Feeding routines
Should I feed my dog before or after fireworks or thunderstorms
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Feeding on your normal schedule before a known event like fireworks, rather than right in the middle of it, is generally easier for a nervous dog than trying to introduce food during the noise itself, since many anxious dogs lose interest in eating once they are frightened.
Why timing ahead of the event matters
A dog that is already anxious or fearful during fireworks or a storm is unlikely to want to eat at that moment, so it makes more sense to feed the normal meal a little earlier in the evening if you know a noisy event is coming, rather than waiting until it starts.
Using food to help calm a nervous dog
Some owners use a long lasting chew or a food filled toy as a distraction once the noise starts, which is different from expecting a full meal to be eaten calmly during a stressful event, and can be a useful addition to a normal feeding schedule on those evenings.
After the event has passed
If your dog skipped part of a meal during a stressful evening, offering the rest once things have calmed down, even later than usual, is reasonable rather than assuming the meal is simply missed for the day.
Key takeaways
- Feed the normal meal earlier in the evening if a noisy event is expected.
- Anxious dogs often lose interest in food during fireworks or storms.
- A food filled toy can help as a distraction once noise begins.
- Offer any skipped portion again once your dog has calmed down.