Dogs do best when they eat regular meals at specific times every day because they're less likely to eat too much. Consistent meal times also help with potty training. Physiologically, dogs have the urge to go after they eat, so by scheduling meals and taking your dog out immediately afterward, you can accustom him to eliminating at certain times. Finally, dogs are creatures of habit. They like knowing that meals will appear at certain times every day.

Adult dogs do well on two meals a day, morning and evening. Puppies typically eat three or four meals a day. That's because they're growing, so they need more nutrients than adult dogs. If you aren't able to provide midday meals, don't worry. Simply divide the amount of food the puppy needs for the day into two meals, and he'll do just fine.

The exception might be a small toybreed puppy. These little dogs sometimes need a snack between meals to keep their energy levels up. You can do this for any dog by filling a treat ball or cube with kibble. Your dog will occupy himself by trying to get the kibble out, and he'll get the snack he needs even if you're not home to feed him.

Write It Down

Decide with your family what time of day you will feed your dog and create a weekly schedule with times of day and the names of the family member who will do the feeding. Don't forget to include more frequent feedings or snack times for puppies and toy breeds.

Here's a sample of what your schedule might look like:

Helpful Tips

Choosing food, feeding times, and amounts to feed can be tricky at first, but once you develop a routine, you won't even think about it. The following tips will help you get organized and remember key points when it comes to feeding your pup:

• MEASURE THE FOOD. Don't just fill his dish until it's full. Use a measuring cup or a kitchen scale so you feed an appropriate amount. If you're using a measuring cup, give a level cup instead of a heaping one.

• SLOW HIM DOWN. If you dong “inhales” his food, spread it out on a flat surface such as a cookie sheet (use one with raised edges to keep the food inside it). This forces him to slow down and eat at a more moderate pace.

• KEEP IT CLEAN. Wash your dog's dishes regularly. Choose dishes that are dishwasher-safe, and keep extras on hand so you have one set to use while the other is in the dishwasher.

• TEACH PATIENCE. Teach your dog to wait politely while you prepare his food. Dogs love mealtime, and they'll whirl around in circles or jump up on you while you fix their food to show their appreciation. Channel this energy by asking your dog to sit while you prepare his food. Put the bowl down, tell him to stay, and then give him permission to eat by saying “Okay!” or “Chow!”

All of these tricks make mealtime more pleasant for both you and your dog.