A full bowl all day long, two meals or several small portions a day: how often do you feed your pet? A question that many owners have. Every animal is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but we'll help you on your way!
Hungry dogs: rest and regularity
A dog is a creature of habit. Regularity makes your dog happier and more confident. That is why it is also important for feeding time that he gets his dog food at fixed times during the day. It is often recommended to feed an adult dog once in the morning and once in the evening. Always have fresh water available for your dog, preferably a clean bowl with every meal. Water can be left all day.
More often than twice dog food
Not all dogs do equally well on two meals. Small dogs have a faster metabolism and burn their energy faster than, for example, a large Labrador. It is therefore better to feed these little ones three times a day. This also applies to puppies: these chunks of energy are busy playing and romping all day long and therefore fly through their energy at lightning speed. Three times feeding is not only better for energy levels, but also promotes healthy growth and development. The very large breeds also have trouble with two meals a day. These boobies quickly suffer from a bloated feeling or a sensitive stomach. Therefore, break the larger meals into several small portions, spread over the day.
Gnawing cat stomachs
In the wild, a cat hunts for small prey, such as mice and birds, several times a day. Instead of one large buffet, the wild cat eats several small meals. Whether a house cat also needs this depends on what it is used to. A cat is also a creature of habit, but unlike our barking friends, cats are a bit more flexible in how often and how much they want to eat cat food. There are even cats that do not eat their full food bowl in one sitting.
Always keep in mind the pattern they are used to. If your cat has always had two meals a day, you should not suddenly switch to four small meals. Your cat is used to this amount and has planned his day around it. He knows exactly how much he eats and how much energy he gets from it.
