How often should dogs be fed? Here's what 3 vets have to say

If you’re a dog parent, you want to take care of your fur baby in the best possible way — which means making sure they’re healthy and happy, especially in the food department. While you might already know what foods your dog can’t eat, have you ever thought about when you should feed your dog?

Humans generally have three meals a day, but dogs aren’t humans, which means their regimen is a whole lot different than ours. And, of course, left up to them, many pooches would be happy to Eat. All. The. Time. Of course, we can't have that, so we consulted the experts on exactly when and how your dog should be chowing down.

How often should dogs be fed?

"On average, adult dogs should be fed twice a day, on a regular schedule," explains Michelle Lugones, DVM, professor and Veterinary Technology Program Director at LaGuardia Community College. There are exceptions, though, like if your dog is pregnant, nursing, has a medical condition or is on certain medication.

Another exception? The little ones. "Puppies generally eat three or four meals a day due to their rapid growth and development, faster metabolism and smaller stomach size," shares Liza Cahn, DVM and veterinarian and consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance. "Small-breed puppies are especially at risk for hypoglycemia if they don’t eat frequently."

What time of day should dogs eat?

No matter the age, breed or health of your dog, though, it’s important to create mealtime routine — and you’ll want to get them on one ASAP. "Dogs thrive on routine and knowing what to expect," says Cahn. "Keeping their meal time consistent is a good way to help establish a schedule that they can rely on."

When establishing a routine, avoid setting an arbitrary time and calling it a day. Instead, shape it around your schedule. The exact time of day is less important in the routine than the time between meals. "It’s best if mealtimes are not longer than 12 hours apart, with the ideal schedule being 8-10 hours apart," explains Nell Ostermeier, DVM and veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance. Basically, as long as you can feed them within the allotted frame at the same times every day, they’ll be healthy and you’ll both be happy.

How long should dog food be left out?

While all dogs need food, not all dogs are the same types of eaters. Some go to town as soon as the bowl is in front of them and others are grazers, nibbling every so often. No matter the type of eater your pup is, experts recommend leaving their food out for only 20 to 30 minutes to avoid any excessive weight gain or obesity. Oh, and another thing? Leaving wet food out for too long is an invitation to rapid bacterial growth, and a potential trip to the vet.

When can I give my dog treats?

Honestly, it’s so hard to resist your pup’s gleaming eyes when they’re waiting for a treat. The good news is, you don’t actually have to set a routine when it comes to treats. Which is great, because we all remember how excruciating it was waiting for snack time in elementary school.

Of course, there are important rules to follow. "Treats and human food should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories," explains Cahn. In fact, she adds, they’re best left for training or positive reinforcement.

Ultimately, though, the important thing is to make sure that your dog is getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need. If you’re still unsure about how often to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian and they’ll help you out.

Now that you’re primed on mealtime, it’s time to actually give them the food — which you can’t do without a cute bowl. After all, every pup deserves to eat in style (even if they slobber everywhere in the process).

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.