"How many times a day should I feed my dog?" and "How often should I feed my cat?" are two of the most common questions from pet owners. The short answer: adult dogs and cats can be fed once, twice, or (for some) three times per day—as long as the total daily amount is right for their size, activity, and body condition. What matters most is that they get the correct number of calories per day and a schedule that works for your household and your pet's needs.
This article covers typical recommendations for adult dogs and adult cats, why meal frequency matters, and how to decide what's best for your pet.
Adult Dogs: How Many Meals per Day?
Common Options: Once vs. Twice Daily
- Once daily: One meal per day is enough for many adult dogs. It's simple and fits some owners' schedules. Some dogs do fine on it; others may seem hungry or nauseated if they go too long without food.
- Twice daily: Two meals per day is the most commonly recommended pattern for adult dogs. It spreads intake across the day, can reduce begging and stomach upset, and fits well with morning and evening routines.
There is no single "correct" number—it depends on your dog's size, appetite, energy, and any health issues (e.g., conditions that benefit from smaller, more frequent meals).
Why Many Vets Recommend Twice Daily for Dogs
- Less hunger between meals: Reduces begging and anxiety around feeding time.
- Smaller meals: Can be easier on the stomach and may reduce risk of bloating in large breeds (though bloat is multifactorial).
- More stable energy: Some dogs are more even-keeled with calories spread over two meals.
- Easier to add medication or supplements: Two chances to mix in pills or supplements with food.
When Once Daily Might Be Fine
- Your dog is healthy, adult, and not prone to hunger-related behavior.
- Your vet has no concern about once-daily feeding (e.g., no diabetes, no need for frequent small meals).
- You measure the full daily amount so they're not underfed.
If your dog seems very hungry, vomits bile on an empty stomach, or does better with two meals, switch to twice daily and split the daily portion in half.
Adult Cats: How Many Meals per Day?
Natural Preference: Small, Frequent Meals
Cats in the wild eat many small meals. Many house cats are happiest with two to three (or more) small meals per day rather than one large meal. That said, some cats adapt to once or twice daily feeding without issue.
Common Options: Once, Twice, or Three Times
- Once daily: Possible for some cats, but many become hungry, vocal, or prone to vomiting bile if the stomach is empty too long. Not ideal for most.
- Twice daily: Two meals per day is a good default for many adult cats—e.g., morning and evening. It balances routine with their tendency to prefer smaller, more frequent intake.
- Three (or more) times daily: Ideal for cats who are very food-motivated, prone to hunger vomiting, or on a weight-loss plan where spreading calories helps with satiety. Automated feeders can make this practical.
Why Meal Frequency Matters for Cats
- Hunger and behavior: Cats who go too long without food may meow, wake you at night, or become anxious. More frequent, smaller meals can reduce these behaviors.
- Weight management: Splitting the daily calorie target into several meals can help some cats feel fuller and avoid overeating at one sitting.
- Health conditions: Cats with certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, some GI issues) may need a specific meal schedule—your vet will advise.
Total Daily Amount Matters More Than Number of Meals
Whether you feed once, twice, or three times, the total calories per day should match your pet's needs. Use a pet calorie calculator to get the right daily amount, then divide it by the number of meals you choose.
- Example (dog): 600 kcal/day, twice daily → 300 kcal per meal (use the calorie statement on the food to convert to cups).
- Example (cat): 250 kcal/day, twice daily → 125 kcal per meal; or three times → ~83 kcal per meal.
Don't increase total amount just because you're feeding more often. Extra meals = same total, split into smaller portions.
Puppies and Kittens Are Different
Growing animals need more frequent meals and more calories per day than adults. Puppies and kittens are typically fed three to four (or more) times per day. Once they reach adulthood, you can transition to the adult schedule (e.g., twice daily) as recommended by your vet.
Practical Tips
- Stick to a schedule: Feeding at roughly the same times each day helps with house-training, behavior, and appetite.
- Measure the full day: Decide the total amount for the day, then split it. Avoid adding an extra "meal" that isn't accounted for in the 10% rule or daily total.
- Use the same food and calorie source: When you change how often you feed, keep the same daily calories so your pet doesn't gain or lose weight.
- Ask your vet: For pets with medical conditions or special needs, your vet can recommend the best meal frequency and portion size.
The Bottom Line
- Adult dogs: Once or twice daily is common; twice daily is often recommended for satisfaction and stomach comfort.
- Adult cats: Twice daily is a good default; three or more smaller meals can help with hunger and weight management.
- Always: Feed the correct total daily calories (based on MER), split across your chosen number of meals, and use the calorie statement to portion accurately.
To get a precise daily calorie target and portion sizes for your pet, use our pet meal planner—then set a consistent schedule that works for you and your pet.
