What is the right number of times to feed my dog? Explained by life stage!

It seems that pet dogs are becoming increasingly obese.

The main cause of this is excessive calorie intake, or "overeating."

Unlike cats, leaving food out for dogs is not recommended. Cats eat food in small portions, so leaving food out is possible.

However, dogs tend to eat all the food they've been given in one go, so they'll eat the more food they're given.

Therefore, when feeding your dog, it's important to determine the appropriate amount and frequency.

Today, we'll be introducing the frequency of feeding your dog.

About the Amount of Food

〇How to Find the Right Amount

Many people who feed their dogs food rely on the amount listed on the back of the food package.

Of course, calculating the amount based on a dog's weight is useful for determining the appropriate amount of food.

However, it's important to remember that this is only a guideline.

This is an average based on data from a large number of dogs, so it doesn't necessarily apply to all dogs of the same weight.

So how do you find the right amount? First, feed the amount listed on the back of the dog food.

Then, consider your dog's weight changes and the condition of his stool and make a decision.

First, consider his weight. If he's gaining weight even though you're feeding him the same amount every day, you're giving him too little.

On the other hand, if he's losing weight even though you're feeding him the same amount every day, you're giving him too little.

Next, regarding the condition of the stool, if it leaves a small mark on the sheet when you lift it up with tissue or something similar, it's the right amount.

If the stool is too soft, it's a sign that you're feeding too little. Conversely, if the stool is sloppy, it's a sign that you're feeding too little.

It's important to carefully observe your dog's condition and determine the appropriate amount.

〇 Know the appropriate amount

Once you've found the appropriate amount, make sure you keep track of it.

If you have a family pet, the amount you give your dog may vary depending on who's giving it to them.

This may seem like a small difference to humans, but for a small dog, it makes a surprisingly big difference.

Make sure to mark the appropriate amount on the scooping container so that anyone can feed your dog the right amount.

Feeding Frequency by Life Stage

〇For puppies

Puppies are in the nursing stage for the first few weeks after birth, and they grow up drinking their mother's milk.

After about a month, they enter the weaning stage.

This is the time when their baby teeth begin to grow and they become reluctant to be breastfed.

At this point, they will need puppy food.

If you adopt a puppy from a pet shop or breeder, it will always be at least 56 days old.

This is because the Animal Welfare Act stipulates that dogs must be at least 56 days old before they can be sold.

If you're looking to adopt a puppy, make sure it's weaned and ready to eat solid food.

Now, let's talk about feeding frequency. Puppies' digestive systems are still underdeveloped, so if they eat too much at once, they may develop diarrhea or vomit due to indigestion.

Therefore, you should feed them the calories they need each day in three to four separate meals.

Puppies also consume more calories for growth and activity than adult dogs.

Even missing a meal once can lead to malnutrition and hypoglycemia.

Feed your puppy regularly and monitor their progress to ensure they are eating.

For Adult Dogs

It is said that dogs experience rapid growth in the first six months of life.

They will continue to grow for about a year after birth, but their growth will slow down after six months.

As they grow normally and their digestive system develops, they will be able to eat larger amounts of food at once.

Generally, it is said that feeding twice a day is appropriate from six months of age.

You should distribute the calories your puppy needs throughout the day. If you give them treats, reduce the amount of food they eat.

It's said that the ideal weight for a dog is the weight at one year of age.

Dogs have a habit of eating when they can, so they'll eat as much as you give them.

Owners need to control their dog's weight so that it maintains its one-year-old weight.

If you want to know exactly what their ideal weight is and how many calories they need per day, it's best to consult a veterinarian.

For Older Dogs

As older dogs get older, their teeth and digestive system weaken.

For this reason, it's important to feed them smaller amounts at a time and more frequently.

It's recommended to feed them small amounts 3-4 times a day, just like puppies.

Other organs may be weakened, so monitor your dog's condition and feed it dry or wet food for senior dogs.

A dog is generally considered senior from about the age of 7.

Once your dog turns 7, switch to senior dog food.

When changing food, mixing it with the dog's current food and gradually increasing the proportion of new food is recommended, as sudden changes may cause your dog to refuse to eat it.

When Your Dog Won't Eat His Food

Possible Illness

If your pet suddenly stops eating its usual food, it may be suffering from some kind of illness.

Observe its litter box condition and behavior, and if anything unusual appears, have it examined immediately by a veterinarian.

For adult dogs, missing one meal is not an emergency, but for puppies, even one missed meal can be dangerous because they need more calories.

〇 Possible lack of exercise

If your dog is eating less, lack of exercise may be the cause.

Exercise is important for your dog's health, so make sure to give him adequate exercise, such as daily walks or playing in the park.

〇 Possible over-treating

Treats generally have strong odors and flavors.

Once your dog gets used to these treats, it may find bland dog food unsatisfying and stop eating it.

Even if you reduce the amount of food your dog normally eats, your dog may stop eating, so be careful not to give too many treats.

Summary

The number of times you feed your dog varies depending on its age, but also on the individual dog's condition.

The number of times introduced here is only a guideline, so be sure to carefully observe your dog's condition and feed it the appropriate amount and frequency.