How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Dog? And How to Tell if They Are Full?

Generally, adult dogs do well with being fed twice a day, but the exact frequency depends on the dog's age. A good rule of thumb to gauge if they've had enough is to gently feel their abdomen; if you can just barely feel the food through their belly, they're likely satisfied.

The number of times you feed your dog daily should be based on their age and size. Similar to humans, puppies shouldn't be overfed, as this can be detrimental to their health. Typically, adult dogs need to eat more frequently than puppies, especially large breeds like Golden Retrievers or Alaskan Malamutes. If large dogs are not fed enough, they will digest food very quickly, which can hinder their growth. Generally, feeding an adult dog twice a day is sufficient, once around midday and once in the evening, rather than mirroring the human three meals a day schedule. It’s also important to not overfeed at each meal. Aim for about 80% full to avoid putting unnecessary strain on their digestive system and prevent issues like vomiting.

How to Determine if Your Dog is Full

Don’t assume that your dog knows when to stop eating. If given unlimited access to food, especially their favorites, they will often overeat, which is harmful to their health. Therefore, you must be proactive in managing their food intake. The best method is to gently feel their belly during feeding; a full stomach will have a firm, slightly hard feeling when you can just barely feel the food. Also, different dog foods have varying nutritional content, so it's usually best to stick to a specific, high-quality dog food to avoid nutritional imbalances. Choosing the appropriate dog food specifically formulated for their age and breed can help prevent overfeeding issues.Bonus resource:Pet Knowledge