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
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 26th, 2017
If Bongo has been recently examined and no health issues have been found I wouldn't be overly concerned about his finicky appetite. Some dogs are just more particular than others when it comes to eating. You may want to try some other food types to see if that encourages him to eat more. Canned food can be offered as most dogs prefer this to dry food. You can also look into home cooking options for Bongo. You can seek a consultation through a veterinary nutritionist or use www.balanceit.com for balanced home cooked recipes. As long as Bongo is not losing weight and he eventually eats his food there is not much of a concern. However, you may need to employ using canned food or home cooking to provide something he finds more appealing. If you are still having issues with Bongo eating despite trying other options, then I'd suggest he get reexamined by your veterinarian and have blood work done to ensure there are no internal issues going on. Thanks for using PetCoach and good luck with Bongo!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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