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How to transition my picky dog from one to two meals a day safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 11 months and 1 day old | 26 lbs

Bongo is a picky eater from start. He will not eat for days until he’s wants to eat. He ate two times a day (8am-8pm ) because he’s a very picky in meal he most of the times smells and leaves it . After a vets advise I left him hungry and gave only one meal a day at 8pm and if doesn’t eat, I took it away from him . Now it’s been almost a month he’s eating his proper one time meal but for his size and weight he should eat two times.I’m afraid if I start two meals he’ll be picky again . Any advise

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 15th, 2018

I would check to see if Bongo has lost weight or not. If he's not lost weight and/or has maintained his weight, then it would be fine to keep him on one meal a day. If you are concerned he isn't getting enough food, you can give him the daily recommended allotment of food during this one meal. Some dogs can eat one meal a day and be just fine. If that's the way you can keep him eating, then you can do it. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 14th, 2018

    I would first make sure that you are giving Bongo a nutritionally balanced food. It appears you are feeding a homemade diet. These diets are often deficient in certain nutrients. Here is a link to a nutrition expert that can help ensure you are giving him all the necessary nutrients: https://www.petdiets.com/Ask-the-Nutritionist The advantage of feeding a pre-made/packaged dog food is that it has all the necessary nutrients in it. I would consider switching him to this food if the homemade diet is too much work. It would also help avoid food wastage. Feeding throughout the day is better than once a day, but sometimes dogs do OK with a once a day feeding. I would try smaller meals first, then do the once a day feeding if all else fails. I hope that helps and all is well with Bongo.

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