Is it important to establish a fixed feeding time for dogs?

Question

I have 2 puppies that were used to free feed at the breeder but recently as one of them will eat anything in sight and is getting very fat, I decided to feed them 2 times a day. The fat one has no problem with this but the lean one seems to only eat when he wants to eat, do I just let him misses out a few meals until he gets the message? He is also very picky with what he will eat.

Answer 1

Bear with me while I give you a little foundation for my answer. Free feeding, in general, can be great with the right dog...but, it also sends the wrong message, especially with puppies when you are trying to establish "alpha" status. Now, when I say alpha, I do not mean domination/use of physical force to make a dog do what you want. What I mean is that by using gentle means of leadership, you establish yourself as the alpha.

By making sure that you eat first (have a bite of a cracker or something right in front of your dogs prior to setting their food down), you demonstrate that as the alpha, you eat first and decide when they should eat. This is how it is within a wolf pack.

And yes, routine is fundamental to a dog's happiness and well being.

Your overweight pup is food motivated, so whenever the food comes is great! Your choosy one may need a little work...but, unless he's really stubborn, hunger will eventually win out. You just don't want him to be malnourished. If he's that picky, try throwing in some grated cheese (not for the chubster), some doggie "gravy" (IAMs makes some), or some raw meat, an egg, or yogurt. All of those things are fine for dogs, and preferable to kibble anyhow...they may make mealtimes easier for you, too.

Long winded answer, but I'm fanatical about how I take care of my doggies!!

Answer 2

A schedule is very important especially at feeding time. Never leave the food. I got my pup from a breeder that free fed and my pup was 10 lbs overweight. I would put them in a separate area to feed, until the smaller one gets the message. Give him 10 minutes to eat and if he doesn't, remove his food and try again in about an hour. Keep doing that until he eats.When he does eat, set the next feeding for about 8-12 hrs later. It shouldn't take long for him/her to catch on.

Answer 3

...
In my opinion you need to establish a feeding routine
and stick to it. Your dogs will learn and will appreciate
knowing when they are rewarded with food. Also be
strict about the amount of food. Check with the vet.
Remove the dog dishes after feeding time is over.

No dog is going to starve itself, so don't worry about
the skinny dog. Just keep an eye on it to make sure
it isn't sick. You might mention this to the vet the
on the next visit.

It is probably time to teach your dogs a few commands
such as sit, come, etc. Also you can start walking them
on leash for about 30+ minutes per day, everyday. Walking
is one of the best ways to establish who is boss, you or
your dogs. It better be you. Don't let them walk ahead
of you. Take pee breaks several times during the walk,
but away get back to business when walking them. Keep
them and yourself under control.

Walk your dogs just before their meal. This should
stimulate their appetite.
....

Answer 4

Ya.