Feeding & diet

Your friendly, practical guide to dog breeds — temperament, care, and finding the right fit.

64 guides in this section.

Should I Feed My Dog Once or Twice a Day?

A veterinary nutritionist walks through who genuinely needs two meals, who does fine on one, and the digestive and behavioral factors that should decide it.

A dog eating from a stainless steel bowl in a sunlit kitchen

How Many Calories Should Dog Treats Be?

A veterinary nutritionist explains the calorie math behind dog treats, why the 10% rule exists, and how to apply it without turning snack time into a spreadsheet.

Dog owner preparing a meal

How to Feed a Dog While Nursing a Litter

A veterinary nutritionist explains how much to feed a nursing dog, what to put in the bowl, and how to track milk supply and body condition through weaning.

Why Puppies Need Different Food Than Adult Dogs

A veterinary nutritionist explains why puppy food isn't a marketing gimmick — the protein, mineral, and calorie math behind growth diets, and when it's actually safe to switch.

What to Do When a Dog Goes Off Food in Summer

A board-certified veterinary nutritionist explains why dogs eat less in hot weather, which signs mean it's more than the heat, and a practical two-week plan for getting a dog back on track.

Why Does One Dog Eat Faster Than the Other?

A board-certified veterinary neurologist explains the mechanics, behavior, and rare medical causes behind uneven eating speed between dogs — and when it's worth a workup.

How to Feed a Dog During Pregnancy

A board-certified veterinary nutritionist breaks down what actually changes in a pregnant dog's diet — when to raise calories, which supplements are worth weighing, and the calcium mistake that causes more harm than good.

How to Transition a Dog to a Prescription Diet

A step-by-step guide to switching a dog onto a prescription diet safely, with a vet-neurologist's take on when to slow the transition down and when the diagnosis says to move faster.

How Much to Feed a Dog Through a Growth Spurt

A neurologist's mechanism-first guide to feeding a growing dog through a growth spurt, covering calorie math, body condition, and when GI upset means more than a diet change.

Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea After Switching Food

A veterinary nutritionist explains why new dog food triggers loose stool, how long it should last, and when persistent diarrhea after a diet change points to something a bowl of pumpkin won't fix.

Should You Warm Up Your Dog's Food?

A neurologist-nutritionist's practical guide to warming dog food safely — when it helps, when it's risky, and how to do it right.

Should You Add Water to Your Dog's Kibble?

A veterinary nutritionist walks through when soaking dry dog food actually helps — hydration, dental comfort, digestion — and when it's just a habit worth rethinking.

The Risks of an Unbalanced Homemade Dog Diet

A board-certified veterinary neurologist explains what actually goes wrong when a home-cooked diet skips the math — and how to catch it before it shows up on bloodwork.

Portion Control for a Food-Obsessed Dog

A practical, vet-informed guide to portioning meals for a dog who acts starved all day — calorie math, body condition scoring, slow-feeding tools, and the point where "greedy" stops being a personality trait.

Is Your Dog Actually Hungry or Just Bored?

A board-certified veterinary neurologist walks through how to tell true hunger from boredom-driven begging, what the gut is actually signaling, and when persistent "hunger" warrants a workup.

How to Measure Your Dog's Food Accurately

A neurologist's practical guide to why cup scoops lie, how to read a pet food label's calorie line, and how to weigh portions that actually match your dog's body condition.

How to Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet

A step-by-step, vet-informed guide to feeding a bland diet to a dog with an upset stomach — what to use, how long to stay on it, and when to call your vet instead.

Helping a Senior Dog Keep a Healthy Weight

A veterinary nutritionist explains why senior dogs gain weight even on the same food and portions, and how to adjust calories, protein, and activity to keep them lean.

Why Corn on the Cob Is Dangerous for Dogs

The kernels are harmless, but the cob itself is one of the most common causes of emergency intestinal surgery in dogs. Here's what to know before the next cookout.

Wet vs Dry Dog Food: Which Is Better

A veterinary nutritionist walks through what wet and dry dog food actually deliver — moisture, digestibility, dental contact, and cost — so you can match the format to the dog in front of you.