We have 2 rat terrier mixes & a fullblood pit puppy. We have always feed the mixes whenever (we just leave the food out), but with the puppy we cannot do that because he poops in his cage/house. My husband wants to put all the dogs on a once or twice a day program because he says the mixes are eating too much & he is tired of cleaning up poop almost every day when he gets home from work. I don't blame him, but I am worried if they will be getting enough to eat. They cannot tell me when they are hungry. During the week, my husband wants to only feed them when we get home from work. He said they can go potty when we get up, but no eating. I feel bad & am concerned. Wanting any advice/help - thanks!!
2006-08-23 04:56:23 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Toy breeds like rat terriers need to be fed twice daily. The Pitt as a puppy (under 8-9 months) should be fed at least twice daily, but can go to one meal a day when he's over a year.
No, they can't tell you when they are hungry. The little ones being used to free feeding will take a little time to get used to the difference. If you're comfortable letting them eat as much as they want then just fill up their bowls when you feed them and give them 10 minutes to eat. Same with the pitt, but you want to make sure the pitt has more than enough if he is still growing. It may take the terriers a few days to catch on to the new plan of twice daily, but they will figure it out quick. Two meals a day really is necessary for most toy breed dogs, but you don't have to worry about them being hungry. They'll eat when you put the food out.
Getting them on a steady schedule really will be better for them in the long run.
2006-08-23 05:05:38 · answer #1 · answered by tripforyou 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How often should dogs eat a day?
We have 2 rat terrier mixes & a fullblood pit puppy. We have always feed the mixes whenever (we just leave the food out), but with the puppy we cannot do that because he poops in his cage/house. My husband wants to put all the dogs on a once or twice a day program because he says the mixes are...
2015-08-20 15:04:09 · answer #2 · answered by Carma 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two Labrador Retrievers I feed them twice a day morning and evening they get 1 1/2 cups twice a day. They weight about 80 and 60 both females, 10 and 9 years old. When they were pups they eat three times a day.
2016-03-17 22:22:52 · answer #3 · answered by Cynthia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always free fed my dogs. They have always been very regular, once they were old enough. One BM in the morning and one in the evening. I feed a premium food, and the dog does not eat that much. I use one 17 pound bag every 5 weeks for a 5 pound dog.
It sounds like your husband is not really an animal person. If he was, he would understand that puppies do not have control of their body functions, but they need adequate nutrition to grow and develop.
Once a day is most certainly not enough.
2006-08-23 05:38:15 · answer #4 · answered by Sharingan 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Dogs need to eat twice per day morning and night. The amount of food per dog depends on the size of the dog. A small dog should be on about 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day.
2006-08-23 05:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by Mark F 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
2-3 times daily... my dog is 1 1/2 and we put food in her bowl in the morning after we wake up and again while we are eating dinner around 6-7 pm (she usually eats a lot, not the whole thing... and snacks on the rest until it is time to fill her bowl back up and she does the same thing...)
2006-08-23 05:54:42 · answer #6 · answered by Fatty McButterpants 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
read the directions on the back of the doggy food bag, look at the weight chart, they will tell you how much food a day your dogs should be eating, then split it into two meals. but I hope you are feeding your adult dogs different food than your puppy, puppies need more nutrients in their food to grow properly. lol and omg, dairy is very bad for doggies, DON'T do the milk thing, if you think the poop is bad now well, I assure you it would be much worse
2006-08-23 05:03:36 · answer #7 · answered by sisy j 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
the two older dogs would be ok on a once or twice a day feeding, but the puppy should have food available to it at all times...at least until it's about four months old (that's what I did with my pup) after that I fed her three times a day until she was six months...now I feed her twice a day and she seems to be doing just fine with that...make sure all your dogs have water available to them at all times. good luck!
2006-08-23 05:04:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The puppy should b fed depending on how old it is 2-3 times per day. The other 2 can be fed either once or twice a day either are fine. You should b feeding them the amount specified on the bag of food and therefore they will not be hungry because they have had their recommended amount.
2006-08-23 05:01:56 · answer #9 · answered by nicole 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Actually dogs should eat 1 main meal a day and that should be usually in the late afternoon or early evening so it's fine when you get back from work. You can also give them something for breakfast like milk or milk with cereal.
2006-08-23 05:03:10 · answer #10 · answered by Auntie Alex 3 · 1⤊ 5⤋