How many meals a day does a senior dog need?

Many dogs are used to being fed twice a day, but older dogs may prefer to be fed smaller amounts more frequently. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the quantity of food to give your dog and remember to weigh it out to avoid giving them too much. Manufacturer’s guidelines are, as the name suggests, just a guide, so keep an eye on your dog’s size and adjust the amount if you need to. Being less active, often due to joint problems, and having a slower metabolism means that it’s much more difficult for them to burn the calories that they gain from food. As your dog gets older, it’s a good idea to switch over to a diet that is lower in calories. Changing how much and how often they’re fed can help them deal with their changing bodies and to enjoy their food more. Watch how much you’re giving them, if your older dog is less energetic and burning fewer calories, then it’s easy to give them too much food for their energy requirements.