If you’ve ever stared at your pet’s food bowl and wondered, “Am I feeding them the right way?”—you’re not alone. Whether you have a curious kitten, a rambunctious puppy, or a sleepy senior cat or dog, a solid feeding schedule is one of the most important parts of your pet’s health. While these guidelines are a great starting point, factors like breed, metabolism, activity level, and health conditions matter too. When in doubt, talk to your vet about personalized feeding recommendations.  

This guide walks you through exactly how much, how often, and when to feed your dog or cat based on their life stage. Let's make mealtime the healthiest (and happiest) part of their day!  

   

Why Feeding Schedules Matter

Consistency is key when it comes to pet health. Dogs and cats thrive on routine, and having a structured meal schedule can:  

  • Support healthy digestion  

  • Prevent obesity  

  • Reduce anxiety (yes, pets love knowing what to expect!)  

  • Help you spot early signs of illness (like skipped meals)  

Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) might work for some cats, but it’s generally not recommended for most pets, especially dogs or pets with weight issues.  

 

Feeding Schedules by Life Stage

🍼 Puppies and Kittens (0-6 months)

Goal: Fuel fast growth, support brain development, and build trust during feeding time.  

How often to feed:  

  • 3 to 4 times per day  

  • Small, frequent meals help avoid upset stomachs and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)  

What to feed:  

  • High-quality puppy or kitten food with essential fatty acids, DHA, and protein  

  • Wet food can help with hydration, especially for kittens  

Pro tip: Use mealtime as a bonding opportunity. Offer meals after play sessions to naturally mimic the "hunt-eat-rest" instinct.  

 

Young Adults (6 months - 2 years)

Goal: Maintain steady growth and establish lifelong eating habits.  

How often to feed:  

  • Dogs: 2 times per day  

  • Cats: 2-3 times per day  

What to feed:  

  • Transition to adult formula food around 12 months (18 months for large-breed dogs)  

  • Consider your pet’s breed, activity level, and any food sensitivities  

Red flag: If your pet is gaining weight quickly or always seems hungry, check portion sizes and consider a vet consultation.  

 

Adults (2 - 7 years)

Goal: Balance energy and weight management.  

How often to feed:  

  • Dogs: 2 times per day (morning and evening)  

  • Cats: 2-3 times per day, or timed automatic feeders if you're busy  

What to feed:  

  • A balanced adult pet food that lists meat as the first ingredient  

  • For cats, moisture-rich food (like wet food or broths) helps prevent urinary issues  

Watch for: Food boredom. Rotate flavors or mix wet and dry foods to keep mealtime exciting without upsetting digestion.  

 

Seniors (7+ years)

Goal: Support joint health, digestion, and maintain ideal weight.  

How often to feed:  

  • Dogs and Cats: 2 smaller meals per day (easier on digestion)  

What to feed:  

  • Senior formulas with added glucosamine, lower calories, and more fiber  

  • Easy-to-chew options for pets with dental issues  

Extra care: Senior pets may need more hydration—consider mixing in water or broth with meals.  

 

Sample Feeding Schedules

Here are example daily schedules based on life stage:  

Puppy Schedule (3x/day):

  • 7:30 AM – Breakfast  

  • 12:30 PM – Lunch  

  • 6:30 PM – Dinner  

Adult Dog Schedule (2x/day):

  • 8:00 AM – Morning meal  

  • 6:00 PM – Evening meal  

Kitten Schedule (3-4x/day):

  • 7:00 AM – Breakfast  

  • 12:00 PM – Lunch  

  • 5:00 PM – Dinner  

  • Optional 9:00 PM – Small snack  

Adult Cat Schedule (2-3x/day):

  • 8:00 AM – Morning meal  

  • 3:00 PM – Small mid-day snack (optional)  

  • 7:00 PM – Dinner  

 

What About Treats?

We all love spoiling our pets, but treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calories. For training, break treats into small pieces or use healthy alternatives like carrots (for dogs) or freeze-dried meat (for cats).  

 

How to Tell If the Schedule Is Working

Your feeding routine is on point if:  

  • Your pet has a healthy weight  

  • They seem satisfied (not begging constantly)  

  • Their stools are consistent and well-formed  

  • Their coat is shiny and eyes are bright  

If you notice sudden changes in appetite, weight, or behavior—don’t wait. A quick vet check-up can rule out medical issues.  

 

Feeding Tips for Multi-Pet Homes

  • Feed separately to avoid food stealing or bullying  

  • Use microchip feeders or raised surfaces to separate dog and cat meals  

  • Keep a written schedule if your pets are on different diets (like prescription food)  

Tools That Can Help

  • Automatic feeders for portion control and consistency  

  • Food scales to prevent overfeeding  

  • Feeding mats or puzzle toys to slow down fast eaters  

   

By investing a little time into your pet’s mealtime routine, you’re setting them up for a longer, healthier life—and a better bond with you.