How many times a day should you feed your dog
Scientists are still debating how many times a day a person should eat – three, five or even seven. Such discussions are impossible with dogs. Their very physiology suggests that a two-meal regime is optimal. However, there are some exceptions.
Features of the body
An adult wolf is capable of consuming a fifth of its own weight in one sitting. The body of most domestic dogs implies approximately the same feeding regime: infrequently, but in fairly large portions. This is evidenced, for example, by the fact that its stomach has significant elasticity.
However, unlike a wolf, which leads an active lifestyle and does not have regular feeding, and therefore is forced to eat for future use, a dog receives food regularly, and its enzymatic capabilities of the gastrointestinal tract have undergone changes in the course of evolution. In addition, pets do not need to search for food for a long time, so they do not need to move a lot. If you do not control the amount of energy received and spent, domestic dogs can begin to gain excess weight. In addition, the topic of obesity is becoming increasingly important due to the increase in the number of pets with this problem.
Rule and exceptions
The optimal feeding regime for an adult dog is twice a day. It is recommended to give the dog 1 packet of wet food and a portion of dry food, focusing on the feeding norms indicated on the package. In this case, it is better to give food to the animal at the same time, and there should always be a container of fresh water next to the bowl with food.
At the same time, the diet and feeding regimen for puppies, pregnant and lactating dogs, as well as elderly individuals should be different.
Puppies, depending on their age, are fed six to two times a day – the older the pet becomes, the less often it is fed . It switches to a two-time regimen 10-12 months after birth. In turn, pregnant and lactating animals are shown special diets with increased caloric content and increased frequency of feeding – up to five times a day. Aging dogs require two meals a day, but not as energy-rich as in adult individuals.
Recommended food
Dogs of every age and condition should be fed special diets designed to meet their needs.
When choosing food, you need to be guided by the recommendations of a veterinarian, the availability of the product, as well as the price category that suits you.
Various brands have ready-made diets. For example, Royal Canin, Perfect Fit, Pedigree, Eukanuba.
A sensible approach to feeding pets ensures a high quality of life and the absence of health problems, including those caused by obesity.
