Is it Okay to Feed Your Dog Before Bedtime?

Your dog has specific dietary needs based on his age, size and breed. A dog̵7;s dietary needs also change over time. For example, a puppy should be fed several small meals a day during the early growth and development stages, while a mature dog can eat two equally-sized meals a day. Getting into a regular routine of feeding times can help you establish a sense of consistency for your dog and help him maintain a healthy digestive system.

  1. Feeding Times

    • While your dog should have continual access to a fresh water supply, feeding times should be closely monitored. Set feeding times, such as in the morning when your dog wakes up and in the evening before he goes to bed. Put the food in your dog̵7;s dish and allow it to remain no more than 20 minutes before removing it. Leaving food out constantly can lead to food spoilage or overeating. Watching what your dog eats can also help you identify changes in his eating behaviors -- like loss of appetite -- that could signal a health problem.

    Feeding to Help Sleep

    • Just as many human mothers give their babies a night bottle before bedtime, a full stomach can also help your dog sleep through the night. However, dinnertime should be at least an hour before bedtime to ensure your dog has a chance to digest his food. Going to sleep on a full stomach, especially in a kennel, can be uncomfortable for a dog, just as you would be susceptible to indigestion if you were to lie down right after eating a heavy meal.

    Feeding Time and Elimination

    • Keep in mind that dogs have to go to the bathroom within 20 or 30 minutes of consuming a large meal. Time your evening feeding in such a way that you build in at least one more bathroom trip following dinner and before putting your dog down for the night. For example, if you usually put your dog in his bed or kennel at 10 p.m., consider a 9 p.m. feeding followed by a bathroom break at 9:30 p.m.

    Diet and Exercise

    • Some owners like to exercise their dogs in the evening, both because it is convenience to work schedules and because it will tire the dog out and help him sleep through the night. For best results, feed your dog his dinner after his evening exercise. Running around on a full stomach can lead to digestive upset, and too much physical activity right before bedtime can actually inhibit sleep.