Feeding routines
Does working from home mean I should feed my dog more often
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Not necessarily. A healthy adult dog's meal frequency should be based on its size, age and health, not on how often you happen to be home. If you add a meal simply because you are present, split the existing daily total across more feedings rather than increasing the overall amount.
Why availability is not the same as need
Being home more does not change a dog's actual digestive needs, so the deciding factor for meal frequency should stay the same: body size, activity level and any known sensitivity to long gaps, not simply how convenient it is to feed more often.
If you do choose to add a meal
Splitting the current daily amount into three smaller portions instead of two, rather than adding an extra portion on top, keeps overall calories the same while giving your dog more frequent, smaller feedings during the day.
Watching for creeping weight gain
Weigh your dog every few weeks if you change frequency while working from home, since it is easy for the total amount eaten in a day to grow without anyone noticing when feeding happens more casually throughout the day.
Key takeaways
- Meal frequency should be based on your dog's needs, not your availability.
- Split the existing total across more meals rather than adding extra food.
- Watch for weight gain if snacking increases while you are home more.
- Regular weigh ins help catch any creeping increase in total food.