How Often Should a Dog Eat? Dog Feeding Schedule by Age, Size & Health

Published: 21 Apr 2025

How Often Should a Dog Eat?

Puppies: 3–4 meals a day to support their rapid growth.
Adults: 2 meals a day for balanced energy and metabolism.
Seniors: 2-4 meals a day, depending on health needs and activity levels.

Table of Content

How Often Should a Dog Eat?
Factors Affecting the Feeding Schedule of a Dog
How Often Should a Puppy Eat a Day?
1. Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age, Size & Weight
How Often Should an Adult Dog Eat?
How Often Should a Senior Dog Eat?
Why Feeding Frequency Matters?
FAQs
Final Thoughts

Factors Affecting the Feeding Schedule of a Dog

Factors such as breed, size, and health needs play a significant role in determining your dog’s ideal feeding schedule.

Age: Puppies have fast metabolisms and need more frequent meals to support their growth and energy levels. Adult dogs typically require two meals a day to maintain their energy levels, while senior dogs may need fewer meals, depending on their health and activity level.
Breed Size & Weight: Smaller breeds often need more meals due to their faster metabolism, while larger breeds tend to do well with two meals a day. Giant breeds require smaller, more frequent meals to avoid digestive issues like bloating, which can occur due to slower metabolisms.
Activity Level: Active dogs, including working or playful breeds, require more meals or snacks throughout the day to maintain their energy levels. Less active or sedentary dogs typically require fewer meals.
Health Conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions, like diabetes, may require scheduled feeding to regulate their blood sugar levels. Dogs with digestive issues need smaller, multiple meals for easier digestion.
Reproductive Status: Pregnant or nursing dogs need more frequent meals to support both themselves and their puppies. Spayed or neutered dogs need fewer meals due to decreased energy needs.

How Often Should a Puppy Eat a Day?

Puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day until they are about 6 months old. This frequent feeding helps provide the necessary nutrients for their developing muscles, bones, and organs.

As puppies grow, their appetite and digestion change, so their feeding schedule needs to adjust accordingly. The following table outlines the ideal puppy feeding frequency based on age, weight and size, helping you keep your puppy’s diet on track.

Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age, Size & Weight

Puppy Age	Breed Size	Weight Range	Meals/Day
8 Weeks	All Breeds	2–30+ lbs	4 meals
3 Months	Toy/Small Breeds	Under 15 lbs	3–4 meals
3 Months	Medium/Large Breeds	15–40+ lbs	3 meals
6 Months	Small Breeds	8–20 lbs	2 meals
6 Months	Large Breeds	30–60+ lbs	3 meals
12 Months	All Breeds	Based on adult weight	2 meals

Download Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age, Size and Weight

How Often Should an Adult Dog Eat?

For most adult dogs between 1 and 7 years old, 2 meals per day is typically the ideal feeding frequency if they are moderately active. This balanced schedule helps maintain their energy levels throughout the day and keeps their digestion steady.

However, feeding frequency can vary depending on your dog’s activity level:

If your dog is very active, such as a working dog or one that gets a lot of exercise, they can eat 2 to 3 meals per day.
For very inactive dogs, 1 meal per day is usually sufficient.

You can calculate your dog’s daily calorie needs based on their activity level and divide their meals accordingly. Use our Dog Calorie Calculator to get accurate results.

Dog Calorie Calculator!

Calculate Now!

How Often Should a Senior Dog Eat?

As dogs get older—usually around 7 years and up—their metabolism slows down, and their energy levels drop. This means they don’t need as many calories as before, but they still need high-quality nutrition to support their ageing bodies.

Most senior dogs do well with 2 meals a day. However, dogs with certain health issues, like diabetes or digestive problems, may benefit from 3–4 smaller meals spread throughout the day.

Want to learn about portion sizes? Check out our post “How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Why Feeding Frequency Matters?

Feeding your dog the right number of meals each day isn’t just about routine—it plays a big role in their health.

✅ Better Digestion: Smaller, scheduled meals are easier to digest and help prevent bloating and stomach upset.

✅ Stable Blood Sugar: Regular meals keep your dog’s blood sugar levels steady, which is especially important for puppies, toy breeds, and diabetic dogs.

✅ Regular Blood Pressure: Meal timing influences your dog’s body’s internal clocks, and regulates blood pressure (BP) and the renin system.

✅ Improved Behaviour: Dogs fed on a consistent schedule tend to be calmer, less anxious, and less likely to beg for food throughout the day.

FAQs

How Often Should a Diabetic Dog Eat?

A diabetic dog should eat two consistent meals a day, given at the same time each day—ideally right before insulin injections. Consistent meal timing helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents dangerous spikes or drops.

How Often Should a Nursing Dog Eat?

Nursing dogs need 3 to 4 meals a day, sometimes more, depending on the litter size. Their calorie needs are much higher while producing milk, so feed them a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet and make fresh water available at all times.

How Often Should a Pregnant Dog Eat?

In the early stages of pregnancy, most dogs can stick to 2 meals a day. By the last 3–4 weeks, increase to 3–4 smaller meals daily to meet energy needs and make digestion easier as the puppies grow and crowd her stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Once a Day?

Some dogs can eat once a day, but it’s not ideal for most. Feeding your dog twice daily is better for digestion, energy levels, and blood sugar control. Once-a-day feeding can also increase the risk of bloat in large or deep-chested breeds.

Should Dogs Eat at the Same Time Every Day?

Yes! Feeding your dog at the same time each day helps regulate their metabolism, digestion, and potty schedule. Dogs thrive on routine—it keeps them calm.

Can I Feed My Dog Before a Walk?

It’s best to wait 30 minutes to an hour after your dog eats before going for a walk, especially if they’ve had a full meal. Walking too soon can cause bloating.

What If My Dog Still Acts Hungry Even After I’ve Fed them According to their Meal Schedule?

It’s normal for some dogs to beg for food, even if they’ve eaten enough. This behaviour can come from habit, boredom, or just a love for treats. However, constant begging may also mean your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients, fibre, or hydration. Double-check your dog’s daily calorie needs using a vet-approved calculator or tool. Make sure their food is high-quality and balanced. If begging continues, consult your vet—it could be a sign of a medical issue like diabetes or thyroid problems.

What’s the Best Time to Feed Dogs at Night?

Feed your dog dinner at least 2–3 hours before bedtime. This gives them enough time to digest their food and go potty before sleep. For most dogs, a 5–7 PM dinner works well.

Final Thoughts

How often dogs need to eat depends on various factors, including their age, size, breed, and health. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all have different nutritional needs and feeding schedules. By understanding these key differences and following the guidelines outlined, you can ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight and energy level. Always consult with your vet for personalised advice and adjustments based on your dog’s specific needs.

Want to learn more about dog nutrition and feeding tips? Please drop a comment below, share this post with fellow dog lovers, and explore more helpful guides on our blog!