October 7, 2025
It is a question that is an important one for good health. While there is no one rule, twice a day is most often recommended.
More important than how often, is how much? Meal portions are based on breed, age, size, sex and their health.
Vets recommend feeding a dog at least twice a day. Talk with your vet to establish nutritional needs and maintaining a healthy weight.
Different breeds require different needs. Large breeds will need more feedings and more calories than other sized dogs.
Puppies need more food than adults. They are growing and developing, which requires more calories and small meals throughout the day starting at about 4 months while transitioning to solid food. Then graduate to two times a day.
Smaller meals are easier to digest. It also keeps a puppy’s energy levels steady.
Figuring out how much to feed
Following a feeding chart or food labels can be confusing and may lead you to over feed your dog. Never feed more than recommended.
In figuring out how much to feed your dog, you need to know about how much the dog will weigh as an adult. Next you can determine how many calories they need per day. The breeder/owner can help give you an idea of how much they have been feeding their adults or the puppy. Your vet can help you nail down the right amount.
Leaving food out for dogs to eat as they wish, is not recommended. If you have more than one dog, it is hard to see what each one is eating. This practice can lead to an overweight dog.
Keeping a schedule
Dogs due best with a schedule. They get up and go to bed generally at the same time. Dogs like to go outside to do their business around the same time.
Eating is another part of their routine that they do best with on a schedule.
Our dogs for example
Our dogs are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Oliver weighs 19 pounds. Graham weighs 16 pounds. Just the 3 pound difference means a different amount of food for each boy. Oliver gets 1/4 cup twice daily, while Graham gets a scant 1/4 cup.
I found that what was recommended for the boys was the same for both dogs. Moreover, the food charts recommended way more food than what they needed. Our vet agreed with our amount of food. They stay at a healthy weight at this level.
Treats and chews
Treats and chews also have calories. Watch how much you give them. If you must feed them people food, make sure it is safe and good for them.
Pieces of carrot or apple are good choices.
Some foods are toxic to dogs.
Final thoughts
Our dogs are great at begging and putting on their “puppy dog eyes.” If they have been active, I will give them a treat, otherwise cuddles have no calories!
Kelly