Dry kibble? Homemade meals? Many dog owners ask themselves what and how often they should feed their four-legged friend. Today, we’re sharing guidelines to help you build a diet that meets all your dog’s nutritional needs—supporting their health, appearance, and overall happiness.

Proper Nutritional Balance

What’s good for humans isn’t necessarily good for dogs. The anatomical and physiological differences between our species determine different dietary needs. Poorly balanced diets can lead to obesity, disease, or nutritional deficiencies in dogs. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps—instead, choose high-quality commercial food or prepare meals designed specifically for dogs. Their diet should contain the right proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates tailored to the dog’s individual needs.

Meal Frequency

Puppies under six months old should be fed three meals a day—morning, afternoon, and evening. Adult dogs typically need to be fed once or twice daily, ideally after a walk and a period of rest. It’s important to always feed your dog in the same bowl and in the same spot at regular times. This routine helps your dog feel calm during meals and supports healthy digestion. Avoid feeding your dog immediately after physical activity, as this can lead to stomach bloat. Your dog’s diet should reflect their age, size, and energy demands—puppies, hunting dogs, competing dogs, pregnant or nursing females, and senior dogs all have different needs.

Staying Hydrated

Nutrition is not just about food—hydration matters too. Your dog must have constant access to clean, fresh, preferably boiled water. According to veterinarians, the recommended amount is around 60 ml per kilogram of body weight. It’s especially important to monitor water intake on hot days and for nursing female dogs.