What’s the Ideal Feeding Schedule for Dogs?

 

A recent study suggested that a once-a-day feeding schedule for adult dogs might be optimal, but one of the study's authors emphasizes that the data does not support a universal recommendation for all dogs.

The idea of a "one-size-fits-all" dog feeding frequency is not guaranteed to ensure health and longevity. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that your dog receives an appropriate number of calories. Last year, a study conducted by researchers at the Dog Aging Project garnered attention for revealing an association between feeding dogs once a day and a reduced likelihood of various health problems. However, the study's author, Matt Kaeberlein, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, cautions against interpreting this correlation as a reason to change dogs' feeding schedules.

The Dog Aging Project, ongoing since 2019, collects data on thousands of companion dogs of different ages, sizes, and breeds to understand how genes, lifestyle, and environment influence aging. While the study showed that dogs fed once daily were less likely to be diagnosed with health problems across various categories, Kaeberlein emphasizes that correlation does not imply causation. Further, he suggests that dogs fed once a day may be less likely to be obese, and obesity is known to be associated with health risks in both dogs and humans.

Kaeberlein advises against altering feeding schedules solely based on the study's findings. Instead, he recommends focusing on providing a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight for your dog.

Regarding the frequency of meals, puppies are typically weaned around 6 to 8 weeks and are usually given three to four meals a day to prevent hypoglycemia. As puppies mature, they can transition to two meals a day by the age of six months. While dogs can subsist on one meal a day when fully grown, the feeding schedule is often a matter of owner preference. Overfeeding any dog leads to obesity, which poses health risks.

The key is to discuss your dog's caloric needs with your veterinarian, and once you determine the appropriate calorie intake, you can divide it across the desired number of mealtimes. The crucial factor is ensuring that the total daily calorie consumption aligns with the dog's age and ideal weight, irrespective of the number of meals.

Professor Kaeberlein, a founder of the Dog Aging Project and co-author of the study, cites his own experience feeding his elderly German Shepherd, Dobby, three meals a day, noting that Dobby's weight and overall health remain good.