How Often Should You Feed a Medium Size Dog?

Store dry dog food in an airtight container.

Twice a Day.

A medium-sized dog weighing between 25 and 50 lb. should be fed twice a day. The Dog Breed Info Center recommends feeding between 2-1/4 and 3-3/4 cups of dry dog food or 1 can of moist food mixed with 1 to 2-1/2 cups of dry food.

Let It Eat When Hungry.

Many dog owners prefer to let their animals eat "free-choice"--in other words, the owner leaves a full bowl of dry dog food out for the dog so it can eat whenever it feels hungry. This eliminates the need to worry about when and how much the dog should be fed.

Bottom Line

Free-choice feeding has several disadvantages. First, it is difficult to regulate a dog's elimination schedule. Secondly, dogs that are fed free-choice are prone to obesity. Feeding a dog twice a day will keep it on a regular and healthy schedule.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith: Dog Feeding Guidelines
• Dog Breed Info Center: Basic Feeding Guide - Puppies and Adult Dogs