Best Feeding Schedule for Adult Dogs
Once your dog hits adulthood (12-24 months depending on breed), the feeding schedule gets simpler. Most adult dogs do best on two meals a day. But "simpler" doesn't mean there isn't nuance — the right schedule depends on your dog's size, activity level, and health.
Standard adult dog feeding schedule
| Dog Size | Meals/Day | Suggested Times | Daily Calories (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy (under 10 lbs) | 2-3 | 7am, 12pm, 5:30pm | 200-400 |
| Small (10-25 lbs) | 2 | 7am, 5:30pm | 400-700 |
| Medium (25-50 lbs) | 2 | 7am, 5:30pm | 700-1200 |
| Large (50-90 lbs) | 2 | 7am, 5:30pm | 1200-1800 |
| Giant (90+ lbs) | 2-3 | 7am, 12pm, 5:30pm | 1800-2500+ |
Why twice daily is ideal
Research and veterinary consensus point to twice-daily feeding as the sweet spot for most adult dogs. Once-daily feeding can work but tends to cause more hunger-related behavior issues (begging, counter surfing, grass eating). It can also increase the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in large breeds.
Three times daily works well for toy breeds prone to hypoglycemia and giant breeds that do better with smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloat risk.
Adjusting for activity level
- Low activity (mostly indoor, short daily walks): Feed at the lower end of calorie ranges. Consider a weight management formula.
- Moderate activity (daily walks, some play): Standard portions based on weight.
- High activity (working dogs, daily running, agility): Increase calories by 20-40%. Consider a performance or high-protein formula.
The 15-minute rule
Put food down, wait 15 minutes, pick it up — whether it's finished or not. This is the single most effective feeding habit for adult dogs. It prevents grazing (which leads to overeating), keeps food fresh, and helps you notice immediately if your dog's appetite changes, which is often the first sign of health issues.
Should you feed before or after exercise?
Always wait at least 30 minutes after feeding before vigorous exercise, and 60 minutes for large and giant breeds. Exercise on a full stomach increases bloat risk. If your morning routine includes a walk, feed after the walk or wait at least half an hour.
Get personalized feeding amounts → Feeding Calculator