How many times a day should a dog eat?
How many meals a day your dog needs at each age, from puppy to adult, and why many large dogs do better with their daily food split into two smaller meals.
There is no single rule, but there is a clear guideline by age. More than the number of meals, what really matters is the total amount per day, adjusted to your dog’s size, age and activity.
By age
This is the ASPCA guideline:
| Age | Meals a day |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 weeks | 4 |
| 3 to 6 months | 3 |
| 6 months to 1 year | 2 |
| Adult (from 1 year) | 1 or 2 |
For adults, the American Kennel Club suggests starting with two meals a day, and the ASPCA notes that large dogs and dogs prone to bloat do better with two smaller meals than one big one.
How much per meal
- Start from the chart on the food bag, which goes by weight, and split the daily amount between meals.
- Adjust by looking at your dog, not just the scale: you should feel the ribs when you touch them without seeing them stick out.
- Treats count. The ASPCA advises that extras such as cooked egg, fruit or vegetables stay under 10% of what your dog eats in a day.
- Fresh water at all times, and wash the bowls often.
Routines that help
- Feed at set times. That way you notice straight away if your dog isn’t hungry one day, which is one of the first signs something is wrong.
- Avoid hard exercise right before or after a meal, especially in large dogs.
- If several people at home feed the dog, note who fed them and when so they don’t eat twice.
When to ask your vet
If your dog stops eating for more than a day, loses or gains weight without a change in food, or has a health condition, your vet will tell you how many meals and how much suit them.
Miloop’s pantry shows how much food is left and reminds you before it runs out.