Feeding routines
Should I hire someone to feed my dog at lunchtime
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
It depends on your dog's size and needs: toy breeds, puppies, and dogs prone to low blood sugar or bile vomiting usually benefit from a midday feeding on long days, while many healthy medium and large adult dogs manage fine on just morning and evening meals.
Who genuinely needs a midday visit
Small dogs under about 4 kg, growing puppies, and dogs recovering from illness are the clearest cases where a midday feeding meaningfully helps, since long gaps affect them more than a sturdy, healthy adult of a larger breed.
When you can skip it
If your dog handles a 10 to 12 hour gap between meals without any bile vomiting, shakiness or excessive begging, a hired midday visit may not be necessary purely for feeding, though a walker can still be worthwhile for exercise and company.
A middle ground option
Some owners hire a walker for exercise and company but skip an actual midday meal, relying on a well spaced two meal schedule instead, which cuts cost while still giving the dog a break in a long day.
Key takeaways
- Small dogs, puppies and recovering dogs benefit most from a midday feeding.
- Many healthy adult dogs manage fine on two meals without a midday visit.
- Watch for bile vomiting or shakiness as signs a midday meal is needed.
- A midday walk without a meal is a reasonable middle ground for some dogs.