Feeding your dog the right food is key to its well-being, daily energy levels and digestive health. Although every dog is unique, there are some general guidelines that will help you establish a suitable feeding routine based on your dog’s behaviour and activity level.
How many times a day should a dog be fed?
Most adult dogs eat between once and twice a day, but the frequency can be adjusted according to their personality and habits:
Calm dogs or dogs with a small appetite
If your dog isn’t anxious and doesn’t wolf down its food, you can:
- Leave the food out for free access.
These dogs usually regulate their own food intake without any problems.
Dogs that are very greedy, anxious or hyperactive
In these cases, it is best to control the portion size:
- Pesa el alimento según la tabla del envase.
- The daily portion usually ranges from 12 to 15 grams per kilogram of body weight, adjusted according to their activity level.
High-energy dogs: how and when to feed them
If your dog is very active, energetic, nervous or moves around a lot during the day, take note:
1. When to feed
- Always after the walk or activity, once the dog has calmed down.
This helps prevent stomach torsion, especially in large breeds.
2. Mix the food with water
For anxious or very active dogs:
- Mix the feed with water in a 50/50 ratio (half water, half feed by volume).
- Benefits:
- They eat more slowly.
- It increases the feeling of fullness.
- Improves hydration.
- It helps to rehydrate the food, making it easier to digest.
Quick summary
- Calm dogs: food available all day.
- Dogs with a big appetite: feed according to the feeding guide (12–15 g/kg).
- Active dogs: feed them after exercise.
- Mejor práctica universal: mezclar con agua (50/50).
Key summary
How should I feed my dog? How much food should I give him, and how many times a day?
- Provided the dog is NOT particularly greedy or anxious. You can leave the food out for them, as they can help themselves to their meals.
- If my dog is a greedy, anxious and hyperactive dog. In this case, you should weigh out the portion according to the table on the packaging, based on your dog’s weight. Depending on your dog’s activity level, the portion size may vary between 12 and 15 grams.
- If your pet is very active, it is advisable to feed it after its walk or exercise at the end of the day, once it has settled down; this will help prevent stomach torsion.
- If the dog is very active and anxious, we do the same thing, but this time we mix the food with water in a 50/50 ratio by volume; this way, the dog will take longer to eat the food and will feel satisfied and calm.
It is always advisable to serve the portion with water; this helps to rehydrate the food and also ensures that the dog stays better hydrated.