At The Pets Table, we’ve heard it all. From dogs who inhale dinner like it’s a competitive sport to those who turn their nose up unless their bowl is at a perfect 37° angle. And honestly? Figuring out how often to feed your pup can feel like a mix of science, vibes, and trial by error.
So, let’s break it down together — no judgment, no food shaming, just real-talk recommendations for real-life dogs (and the people who love them).
How Often Should You Feed a Dog?
Feeding your dog should be simple. But between all the “expert” opinions, bag labels, and your dog’s Oscar-worthy performance of starving every hour on the hour…it’s a lot.
So here’s the real deal: there’s no one perfect answer. Some dogs thrive on one meal a day, while others do better with two or even three. But if you’re looking for a solid, vet-backed place to start? At The Pets Table, we recommend feeding your dog twice a day.
Once in the morning. Once in the evening. Simple. It helps keep their energy steady, their tummy happy, and their poop schedule predictable.
What Factors Affect How Many Times a Dog Should Eat?
Sure, we just said twice a day is a solid place to start — and it is. But as with all things dog, there’s a lot of “it depends” involved. Some pups need a little more. Others are fine with less. It all comes down to the individual dog.
So, if you’re wondering why your neighbor’s dog eats once a day while yours acts like it’s been 84 years since their last meal, here’s what actually matters when figuring out the best feeding schedule:
Age
Ah, puppies: tiny bodies, zero patience, and a metabolism like a blender on high speed. Puppies under six months usually need three to four small meals a day to keep up with their fast growth and tiny tummies. By the time they’re hitting that “teen dog” stage, you can start transitioning to two meals a day.
Adult dogs? Twice a day tends to do the trick. And older dogs? Depending on their health and how active they still are (or aren’t), they might need some tweaks — like smaller meals that are easier to digest or timed around medications.
Basically, their food schedule matures right along with them. Like going from snacky toddler chaos to “two solid meals and maybe a treat if I’m lucky” adult life. Same vibe.
Size
Smaller dogs burn through calories faster than bigger ones. Think of it like this: they’ve got hummingbird energy in a teacup body. So they may need more frequent meals just to keep things steady.
Larger breeds, on the other paw, often do fine with two meals a day — but they can also be more prone to things like bloat, so timing and portion size matter.
Also, some breeds are genetically wired to be chill (hi, bulldogs), while others act like they’ve had three espressos before noon (looking at you, border collies). That wiring can totally influence how often they need food — or how well they’ll remind you if you’re late with dinner.
Activity Level
Active dogs burn more fuel, which might mean they need food more often — or at least meals timed to match their activity. High-energy pups or working dogs may do better with meals split into smaller portions before and after exercise, especially if they’re go-go-go all day. Your couch potato might just need their two regular meals, plus a treat for emotionally supporting you through life.
Health & Medications
Some pups have medical needs that affect how (and when) they eat. Dogs with diabetes, for example, often need meals timed with insulin. Others might have sensitive stomachs or need food to take meds without causing a ruckus in their belly.
If your dog’s got anything health-related going on, your vet should totally help you lock in the right schedule. Not a “guess and stress” situation.
Your Schedule
Your dog lives on your schedule. If mornings are mayhem but evenings are lax, plan meals around that. Whether it’s 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or more of a brunch-and-dinner setup, consistency is what really matters.
Feeding them at the same times each day helps their body and brain know what to expect — fewer hunger meltdowns, less pacing, and more tail wags. Pick a plan that fits your life and keeps your dog feeling like they’ve got their own little mealtime calendar.
Is Free-Feeding a Good Idea?
We get it — putting out a big ol’ bowl and letting your dog graze all day sounds easy. No schedule, no whining, no side-eyes when you’re five minutes late to dinner service. Just food, available 24/7, like a doggie buffet.
But here’s the thing: most dogs don’t do “casual snacking.” They do “I’ll inhale everything in this bowl immediately and pretend it never happened.” Free feeding works for a very select group of unicorn dogs who actually self-regulate.
For the rest? It usually leads to overeating, picky habits, or a bellyache followed by a dramatic poop emergency at 2 a.m. Plus, if food is always out, it’s harder to track how much they’re eating — and changes in appetite are often the first sign something’s off.
