How Long Does It Take Dogs to Digest Food?
A dog’s digestion time varies based on size, diet, and age, but typically ranges from 6 to 10 hours for food to move through the stomach and small intestine, with complete elimination taking 24 to 48 hours. Smaller breeds digest meals faster (4–6 hours) compared to larger dogs (up to 12 hours), while puppies process food quicker than seniors. High-protein or wet foods digest in 4–6 hours, whereas dry kibble or high-fiber meals may take 8–12 hours. Monitoring your dog’s digestion helps tailor feeding schedules and detect health issues early.