How many meals a day should dogs and cats eat?

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Raising a pet is like having a new member in the family. In addition to love and bonding, one thing that every pet owner must pay special attention to is food. Because good, nutritious food will directly affect the health and lifespan of our beloved pets.

One of the questions that often arise is “How many meals per day should our dog or cat eat?” The answer may not be definite. Because the amount and frequency of feeding depends on many factors, such as the age, breed, size, weight, health, and activity level of each pet. This article will help you to solve your doubts about the appropriateness of feeding pets.

How many meals a day should dogs and cats eat?

How many meals a day should dogs and cats eat?

Kittens (under 6 months old)

  • If your kitten hasn’t eaten within 12 hours, start with canned food, then start with a mix of canned and dry food over the next several days.
  • Dry kitten food is recommended, but young kittens may find it difficult to chew. Mix canned food with dry food to help your kitten eat as much as he or she wants. Remove any uneaten canned food within a few hours.
  • Provide plenty of dry food throughout the day.
  • Wash and refill the water bowl daily, keeping fresh water readily available at all times.
  • Provide a diet that is labeled “nutritional complete.” Do not feed your kitten milk, scraps, or bones.
  • If your kitten doesn’t eat within the first 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.

Cats (6 months and older)

  • Feed adult cats no more than twice a day.
  • “Freestyle feeding” is not recommended as it is difficult to monitor how much your pet is eating. If they eat too much, some will quickly become obese.
  • Provide foods that are labeled as “nutritiously complete.”
  • Use the pet food manufacturer’s feeding guidelines printed on the bag as a guide only.
  • If you can’t feel your cat’s ribs when you run your finger lightly over the rib cage, your cat is overweight. Your veterinarian can help you plan a weight loss program for your cat.
  • Gradually reduce food intake if your cat is overweight and consider “light” pet foods or diet foods designed for inactive cats.
  • Do not fast for more than one day.
  • Remove wet food that has not been eaten within a few hours.
  • Wash and refill the water bowl daily, keeping fresh water readily available at all times.
  • If your cat doesn’t eat within the first 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.

Puppies (up to 6 months old)

  • It is recommended to eat dry food.
  • Remove uneaten food after 15-20 minutes. Do not allow your puppy to eat treats throughout the day. Regular feeding times will establish a normal elimination pattern.
  • Feed your puppy four times a day until six months of age, then twice a day thereafter.
  • Feed your puppy as much food as he or she will eat in a 10-15 minute period. If overeating occurs, offer smaller, more frequent meals.
  • If your puppy doesn’t eat within 24 hours, offer canned food (plain chicken or beef) and then start mixing it with dry food over the next several days.
  • Wash and refill the water bowl daily, keeping fresh water readily available at all times.
  • Provide foods that are labeled as “nutritiously complete.”
  • Do not give your puppy milk, scraps or bones.
  • If your puppy or adult dog has not eaten in more than 24 hours, even after offering canned food, contact your veterinarian.

Dogs (6 months and older)

  • Adult dogs should be fed no more than twice a day.
  • Place the food bowl on the floor for 15 minutes, then remove it. Whether your dog eats it or not, do not give it anything until it is time for the next meal. An adult dog will not refuse food long enough to cause physical harm.
  • It is recommended to choose dry food. You can also feed canned food, but it will cost more and your dog may need more frequent dental care.
  • Provide foods that are labeled as “nutritiously complete.”
  • “Freestyle feeding” is not recommended as it is difficult to monitor how much your pet is eating and some dogs can become obese if they eat too much. Regular feeding times will help your dog establish a regular elimination pattern.
  • Gradually reduce the food if your dog is overweight, or choose a diet สมัคร ufabet food designed for inactive dogs.
  • Don’t be alarmed if your dog doesn’t eat well for a few days after the change. Stick with the same dry food, adding a little canned food if all else fails, but avoid scraps.
  • Wash and refill the water bowl daily, keeping fresh water readily available at all times.