Dogs, cats and their meals: how many times a day and at what time should they be fed?

In March of last year, the Protected Animals Program of the Undersecretary for Regional and Administrative Development, in conjunction with the School of Veterinary Medicine from the Pontifical Catholic University, conducted a study in which it was established that in Chile there are 12,482,679 dogs And cats with the owners, while “another 4,049,277 have no oversight”.

In this way, people have different responsibilities with their pets, one of them being to vaccinate them and provide them with a a safe house and food.

However, they can occur different doubts with the food regarding the time at which this process should be carried out, how many times a day and the size of the portions, among others.

David Rodriguez spokesperson for the Chilean College of Veterinary Medicine (Colmevet), also a nutritionist and gastroenterologist, explains to La Tercera that the frequency they should be with fed the animals “This determined by physiological and anatomical considerations of each species”.

The professional indicates that the cats have small stomachs Therefore, “they cannot support large meal volumes, in addition, they present continuous losses of essential amino acids which must be supplied from time to time in the diet”, which is why recommends that they eat “between 10 and 15 times a day”.

share the same thought Christel Cuneo medical director of Bon Amie Veterinary Clinic who comments to La Tercera that the cats eat “small portions several times a day”.

Regarding dogs, the nutritionist points out that “even if a study was published which recommended feeding them once a day, as Colmevet we call to feed them two to four times” during the day.

Cuneo mentions that “each food manages its own table where the amount of food by weight which is delivered in grams, so it must be “divided into portions”.

The Colmevet spokesman asserts that the ideal is “individualize the portion for each animal” , since “the foods offered may have different nutritional profiles”. So, It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to give a professional opinion.

According to the medical director of Clinique Vétérinaire Bon Amie, “Cats eat at all hours” And they like to feed “when their guardians are around them “. On the other hand, Rodríguez claims that they prefer the the night.

THE dogs should eat “early in the morning” ideally offer one or two servings afternoon and a last meal as late as possible “, underlines the nutritionist, who explains that this avoids” the typical morning bilious vomiting produced by a prolonged fast “.

To choose the right food, you must pay attention to the ingredients that make it up since these “go from the highest to the lowest in percentage, the first is the most important and must be a good quality protein”, explains Cuneo, who also points out that it is also necessary to take into account that “the digestibility of food is over 80%.

Rodríguez points out that people should consider their ability to pay, because “buying cheaper food won’t mean you’re a bad tutor”, although he also points out that it should “take into account the preferences of the animal whether in terms of protein, fat or carbohydrate source”.

In addition, the nutritionist indicates that it is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that these products They are available and easy to obtain.

The chief medical officer notes that people should give their pets the right amount of food and not overfeed them, even if they can. “supplement with healthy and nutritious treats” . Cuneo also explains that it is necessary clean the dishes regularly animals to avoid infections.

Among other advice, the Colmevet spokesperson recommends that people consult a professional to establish the portion of food so that in this way, “pathologies” are not generated associated with excess nutrients in our pets”.

Regarding how preserve food the professional indicates that this should keep “always in its original container, in places free from humidity and excessive heat” ideally in a hermetically sealed container”, as well as to suggest maintaining the cold chain if the diet requires it.

Finally, in addition to recommending the use of gloves when handling the product, Rodriguez states that healthy pets should not be fed “prescription food” just because you have another animal with a disease that needs it, since that’s a mistake, so you should buy different foods for the two.