It's a dog-eat-dog world, which really just means that dogs love to eat. (Getty)(Getty)
If you’re a dog parent, you want to take care of your fur baby in the best possible way — which means making sure they’re healthy and happy, especially in the food department. While you might already know what foods your dog can’t eat, have you ever thought about when you should feed your dog?
Humans generally have three meals a day, but dogs aren’t humans, which means their regimen is a whole lot different than ours. And, of course, left up to them, many pooches would be happy to Eat. All. The. Time. Of course, we can't have that, so we consulted the experts on exactly when and how your dog should be chowing down.
"On average, adult dogs should be fed twice a day, on a regular schedule," explains Michelle Lugones, DVM, professor and Veterinary Technology Program Director at LaGuardia Community College. There are exceptions, though, like if your dog is pregnant, nursing, has a medical condition or is on certain medication.
;Another exception? The little ones. "Puppies generally eat three or four meals a day due to their rapid growth and development, faster metabolism and smaller stomach size," shares Liza Cahn, DVM and veterinarian and consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance. "Small-breed puppies are especially at risk for hypoglycemia if they don’t eat frequently."
No matter the age, breed or health of your dog, though, it’s important to create mealtime routine — and you’ll want to get them on one ASAP. "Dogs thrive on routine and knowing what to expect," says Cahn. "Keeping their meal time consistent is a good way to help establish a schedule that they can rely on."
When establishing a routine, avoid setting an arbitrary time and calling it a day. Instead, shape it around your schedule. The exact time of day is less important in the routine than the time between meals. "It’s best if mealtimes are not longer than 12 hours apart, with the ideal schedule being 8-10 hours apart," explains Nell Ostermeier, DVM and veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance. Basically, as long as you can feed them within the allotted frame at the same times every day, they’ll be healthy and you’ll both be happy.
;While all dogs need food, not all dogs are the same types of eaters. Some go to town as soon as the bowl is in front of them and others are grazers, nibbling every so often. No matter the type of eater your pup is, experts recommend leaving their food out for only 20 to 30 minutes to avoid any excessive weight gain or obesity. Oh, and another thing? Leaving wet food out for too long is an invitation to rapid bacterial growth, and a potential trip to the vet.
Honestly, it’s so hard to resist your pup’s gleaming eyes when they’re waiting for a treat. The good news is, you don’t actually have to set a routine when it comes to treats. Which is great, because we all remember how excruciating it was waiting for snack time in elementary school.
Of course, there are important rules to follow. "Treats and human food should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories," explains Cahn. In fact, she adds, they’re best left for training or positive reinforcement.
;Ultimately, though, the important thing is to make sure that your dog is getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need. If you’re still unsure about how often to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian and they’ll help you out.
Now that you’re primed on mealtime, it’s time to actually give them the food — which you can’t do without a cute bowl. After all, every pup deserves to eat in style (even if they slobber everywhere in the process).
If you haven't seen one of these crazy bowls yet, here's the deal: The maze-like design isn't just a stimulating game for your pup; it forces them to slow down and pace themselves as they eat. This, in turn, can help prevent obesity and bloating. Available in multiple colors and patterns, these are BPA-, PVC-, lead- and phthalate-free, as well as dishwasher-safe. They also feature a nonslip base to keep things sturdy and safe.
"Perfect for our dogs that eat way too fast," explained an Amazon fan. "It takes them several minutes now to get [through] their meals and now maybe they enjoy what they're eating instead of inhaling it. Very durable, and the slip-resistant bottom of the bowl keeps it from sliding around. Very happy with this purchase."
Available in three sizes, this elevated feeder comes with both a food and water bowl. They're designed to allow your dog to eat more comfortably, especially those with arthritis, joint issues or limited mobility. The feeder has silicone anti-slip pads to prevent any mess. Another great thing? It's adjustable, so you can get one for your baby and raise it as they grow.
"The bowl width, depth and height of the stand is perfect," shared this pup parent. "Easy assembly. Very sturdy and the nonslip legs keep the stand in place. We were a little wary of getting an elevated stand since our dog is very fussy when it comes to a strange water and food bowl, but he went right up to it and started eating. His previous bowls were smaller and close to floor. Definitely recommend and would buy again."
Remember what we said about maintaining a consistent feeding schedule? These top-selling bowls make it easy while you're out and about! They're BPA-free and can be adjusted to three different depth levels. When you get back home, just stick it in the dishwasher.
"This bowl is amazing," explains a happy dog parent. "Packable and pops up easily. It holds water without falling over. I keep one in the car and I have one in a backpack that I use to take the dog out hiking. Clip is nice to hang it anywhere. It’s a great go-anywhere bowl."
Yes, Yeti makes dog bowls! Your pup can match you and your Yeti water bottle with this BPA-free, dishwasher-safe 32-oz. dish. A nonslip ring around its base ensures that it won't budge, even if your pooch is really, really excited to eat or drink. Stainless steel construction means it's tough enough to ward off rust, dents and dings.
"This bowl is huge," explains one five-star Amazon customer. "It fits so much water but doesn't take up unnecessary space, love this color to match my Yeti cooler, and the design is simple, sleek and perfect. Also sturdy and functions great."
First off, any dog toy with wobble or giggle in its name is a win by us. This Amazon shopper favorite (more than 1,000 of 'em were sold in the past month) keeps your dog occupied and stimulated while also rewarding them with a treat. There's even a glow-in the-dark option.
"It's so addictive and amazing that my dog cannot live without it," said this proud papa. "He takes it everywhere, and I literally mean everywhere. He's a pit and has destroyed 90% of the toys you can find on Amazon, but this ball has withstood countless hours of extreme harassment and beating.
Okay, how stylish is this set? It comes with two glass and two stainless steel bowls, all of them removable. The actual feeder stand features grips to keep it nice and stable, its clear acrylic construction a match with any home decor. Available in four sizes.
"Chic and functional," shared a five-star reviewer. "I absolutely love these dog bowls. I got them for my frenchie and my border collie in two different sizes. They come with a stainless steel set and also a thick glass, which is more like a Pyrex set.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
