Vet settles debate on how many meals your dog should eat a day

There is no better companion than having a furry friend. They pretty much rely on you for everything, but they also make sure you are comforted and always entertained.

Whilst it is nice to own a dog and they take care of some of our basic needs,, it is important we make sure they are equally supported, especially at meal times!

With multiple walks throughout the day that could last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on which breed of dog, just like us, when our energy is low, we need something that will restore our energy. That could be a sweet treat, a meal, or a very heavy meal, and looking to our furry friends the same way, we could be doing it all wrong, according to Vcahospitals.

The most common recommendation is to feed your dog at least two meals per day, and there are several reasons for this.

By nature, dogs are creatures of habit, and it is good practice, especially if you have a puppy, to stick to feeding times at the same time of day as part of household training. Within 10-15 minutes, puppies will need to go to 'the toilet,' so it will be good practice for them to understand that after meals, it will be 'potty time'.

Sticking to the same meal time ensures security and predictability of a routine for adult dogs. Adult dogs will understand that, around meal times, there are other activities usually involved around the same time of the day. This will also help them adapt to changing circumstances, such as a new baby in the house, visitors coming round, or someone in the house moving away.

Experts at Vcahospitals say dogs have a simple stomach anatomy, just like humans. Once your dog's stomach is full, the food moves into the small intestine within a few hours. Around 8 to 10 hours later, an empty stomach starts sending signals to the brain that trigger feelings of hunger. That's why feeding your dog at least twice a day is recommended.