Here’s when free feeding might work:
- Your dog is super chill and only eats when hungry
- You’ve got one dog and no food-stealing siblings
- Your vet recommends it for a specific reason
And here’s when it usually doesn’t:
- You have multiple dogs (#foodwars)
- Your dog eats like it’s a race
- You’re trying to manage their weight
- You want mealtime to have some structure
At The Pets Table, we’re big fans of scheduled meals. It helps create routine, keeps portion control in check, and gives you a great excuse to celebrate breakfast and dinner like the sacred events they are. Because let’s be honest: mealtime isn’t just food — it’s bonding, tail wags, and that look they give you like, “You’re the best human ever.”
What If My Dog Acts Hungry All the Time?
Some dogs act like they’re auditioning for a role in “Starved: A Canine Tragedy,” even if their breakfast bowl is still warm. They’ll stare at you while you eat, paw at the pantry like it’s a magic portal, and dramatically collapse next to their empty dish like you forgot to feed them ever.
So, what’s the deal?
Sometimes, it’s real hunger. Sometimes, it’s boredom. Sometimes, your dog is just really good at guilt-tripping you into handing over that extra treat. (They’ve studied your weakness.)
Here’s what to consider if your pup’s constantly campaigning for snacks:
- Check their portions. They might actually need more food based on their age, weight, or activity level. Or maybe they’re eating the right amount but burning through it too fast. At the Pets Table, we take the guesswork out of portioning by providing a calorie recommendation based on your dog’s attributes. We also recommend that customers update their dog’s profile every now and then with an accurate weight.
- Quality matters. Not all food is created equal. If your dog’s chowing down on something full of fillers, they might feel full for five minutes, then start sniffing around like second breakfast is a constitutional right. That’s where The Pets Table comes in — our meals are made with real, whole ingredients, developed with vet nutritionists, and packed with balanced nutrition that actually satisfies. And with plans like Fresh, Air-Dried, Mixed, or Half of Fresh, you can pick what fits your pup and your life.
- Watch the routine. If you’re handing over a treat every time they give you sad eyes, congrats — you’ve trained yourself. They’ll keep asking because it works.
- Rule out health stuff. If the hunger feels intense or weirdly sudden, talk to your vet. Sometimes increased appetite can be linked to things like diabetes, meds, or other health changes.
Bottom line? Not every snack request is a red flag. But if your dog acts like they’re always on the brink of starvation, it might be time to adjust their portions — or their acting career.
Does Time of Day Matter?
Short answer? Yes — but not in a “wake up at 6:37 a.m. or else” kind of way.
Dogs thrive on routine, but they don’t care what time the food hits the bowl — as long as it happens around the same time every day. You don’t need to follow a strict military feeding schedule, but consistency keeps their tummy (and mood) in check.
Think of it like doggy body clock training. Feeding at regular intervals helps regulate digestion, energy, and yes, bathroom breaks (less surprise poop = a big win for everyone).
Here’s what works for most dog parents:
- Morning + evening meals spaced 8-12 hours apart
- Meals tied to your daily rhythm — post-morning coffee, pre-evening Netflix
- No sudden switches unless needed (and if you do switch it up, ease into it)
Your dog doesn’t need to know the time — they just need to know it’s time. So, whether you’re Team Early Riser or more of a Roll-in-at-Noon household, stick to a schedule that fits your routine and keeps the tail wags on time.
The Bottom Line
So, how many times a day should your dog eat? Twice a day is a solid, vet-approved sweet spot — and it’s what we recommend at The Pets Table. But more than anything, it’s about finding a feeding routine that works for your life and keeps your pup full, fueled, and less likely to beg for snacks every time you open the fridge.
Want to make mealtime even easier? We’ve got you. Our personalized plans take the guesswork out of feeding — just good food made with real ingredients, delivered to your door. What’s not to love?
Sources:
Feeding Times and Frequency for Your Dog | VCA Animal Hospitals
Diabetes in pets | American Veterinary Medical Association
How Often Should Dogs Eat and How Much Should You Feed Them? | AKC
Why are dogs always hungry? | The Kennel Club
Why Your Dog Needs a Routine at Every Stage of Life | American Kennel Club