Feeding routines
Is it better to feed my dog before or after I leave for work
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Feeding before you leave is generally better, since it gives your dog time to eat calmly and go to the toilet while you are still there, rather than leaving on an empty stomach and having to wait until you return for the first meal of the day.
Why feeding before departure works well
A meal given 20 to 30 minutes before you head out lets your dog eat without rushing and gives enough time for a toilet trip before being left alone, which many owners find leads to a calmer start to the day apart.
The downside of feeding right as you leave
Feeding at the very last minute, then walking straight out the door, does not give your dog time to settle before being alone, which can make the first few minutes more stressful than if there was a small buffer of calm time beforehand.
If your morning is too rushed to feed first
On days where there genuinely is not enough time to feed before leaving, arranging for the meal to be given a little later by a family member, walker or automatic feeder is a reasonable alternative to skipping the structure entirely.
Key takeaways
- Feeding 20 to 30 minutes before leaving is generally the better order.
- It allows time to eat calmly and use the toilet before being alone.
- Feeding right at the door skips this useful buffer of calm time.
- A helper or automatic feeder can step in on especially rushed mornings.