How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

Determining the right feeding routine for your dog can be a bit of a minefield. While some dogs thrive on regular meals, others might benefit from less frequent feeding or even periodic fasting. The best approach depends on factors like your dog's age, health status, and activity level.  In this article we’ll take a look at the concept of fasting dogs, its potential benefits and when you should always offer a few meals per day to your dog.  

Fasting for Dogs: What Is It and Why Do It?

Fasting for dogs isn’t about weight loss, as it often is for humans. Instead, it can promote longevity and improve health outcomes. Fasting is not the same as starvation, which occurs when the body is deprived of essential nutrients. Fasting simply involves temporary periods of reduced calorie intake.

Interestingly, fasting is a natural part of the diet for wild canines, like wolves. These animals don’t eat every day. Instead, they feast when they catch prey and may fast for days in between. This feast-or-famine cycle has carried over into domestic dogs, which can tolerate occasional fasting as a result of their evolutionary history.

What Happens in a Dog’s Body During Fasting?

Fasting allows the body to redirect energy away from digestion toward other processes, such as cellular repair and detoxification. Digestion is a demanding task, and when it’s not required, the body can focus on clearing out toxins and improving cellular health.

One key benefit of fasting is reduced oxidative stress. When the body isn’t constantly digesting food, the mitochondria (the energy producers of cells) work less, resulting in fewer free radicals. This reduction in free radicals leads to lower levels of oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases.

Studies show that fasting can reduce inflammation and improve various health outcomes in animals. This includes a lower risk of chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer, cognitive decline, and diabetes. Fasting may also help preserve muscle mass and bone density as dogs age.

Should All Dogs Fast?

While fasting has its benefits, it’s not suitable for all dogs. Puppies, for instance, should not be fasted. Their growing bodies require a consistent intake of nutrients, as they are in one of the most nutritionally demanding phases of life. Similarly, pregnant or lactating dogs need regular meals to support the development of their puppies.

Fasting can also be dangerous for dogs with certain health conditions, such as diabetes. In these cases, fasting may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before introducing fasting, especially if your dog has any pre-existing health concerns.

Feeding Puppies: The Right Schedule

Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs, and their feeding schedule should reflect that. Puppies should be fed around four times a day to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition for their growth and energy needs. As they grow, you can gradually reduce their feeding frequency. By around six months of age, most puppies can transition to two meals a day.

This schedule often continues for many adult dogs and you will still gain the benefits of fasting.  For example, you can feed them two meals within an 8-hour window, such as at 9 a.m. and again around 4 or 5 p.m. This creates a natural fasting period between meals, giving the digestive system a break while still providing regular nutrition.

During any fasting period, it’s essential to ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Alternatively, you could fast your adult dog for one day per week and monitor.  If your dog suffers any hunger pukes (vomiting bile), we would recommend adjusting their feeding schedule to more frequent meals.  

Ultimately, how often your dog eats should depend on their individual needs. While fasting can offer health benefits, it’s not suitable for every dog. Factors like age, health, and activity level should guide your decision. Puppies, in particular, need frequent meals to support their growth. As your dog matures, you can consider adjusting their feeding schedule, but it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or nutrition expert before making any changes. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so finding the routine that works best for your dog is key!