Feeding twice a day

[Pam99]

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Please can someone offer advice on when to start feeding your dog twice a day instead of 3 times? I have a 5 month old boxer who i currently feed at 8, 12.30 and 5pm. Ive read varying advice about when to transition them that ranges from 6 to 12 months old.

 

[excuseme]

At 7 months 2 feeds a day should be fine. Just wait a little longer.

 

[JoanneF]

I think it depends on the dog a bit too. They sometimes show less enthusiasm for a meal so that's a sign.

My dog has two proper meals but does get a few pieces of his food before his morning walk, and some on his walk as rewards, so you could say he sort of still has three meals. He is 10.

 

[Hemlock]

Mine have always decided for themselves by being unenthusiastic about the middle meal.

I realise that certain breeds wouldn't ever be unenthusiastic about food!!

 

[JudyN]

I realise that certain breeds wouldn't ever be unenthusiastic about food!!

Or certain individual dogs!

I can't remember what age I did it, but I weaned Jasper off his lunch by making it a smaller portion each day till it was just a few bits of kibble, then used them for training rather than in a bowl.

 

[Pam99]

Yes i cant imagine Ruby not being enthusiastic for food at any time of the day! I'll certainly leave until shes a bit older and then gradually remove the meal. It seems cruel in a way, i cant imagine having to wait all day inbetween meals

 

[Ari_RR]

For my benefit - assuming the dog is happy and enthusiastic about his 3 meals each day, would there be any reason to switch?

 

[JudyN]

For my benefit - assuming the dog is happy and enthusiastic about his 3 meals each day, would there be any reason to switch?

I have read that it's good for a dog's stomach to be empty(ish) some of the time to give the digestion a rest - and an athlete would be very careful about what they ate soon before an event. Whether that's based on research or assumptions I don't know.

And of course, if you have the sort of dog who can start whining an hour before each meal, the more meals means the more whining