Dog Feeding Schedule

A puppy's needs are very different from your adult dog's needs. As your dog gets older, he will be able to wait longer between meals. But, while he's still a pup, you will need to feed him frequently.

Years ago the custom was to feed a dog once a day, often in the morning.

Photo by tajai, Malasia (flckr.com)

The thinking on once a day feeding has changed somewhat in recent years. While feeding once a day may be more convenient for the owners, the general consensus today is that it is better to feed an adult dog twice a day.

Feed Your Dog at Specific Times

An easy dog feeding schedule for you, and one that is good for your dog, is to feed your dog twice a day. Usually dog owners feed their dogs early in the morning, then again at lunchtime or late afternoon. This seems to work out well for both owners and dogs.

Photo by Bev Sykes (flckr.com)

Remember that your dog will need to go outside approximately ½ hour after eating. A dog's digestive system is fast working and predictable. Letting your dog outside to “go” at the right times will help him to avoid accidents in the house.

If your dog eats very fast, you may have to stay with her and feed her several small portions at a time in order to avoid her getting bloat, a very serious, and sometimes fatal, condition. If you don't have the time or inclination to do this, consider self feeding.

Free Feeding or Self Feeding

Free feeding is definitely easier for the owner. It is used by kennels, breeders and people who can't be home during the day to give their dogs a second meal.

Here's how it works: You simply fill a dish or feed hopper and keep it filled, so that your dog can help himself when he feels like eating. That's for dry food.

If you use moist or canned food, you need to use less and add to the bowl more frequently, as it will have a tendency to dry out or get spoiled.

There are some advantages to using this dog feeding method:

• It eliminates your having to stick to a dog feeding schedule.

• If your dog paces himself by eating small amounts more frequently during the day, he will have a more constant level of nutrients and blood sugar in his bloodstream.

• This method of dog feeding can eliminate coprophagy—the nasty habit of eating feces.

• If you have more than one dog, this method can allow the more passive dog to get its share.

• Self feeding can eliminate the possibility of bloat or gastric torsion. This occurs when a dog gulps down his food really fast and has a quick build-up of stomach gas. The condition can actually be fatal.

• Dogs don't necessarily stop eating when they have had enough. If your dog is bored or doesn't get enough exercise, he may eat too much and gain too much weight. Dogs who are self feeding can easily become obese.

• Exactly the opposite can also occur. If your dog has become used to the fun and excitement of mealtime, he may “hold out” for the experience. If he does this, he could lose too much weight

• If you use self feeding with your dog, the feeding process becomes impersonal. You miss out on the bonding and fun and excitement of mealtime. Both of you miss out—both your dog and you!

Whatever you decide, work your dog gradually into the system, and stick with your decision so your dog won't be confused by inconsistency. And always make sure that you are giving your dog a high quality dog food.

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