How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?

Feeding your dog isn’t just about what you give them - it’s also about when. Meal frequency can impact digestion, energy levels, and overall health, particularly for dogs on a raw diet.

Adult Dogs Thrive on Fewer Meals

Fully grown dogs do not need to be fed more than once or twice daily. In fact, feeding once a day can mimic natural hunting and scavenging patterns, allowing the digestive system to rest and focus on other bodily processes.

Research indicates that fewer, well-balanced meals can improve metabolic efficiency, support weight management, and maintain lean muscle mass. Raw diets, which are nutrient-dense and highly digestible, complement this approach.

Benefits of Feeding Once a Day:

• Gives the digestive system time to process and absorb nutrients efficiently.

• Helps regulate hunger and satiety signals.

• Supports overall metabolism and immune health.

• Aligns with natural canine eating patterns.

How Much to Feed

• Adult dogs: ~2% of body weight per day (adjust based on activity, body condition, and life stage).

• Very active or lean dogs can be fed twice daily—perhaps minced product at one meal and a meaty bone with tripe later, or alternating meals across days.

• Monitor appetite, weight, and energy levels. If your dog is leaving food or gaining weight, adjust portions accordingly.
  

Tips for Feeding Raw:

• Aim to provide a variety of nutrients over time, rather than in a single meal.

• Observe your dog’s behavior - overeating, fussy habits, or food hoarding may indicate overfeeding.

Puppies Need Frequent Meals
Puppies have small stomachs, high energy needs, and a higher risk of hypoglycemia. To support rapid growth and steady energy:

Frequent meals ensure puppies get a constant supply of nutrients and glucose to fuel their developing bodies. Read more about feeding puppies.

References & Supporting Research:

• Freeman LM et al., Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat–based diets for dogs and cats, J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2013.

• Case LP et al., Canine and Feline Nutrition, 3rd Ed., Elsevier Saunders, 2011.

• Hewson-Hughes et al., Geometric analysis of macronutrient selection in dogs, Proc Biol Sci, 2012.

• Panasevich MR et al., Gut Health, Microbiome, and Diet in Companion Animals, Advances in Nutrition, 2020.