My dog is very active and doesn't have a weight problem but I'm wondering what's healthier for him. Let him eat when he's hungry or scheduled feedings?
2006-06-06 10:21:01 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I actually give mine a can of food at dinner and I have dry food down all day so if they get hungry there is food there for them to eat and I have always done that with all of my dogs....
2006-06-06 10:26:29 · answer #1 · answered by love_my_twinkie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I personally believe in free feeding (food available at all times) as I have large dogs and worry about bloat. Dogs tend to gorge when they know their meal is only coming once a day. The only problem with free feeding is if you have many dogs it is sometimes hard to tell if a dog has gone off his feed which is sometimes the first sign of an illness. However by being observant you can still tell if a dog is going to his/her food and eating so it is not really a big problem. If you feed a wet food though it is important to only leave it out for a limited period of time as it can develop bacteria.
However when first housebreaking a puppy I do recommend numberous small feedings throughout the day. As each time a small puppy eats it puts pressure on the bladder and bowels and causes the puppy to have to go to the bathroom. Doing it this way helps prevent a lot of messes in the house and teaches the pup to do his business outside.
2006-06-13 03:27:55 · answer #2 · answered by jjtrue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes feeding twice a day is best-it is healthier on the digestive tract for one-if you only ate once a day you would get cramps and have bowel issues.A free-fed dog is one that poops all the time and how would you like to be told you can eat only once a day. Go by the guidelines on the dog food bag and break it up into equal portions.
2006-06-06 10:44:30 · answer #3 · answered by puupyluvtwo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since this sounds like an adult dog, once a day is fine. If your dog acts hungary increase the amount of food but still once a day. All the water he can drink of course and no chewy snacks or table food. I would try to feed at the same time every day too.
2006-06-06 10:49:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I leave food all day long for my pooch. He is not over or under weight. Some people I have seen feed twice a day just the minimum of food and the dog was sickly looking. I feel that your dog is a family member let them eat when they want. Just not too much table food.
2006-06-06 10:28:23 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you start a puppy out with free feeding, he will stay thin all his life. That's based on 30 yrs of dogs. When I bring in adult rescues, I can get them to the free feeding point, but they tend to continue to gain weight.
So if you are feeding once or twice a day, continue. If he is not too thin, then you are feeding the correct amount.
2006-06-06 11:04:46 · answer #6 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My vet told me to feed my dogs twice a day. I try to feed them the same time every day. They do know when it's the weekend for they eat breakfast later then during the week. I only give them dry food and they love it.
2006-06-06 12:40:57 · answer #7 · answered by Mommy Pit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feed my older dog once a day, in the evening. I leave food out for the puppy all day when I'm not there.
2006-06-13 08:17:32 · answer #8 · answered by J.E.B. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its best to feed your dog smaller portions twice a day. This gives the body time to digest the food better.
2006-06-06 10:30:22 · answer #9 · answered by bulldogges_4_me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion I think feeding dogs twice a day is better. But one day won't hurt him. Just make sure he gets enough. Just make sure that you watch out for his weight if you choose to let him eat all day.
2006-06-06 10:54:48 · answer #10 · answered by Sugar Cookie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