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Recent research from the Dog Aging Project suggests that feeding adult dogs once daily may be associated with improved health outcomes. However, this approach isn’t suitable for all dogs, and owners should consider individual needs before making changes.
Potential Benefits of Once-Daily Feeding
The Dog Aging Project analyzed data from over 24,000 dogs and found that those fed once daily had lower odds of developing certain health conditions, including gastrointestinal, dental, orthopedic, kidney/urinary, and liver/pancreatic disorders. These dogs also scored better on cognitive function assessments.
These findings align with studies in humans and rodents, where intermittent fasting has been linked to various health benefits. It’s hypothesized that less frequent feeding may reduce caloric intake and obesity, allowing the digestive system more time to rest and repair. It also likely aligned with a dog or wolf’s ancestral diet, where they would eat less frequently, but in larger amounts.
Cautions and Considerations for Once a Day Feeding
Despite these potential benefits, feeding dogs once daily isn’t universally recommended. The study’s findings are observational and don’t establish causation. Moreover, certain dogs may not tolerate once-daily feeding well.
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Puppies: Young dogs require more frequent meals to support growth and prevent hypoglycemia.
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Small Breeds: Smaller dogs often need at least two meals per day to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent vomiting bile due to an empty stomach.
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Dogs Prone to Bloat: Large or deep-chested breeds may be at increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) when consuming large meals once daily.
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Medical Conditions: Dogs with certain health issues, such as diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders, may require more frequent feeding schedules.
While once-daily feeding may offer health benefits for some adult dogs, it’s essential to consider individual factors such as age, breed, size, and health status. Consulting with a veterinarian before altering your dog’s feeding routine is crucial to ensure their specific needs are met.
About The Author
Justin Palmer is the founder of iHeartDogs and The Frosted Muzzle, a blog dedicated to helping senior dogs live longer, healthier lives through better nutrition and care.
