How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

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Growing dogs need plenty of food and your veterinarian may tell you to feed a new puppy a few times a day. However, what about when your dog gets older? You might wonder, "how often should I feed my dog?" or "how much should my dog eat?"

To answer those questions, here are some feeding guidelines that cover playful puppies, relaxed seniors, and every age in between.

Nourishing a Puppy

Since puppies grow quickly and burn so much energy, they need to eat highly nutritious food and they need it often. You'll start out feeding your puppy frequently, then slowly wean them down to fewer feedings. This process will help them grow big and strong.Jack Russell terrier puppy eating food out of a dog bowl.

6 to 12 Weeks

Puppies should be eating food nutritionally designed to meet the bone development, muscle growth and energy needs for an on-the-move puppy. A quality puppy food contains optimal amounts of protein, DHA, and vitamins to keep your puppy growing at appropriate rates. The Kennel Club UK recommends four feedings a day for puppies during this time period. It's also a good idea to start puppies with moistened food to help them chew.

3 to 6 Months

The Kennel Club recommends decreasing feedings to three a day when your puppy reaches four months old. During this phase, feed them puppy-sized portions until you see their baby potbelly and pudginess starting to disappear – signs that their body is starting to mature.

6 to 12 Months

At six months, the Kennel Club recommends reducing to twice-daily feedings. Keep in mind that after your dog is neutered, their energy level may decrease, so you need to make sure that you are feeding them the correct amount. It’s also a good time to start thinking about what food you want to offer when you switch from nutrient-rich puppy food to adult food. While you should always check with your vet about your puppy's individual needs, small and medium breeds typically transition to adult food at 12 months, while large or giant breeds may not transition until 18 months of age.

It's also good to make the switch to adult food over a 5-7 day period. Too abrupt of a change may cause stomach problems for your pooch. To transition between foods, mix your dog's current food with a small amount of their new food. Over the course of a week, gradually decrease the amount of the current dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food for a safe and comfortable transition.

As with anything that plays a pivotal role in your dog's overall health and development, talk to your veterinarian about proper feeding regimes. While dog food bags and cans will often provide feeding instructions on the packaging, calorie needs can vary from dog to dog based on breed, weight, activity level and more. Your vet will be able to provide you with the best recommendation for feeding your pup for healthy growth.

Feeding an Adult Dog

Once your dog is fully grown, you need to make sure you're feeding them dog food that keeps them healthy and fit, so that they avoid developing health issues. Their food type and portion size should be tailored to their breed, size, and lifestyle. Again, this is a good conversation to have with your veterinarian to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Years 1 to 7

Most owners feed adult dogs two half-portions a day. How much is that? It depends on your dog. Measure food, rather than eye-balling it, to make sure your dog is getting the right amount each day. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of weight gain, and cut down on food if necessary under the supervision of your vet. Some of the signs your dog is overweight include not being able to feel their ribs, loss of a discernible waist, pads of fat over the hips and base of the tail and a waddling gait.

Dogs should eat at regular times, usually once in the morning and once in the evening — the key is consistency. Also, keep in mind that the type of food you choose is important. If you have a more sedentary dog, consider a food that matches their lifestyle to ensure they still get the right nutrients without causing them to gain weight.

Years 7+

Your dog is getting older and perhaps a little slower. Remember that dogs age more quickly than people do, so major health changes occur much earlier in life. Choose a food specially formulated with ingredients that support brain, immune and digestive function, energy levels, and a luxurious coat. Food formulated for ageing pets also takes into consideration that their metabolism will have likely slowed down. Choosing the right food will help give your older pup the right amount of calories, while including additional nutrients to help them get their youthful spirit back.

Caring for a Senior

Your dog has officially made it over the hill of middle age. With seniority your dog is changing, so make sure you're keeping an eye on their nutrition and health, and consult your vet to see if you should switch to a senior dog food.

Long-haired, mixed breed senior dog sniffs food bowl while woman poors in food. title=Larger breeds may reach seniority sooner than smaller breeds, so it is important to ask your vet when your pooch has reached their golden years. For instance, your Jack Russell terrier might still be barreling around the house at eleven, but your golden retriever might be slowing down by age seven.

It might be around this time that you'll want to cut back on food to avoid the weight gain that comes with less activity. You should also watch senior dogs for signs of weight loss, which can be a sign of health issues, like dental problems. Continue with twice-daily feedings as your dog may appreciate the routine. If you see changes in your dog's weight or eating habits, talk to your vet.

Feeding your dog the right amount of high-quality dog food through each step of their life will go a long way towards keeping your four-legged friend healthy. Just as eating amounts vary from person to person, eating amounts vary from dog to dog, which is why consulting your vet is the best place to start.

Keep in mind the above age ranges and information are just guidelines. Health issues might age your dog faster, or they could remain vital well into their senior years. Monitoring your dog's health, choosing high-quality dog food for every life stage, and keeping an open dialogue with your vet will help you answer how much to feed your dog and make the best choices to nourish your furry friend through puppyhood and into their golden years.

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