The timing and frequency of feeding your dog depends on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Puppies:
Puppies generally require more frequent meals than adult dogs. The following guidance is for a small to medium size breed. For larger breeds, you should extend the periods of time before making changes as they continue to develop over a longer period of time. From eight weeks until four months old, it’s best to feed them four meals a day. At four months, reduce this to three meals a day. At around six months of age you can reduce to two meals. Continue a morning and evening meal unless you plan to only feed one meal per day, from around 10 months of age.
2. Adult Dogs:
At an adult age, the frequency you feed your dog should be based upon your lifestyle. Feeding once per day is the most natural way to feed a dog, based upon their digestive system being designed to eat as and when they score a kill – not at multiple routine times of every day. We recommend feeding your dog at different times each day, to avoid them from expecting food at a particular time and help replicate their natural attitude towards food – by eating what they can whenever they can get it. This also helps avoid dogs from becoming fussy, learning that if they don’t eat during their set routine meal time, they might be given an alternative food. In general, the key is to establish what works for both you and your dog.
3. Senior Dogs:
Older dogs may have specific dietary needs or health conditions that influence feeding schedules. Otherwise, you should continue to feed them as you always have done unless their health or dietary needs begin to change.
4. Active or Working Dogs:
Dogs with high activity levels such as working dogs, may benefit from more frequent meals to sustain their energy levels. Over time from experience working with your dog, you will learn what feeding schedule suits them best.
5. Health Conditions:
Some medical conditions, like diabetes or gastrointestinal issues, may require a more structured feeding schedule. In such cases, you can speak with the manufacturer of your food for guidance on any changes you should make in feeding times or portion sizes. Some breeds of dog may benefit from being fed multiple smaller meals each day, to prevent certain conditions. For example, studies show that deep-chested male breeds such as Great Danes or Irish Setters have a greater risk of bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus occurring.
6. Free-Feeding:
Free-feeding involves leaving food out for the dog to eat at their own pace. This is not good practice, since dogs are not naturally grazers. They have not evolved from being a predatory carnivore by nature, so their digestive systems are designed to eat infrequent larger meals, with extended periods of time in between. Feeding a full meal also offers more control and helps monitor your dogs’ food intake.
7. Hand Feeding:
In some scenarios such as a highly active dog training throughout the day, you may consider feeding their complete food (dry food only) as behavioural treats. This means you can get the best out of their training, without overfeeding by using treats. You can weigh out their daily food intake before beginning training, so that you are still in control of monitoring their complete diet. Besides from this, we advise against hand feeding at home, as you may quickly find yourself in a situation where the dog will only eat by hand.
It’s important to note that individual dogs may have unique preferences and needs. Monitor your dogs’ weight and adjust the feeding amount if necessary. Always provide access to fresh water and contact your food manufacturer for personalized advice based on your dogs’ specific requirements. You are always welcome to contact us at Bentley’s for unbiased nutritional advice, we will be honest if we feel our food would not be suitable for you and your dog. Our philosophy is simply to see more dogs on a healthier diet.
