Is Once-a-Day Feeding Normal for Dogs?

It's great that you're paying attention to Buffy's eating habits — that kind of awareness really does make a difference for a pet's health!

For most adult dogs, veterinarians generally recommend two meals a day, roughly spaced 8–12 hours apart. That said, some dogs naturally gravitate toward eating once a day, and a few owners intentionally feed on that schedule. Whether it's "normal" depends a lot on the individual dog and what's driving the pattern.

For a 2-year-old Shih Tzu like Buffy, here are a few things worth thinking about:

• Shih Tzus can be picky eaters. The breed is known for having strong food preferences, and some will hold out for a meal they're excited about — like the evening one.
• Small breeds and blood sugar. Smaller dogs, including Shih Tzus, can sometimes be more sensitive to going long stretches without food. Eating only once a day means a longer gap between meals, which is worth keeping an eye on.
• Is she otherwise healthy? If Buffy has a good energy level, a healthy weight, a shiny coat, and no vomiting or digestive upset, a once-a-day pattern may just be her preference. But if any of those things are off, the eating schedule could be a clue worth exploring with a vet.

A few things you can try at home:

• Offer a small meal in the morning and see if she shows interest. Sometimes dogs skip morning meals out of habit, not because they're not hungry.
• Keep meal times consistent. Dogs do well with routine, and a regular schedule can encourage more balanced eating.
• Check the food itself. If she's only interested in evening meals, it might be worth considering whether the food is something she genuinely enjoys, or if she's just hungry enough by evening to eat whatever's there.

When to see your vet: If Buffy has lost weight, seems lethargic, is vomiting, or has had any other behavioral changes alongside the once-a-day eating, schedule a vet visit soon — within the next few days. Even if everything else seems fine, it's worth mentioning her eating pattern at her next routine checkup so your vet can confirm she's getting the right nutrition for her size and age. If you're ever unsure whether she's eating enough, your vet can check her weight and body condition to give you a clearer picture.