If you’re not always sure how much to feed your pets, this article will help you figure it out. Overeating can lead to obesity, which can lead to diabetes, arthritis, orthopedic problems, and a general reduction in quality of life. But food is also love, and it’s a wonderful way to impact and manage the health and happiness of your pet. That’s why it’s important for pet parents to create a pet feeding schedule.
Dog Feeding Schedule
In many situations, you should feed your dog twice a day. By doing this, you help their digestive system function smoothly and maintain their daily energy balance. If you feed your dog first thing in the morning, his digestive system may be overwhelmed and unable to properly process the food properly. Feeding half the amount in two controlled portions will help your dog live a long and healthy life. Puppies are the exception to this rule. To gain weight healthily and support their digestive systems, puppies need three small meals a day. Feeding them at specific times will help you train successfully.
Some parents also leave their pet’s food out all day, which is called “free feeding.” It is recommended for highly active dogs who need to replenish their calories during the day and for nursing dogs who need a regular supply of calories. Don’t do this if your dog is diabetic or lies down most of the day. Portion control is the most appropriate approach to feeding your dog, especially if they tend to eat whatever you put in front of them and gain weight quickly when free-fed. The best way to keep portions under control is to feed your dog twice a day, about 8 to 12 hours apart.
Dog Feeding Chart
| Age | Weight | Feeding Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | 4 OZ. | 3-4 Hours |
| 2 Week | 6 OZ. | 4-5 Hours |
| 3 Week | 8 OZ. | 6 Hours |
| 4 Week | 10 OZ. | 8 Hours |
| 5 Week | 12 OZ. | 8 Hours |
| 6 Week | 14 OZ. | 8 Hours |
| 7 Week | 16 OZ. | 8 Hours |
| 8 Week | 18 OZ. | 8 Hours |
| 9 Week | 20 OZ. | Twice a Day |
| 8 Week | 22 OZ. | Twice a Day |
Cat Feeding Schedule
A kitten or a small cat around one year old should be fed twice a day and an adult cat once or twice a day. There are a few ways to feed a cat: cat or food feeding, free feeding, and mixed feeding.
Food feeding is giving your pet food at specific times of the day. It doesn’t matter if you feed him wet or dry food, as long as you stick to a set schedule. You can give your cat one piece of food before leaving for work and another after returning.
Also known as mixed feeding or combination, this feeding method employs both food and free feeding. Typically, with this type of feeding, you give your cat two servings of wet food a day while leaving one bowl of kibble for the rest of the day.
In free feeding, you leave food in the bowl for your cat to eat whenever it wants. Generally, free-feeding cats are fed dry food because this type of cat food does not go stale as quickly as wet cat food.
Cat Feeding Chart
| Age | Weight | Types of Food | Feeding Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 Week | 50-150 grams | Milk or Milk Replacer | Every 2 Hours |
| 1-2 Week | 150-250 grams | Milk or Milk Replacer | Every 2-3 Hours |
| 2-3 Week | 250-350 grams | Milk or Milk Replacer | Every 3-4 Hours |
| 3-4 Week | 350-450 grams | Milk or Milk Replacer | Every 3-4 Hours |
| 4-5 Week | 450-550 grams | Milk or Wet Food | Every 4-5 Hours |
| 5-6 Week | 550-650 grams | Milk or Wet Food | Every 5-6 Hours |
| 6-8 Week | 650-850 grams | Milk or Wet Food | Every 6 Hours |
| 8-10 Week | 850-950 grams | Milk or Wet Food | Twice a Day |
| 10-12 Week | 950-1050 grams | Wet Food or Dry Food | Twice a Day |
| 6 Month-1 Year Older Kitten | 1050-2000 grams | Wet Food or Dry Food | Twice a Day |
Conclusion
The best way to schedule your pet’s meals is to meet the needs of you and your pet as well as your pet’s nutritional needs. Do not overfeed your pet. Overfeeding can be harmful to their health. It is best to make a feeding chart according to your pet’s needs. It can be easier for you to take care of your pet. But as with any diet change, it’s always important to consult your vet first!
FAQ
What Type of Food is Best for Puppies?
Whether to feed your puppy wet or dry food is a common question that sparks heated debate among dog experts as to which is best. But first, you need to give your puppy wet food. And make sure protein, fat, and fiber are in their diet.
Can I Feed My Puppy Human Food?
Puppies are unlikely to benefit from human food, which may contain ingredients that are harmful to puppies, such as garlic, chocolate, or gluten. So it is better to avoid human food.
How Much Should You Feed Your Senior Cat?
Senior and older cats need more calories per pound of body weight. If your senior seems to be losing muscle mass, consider increasing his caloric intake by 30–40 calories per pound. Most of these calories should come from animal-based protein, which helps prevent sarcopenia.