was a 35-pound Border Collie who never sits still, I would feed a little more.
Consider Using a Calorie Calculator
Another option is to try using a calorie calculator for dogs, but keep in mind that while these often spit out a precise number, your dogs actual needs may be as much as 25% more or less.
Determine Your Dogs Body Condition Score
Whichever method you pick, youll have to use a scale orbody condition scoring systemto fine-tune the amount of food you offer.
Your veterinarian can help you decipher your dogs body condition score (BCS) and determine an appropriate calorie amount.
In general, dogs who are at a healthy weight:
Have an hourglass figure when you look down on them from above. The abdomen should be narrower than the chest and hips.
Are tucked up when you look at them from the side. This means that their chest is closer to the ground than their belly when standing.
Have ribs that are not readily visible but are easily felt with only light pressure.
Keep a Record of Your Dogs Weight Change
Check your dogs weight every 2-4 weeks and keep a diary of your results. If your dog is inappropriately gaining or losing weight, adjust your portion sizes appropriately. Make sure to discuss these changes with your veterinarian so they can ensure that there are no underlying conditions.
Reassess the Portion Size if You Switch Foods
Every time you change dog food formulas, you will have to go through this entire process again, because the number of calories in the food will be different.
Always Talk With Your Veterinarian
Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dogs health or diet. They can help you determine exactly how much food to offer based on the specifics of your dogs case.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Chalabala
Your growing puppy
Your dogs diet plays a vital role in helping to give them a healthy body and mind, so what should they eat, how much should you give them and whats the best way to feed them?There are many different approaches you can take to ensure your dog has a balanced, healthy diet. However, with many different feeding regimes to choose from, all of varying quality, it can be a little baffling to know which way to go.Read some of our hints and tips in our guide to feeding your dog.
Best puppy diet: get help from the breeder
Healthy puppies can burn twice as many calories as an adult dog, so its important that their diet is balanced and meets their high energy needs. Your puppys food should be:
- High in calories
- Rich in protein
- Packed full of essential nutrients
- Easy to chew and swallow
Your puppys food should be specifically formulated to their needs and must be age-appropriate. There are lots of different diets to choose from and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find the right food for your dog. If youre overwhelmed by the choice, then always speak to your puppys breeder or your vet to find out what they recommend.
Feeding your puppy - frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my puppy?
The amount of food that a dog needs depends on their age, breed, how energetic they are and if they have any medical conditions. Feeding your puppy too much may cause excessive weight gain, an upset stomach, or, particularly in larger breeds, bone deformities, so it is very important to follow the feeding guidelines given on any packaging. Also, pay attention to whether the feeding guides on the pack are for the puppys current body weight or their estimated adult body weight. If based on estimated adult body weight, it may be helpful to speak to the breeder to find out how big mum and dad are.
How often should I feed my puppy?
Younger puppies should always be fed small amounts regularly, and this decreases in frequency as they get older. If youre not sure how often to feed your puppy then here is a rough guide:
- When you start to offer solid food or when weaning (usually at around two months old) four to six meals a day
- From two to three months four meals a day
- From four to six months two to three meals a day
- Over six months two meals a day (depending on the breed)
How can I check my puppy is gaining weight?
Regularly weighing your puppy can help you check that theyre growing at a healthy rate for their age, size and breed. Speak to your vet, breeder or breed club if youre not sure how to do this, or if you need any guidance on how much your dog should weigh or look. Puppy growth charts can also be very helpful to track your puppys growth. Speak to your vet to see if they can supply you with one of these.
What is the difference between dry and fresh meat ingredients?
Unless your dog is on a special veterinary recommended diet, choosing between wet or dry food is entirely up to you and your dog. Neither is better than the other, theyre just different options.When deciding, consider what your dog likes, and think about their level of enjoyment when trying different shapes and textures. Its possible that your dog will make the decision for you!When choosing between wet or dry food, think about where youll store the food and how easy it is to buy in bulk.Wet food can:
- increase fluid intake, as it contains more moisture
- be more appetising to fussy eaters, as it can be warmed, releasing delicious smells
- be easier to eat for dogs with dental or mouth problems
- help your dog feel full more quickly
Dry food can:
- be good for keeping teeth clean and encouraging chewing
- be more convenient to keep and store once opened and may have a longer shelf life
- be given in smaller quantities as a treat or for training
- last for longer and doesnt spoil as quickly.
How should I serve wet puppy food?
If you give your dog wet puppy food, then its best to serve it at room temperature. Warmer food is more appealing to dogs and will smell better, taste nicer and should be easier for them to digest. If you keep your food in the fridge, remember to take it out an hour before feeding. This will allow it to reach room temperature and be more enjoyable to eat. If youre not able to leave the food out, then you can warm it up in the microwave, but make sure its served at room temperature and is never hot.
How should I serve dry puppy food?
Most dogs love the crunchy texture of dry kibble, but others may prefer slightly moist food. If your puppy prefers moist foods, particularly when they are younger, then you can always add a small amount of water before serving it. Be careful to avoid adding milk. Dry food can help support dental health more than wet foods. However, whether dry or wet, it can be helpful to give them regular dental treats to keep their teeth healthy. Ideally, you should also introduce them to tooth brushing at a young age. Remember that if you are giving dental treats they need to be taken into consideration when working out the puppys daily calories, and the feeding guide should be reduced slightly.
What are the signs that I am feeding my dog the wrong diet?
We recommend that you check:
- For signs of an intolerance. These may include:
- Being sick
- An upset stomach
- Excessive wind
- Losing weight
- Itchy skin that can become red and irritated
- Regularly getting skin or ear infections
- Licking themselves a lot
- If they are finishing their food
- That their poo looks healthy
If you're concerned about your dog's health or their diet, then always speak to your vet.
Getting into good feeding habits
Its important that you get into good feeding habits while your dog is still young. When feeding your dog:
- Choose somewhere to put their bowl that can be easily cleaned, such as on a tiled or wipeable floor
- Give them their food in a quiet place where they wont be interrupted or distracted
- Avoid feeding your dog immediately before or after exercise, as it can cause a life-threatening condition known as bloat
- You should not feed your dog before travelling in the car as this might cause car-sickness.
- Dont feed your dog table scraps. Some foods may upset your dogs stomach, while others, such as chocolate, onions and grapes, can be poisonous to them
- Cooked bones can be dangerous and can break into small parts that can cause damage in your dogs mouth, throat or intestines, so never give them
What about treats?
Just because youre trying to keep your dog healthy doesnt mean that you need to stop giving them treats. However, it does mean that you should watch what you give them and how often.
- If you do want to give treats, make sure that they are not high in fat, salt or sugar
- When giving treats, make sure you include them in your dogs total daily calorie intake to balance things out
- Always ensure that any homemade snacks that you give your dog are cut up into small chunks. This can make them last longer and stop them from getting stuck in your dogs throat
- Try putting your dogs snacks in a food puzzle. These toys slowly release food when they are moved around or played with and are a great form of mental stimulation
- Some chew treats have been proven to help prevent dental diseases, but again, check the label to ensure you are getting a genuine product
Find out more about giving your dog health treats.
