Features

• Feeding patterns may differ depending on the type and age of your dog.funny dogs image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
  
  How frequently you feed your dog is strongly dependant on the dog's size and age. Puppies should have more feeding times per day than an adult dog as they are still developing and therefore require a steady supply of nutrients and fiber to keep their bodies developing swiftly and healthily. Adult dogs do not have the same requirements as they are already well developed. Feeding requirements may also differ depending on your dog's breed. Dobermans, for instance, have deep chests and are more likley to require smaller, regular intakes of food than other breeds.
  
  

Effects

• How do eating patterns affect your dog's behavior?dog biscuits image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
  
  Feeding your dog twice a day can help to keep your dog's temperament in a calm and subdued state. Just as humans can get agitated and restless if they haven't eaten for some time, the same is often true of dogs. Keeping your dog on a twice-daily feeding pattern may also benefit its health in the long term as regular feeding will provide insulin to your dog, helping its blood sugar levels stay balanced and its mind and body healthy.
  
  

Time Frame

• Morning and evening are the best times to feed your dog.time image by Deborah Durbin from Fotolia.com
  
  If you feed your dog twice a day, you should try to feed it once in the morning and again in the evening. This will ensure it has a consistent level of fuel to sustain it throughout the day. Dogs thrive on routine and this will help promote regular digestion and in turn help you keep aware of when your dog will need to take a visit outside. You can also try feeding your dog to synchronize with family meal times, which can help the dog bond with your family.
  
  

Considerations

• Some owners opt for the free-feeding method.businesman thinking image by forca from Fotolia.com
  
  Because the needs of each dog can differ substantially, you may opt to apply a "free-feeding" method rather than feeding your dog twice daily. Free-feeding involves leaving ample food in the dog's bowl and allowing it to take its fill when desired, ensuring the bowl is topped up when necessary. Free-feeding can help ensure your dog is never lacking in energy and sustenance, but can also be dangerous if the dog cannot find a healthy level of intake and instead indulges in over-eating.
  
  

Warning

• Keep your dog hydrated and away from scraps.warning image by fafoutis from Fotolia.com
  
  If you choose to feed your dog twice daily, you should also ensure you keep it supplied with clean, healthy water. Drinking plenty of water will help with the dog's digestion and ensure it stays sufficiently hydrated to deal with the day's exertions. Avoid feeding your dog any scraps in between its two set meal times, as this will interrupt the regularity of a dog's eating pattern and leave it foraging for food when it should already have enough fuel to function.