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Can a dog be fed once a day?
Usually, adult dogs and senior dogs can be fed once a day, but it is healthier to feed them twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. For overweight adult and senior dogs that need to lose weight, feeding once a day is sufficient. The specific feeding amount can be referred to the recommended dose on the dog food packaging bag. Water can be unlimited.
Feeding a dog once a day is acceptable, but it is not recommended to feed too much, as this may cause nutritional excess issues such as obesity, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. It may also lead to diseases of the digestive tract such as pancreatitis.
For puppies, it is advised to feed them several small meals a day, at least three to four times a day, to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during their growth period. Because the digestive system of young puppies has not fully developed, overfeeding may cause indigestion, gastrointestinal reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. If a puppy is fed once a day for more than 20 hours, it will be in a state of hunger for a long time, which may lead to malnutrition, hypoglycemia, and even death due to low body temperature. The feeding schedule can be gradually increased as the puppy ages.
Adult dogs and senior dogs can be fed once a day, but it is essential to ensure that the portion is sufficient to meet their daily nutritional needs. If the portion is insufficient, symptoms such as hunger, rummaging through trash, or chewing on other items may occur. The dog may become thin, have a low immune system, and develop pica. When feeding dogs, it is important to feed them on a regular schedule, in a fixed amount, and at a designated location. Timing can train dogs to expect food at specific times, secrete stomach acid, increase appetite, and promote digestion and absorption.