Dogs are rarely shy about asking for meals – or treats! But since they lack the logic that us humans have (arguably), they often overestimate just how often they should be eating. It’s our responsibility to feed them the right amount, and at the right times. 

Our editors worked with veterinarians and food scientists to create a helpful guide for how to build a healthy, manageable feeding schedule for your pup. We’ve even got a recommendation for a tasty dog food: we recommend Ollie, a fresh food that you can get delivered straight to your door. 

Right On Schedule

It might seem easier to give one big meal a day, or to leave out a bowl for free feeding. But beware – that can actually be dangerous for dogs. Eating too much at once, or too quickly, can lead to digestive issues like gas or bloating. Dogs may also start begging for even MORE food out of boredom, which runs the risk of overfeeding and weight gain. If this is your dog, you’re not alone — 60% of dogs in the US are overweight. 

So what’s the solution? Vets recommend giving two meals a day to break up how much your dog eats in one sitting. Another added perk: mealtime can be exciting for dogs, so eating twice spices up their day and gives them something to look forward to. And when you get your Ollie box, they include a helpful guide on how much to feed your pup at each meal based on their weight and activity level. And they give you a scoop, so you can perfectly portion bowls!

As much as they might beg, dogs actually crave routine and structure. So it’s ideal to find specific times of day for mealtime – for example, you might feed them when you eat breakfast and dinner. Giving meals at approximately the same time every day will train dogs when to expect to eat, and can even reduce begging in between feedings!

Speaking of routine, it’s also best practice to have a specific area in your home where you keep the food bowl. This helps your dog feel more secure while they’re eating, and lessen any tendencies toward food aggression. 

Trick Or Treat???

There’s nothing more fun than giving your dog an unexpected treat. They get so excited! But… the extra calories. And an overweight dog is not a healthy dog. So if you’re going to be giving daily treats, keep track of how many you’re handing out so you can calculate calories. 

Most treat bags have the calories right there on the package – for example, Ollie’s Salmon and Coconut Jerky Strips have 74 calories per treat. Just count the cals and feed your dog less accordingly at dinner. Go easy on them, though — one survey shows that the average pup parent thinks that treats can and should make up 37% of a dog’s diet, when in reality, they should make up no more than 10% of their diet. 

It’s easy to give treats safely as part of a feeding plan if you do it intentionally! Remember, dogs don’t have self-control when it comes to food, so it’s up to you to keep them at a healthy weight. 

Eyes On The Prize

Dogs are amazing but they really have no clue about anything, ultimately. So they don’t know when they’re eating too fast! We’re not saying you have to watch them like a hawk, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them when they’re eating to make sure they’re not wolfing down their bowl TOO quickly. 

If your pup is eating way too fast, or showing signs of digestive issues after they eat, try investing in a slow feeder bowl or lick mat to pump the brakes on their breakfast. You can even put their food into a Kong so they have to lick it out! These methods are extremely convenient with a fresh food like Ollie. It’s nice and moist, so it sticks to the sides of all those different options, making it fun for dogs to lick up. One caveat — make sure you clean out Kongs, lick mats, and slow feeders if there’s still food left after mealtime, and wash ‘em after every use. If you want to start your dog on Ollie today, you can get your first box for 60% off plus a free gift for a limited time!

Make A Schedule To Schedule

Giving your dog a reliable feeding schedule of intentionally portioned meals twice a day is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being. And no dog food makes it easier than Ollie, a healthy fresh food that delivers straight to your door and gives great instructions on how much to feed at each meal. Try a sample box of Ollie’s fresh food for 60% off your first order plus a free gift with purchase!