Dog feeding habits?

Question

Is it better to let your dog graise (eat whenever it gets hungry) or to eat once a day I have heard opinions going both ways

Answer 1

I free feed my dogs, as their breed doesn't eat much at one time. However, it is better for the dog to eat at least twice per day. This helps prevent the deadly bloat (common to deep chested breeds) and they absorb more nutrients. They also seem to focus better on tasks.
the canine nutrition service, at ASAPCA recommends twice daily feedings> http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_petnutritionask

However, my extra large dogs would fade away if only fed twice daily as adults. I don't have an obesity problem.
Obesity is caused by too many calories. Feeding a premium brand of kibble reduces the empty calories and increases the nutrition.

I feed puppies on a schedule, until they are well housetrained, then allow them free access to food.

If your dog is doing fine on free feeding, then there is no reason to change it..

Answer 2

What size tin are you offering her? And what exactly is it? A "tin of meat" could be anything. Is it dog food? Consider switching to dry dog food. You'll have less nutritional issues and future dental rot. Choose a premium dry dog food. Cross your dog over slowly. This can take a week or even two, especially if she's going to try to be picky. An adult dog should be fed twice a day, in an amount appropriate to the dog's weight. The instructions are on the bag. Whatever is uneaten after 15 minutes is to be removed. Don't offer anything else (treats, people food, etc.). Offer the meal again at the next mealtime. Your dog will soon learn to eat what you provide, when you provide it. No healthy dog ever starved itself when food was readily available.

Answer 3

If you want your dog as a guardian, you should feed him once a day, in the morning. He'll be awake at night; when you are asleep. Dogs, as many other mammals, since ever, used to eat once a day, or less. Depending on their luck and capability. They can eat big amounts at a time, that will last for a day ore more. Be sure you give him enough. Also be sure there is always water available. In the other hand, you will have less activities to worry about.

Answer 4

A dog is designed to eat occasionally and gorge at that time. A gorge and fast feeding plan is better than allowing them to graze. We often allow dogs to graze because (1) it's something we'd like to do ourselves and (2) we equate love to food and want to show our dogs 'how much we love them'.
While dogs have changed much in their appearance from their wolf ancestors, they have changed less than .02% in mitochondrial DNA and their digestive system is exactly the same.
Keep in mind that one large feeding of dry dog food can cause 'bloat' which can be deadly and is often seen in deep chested, large breeds.
For those breeds, feeding smaller amounts is safer in the long run.

Answer 5

Dogs need to be fed everyday!!!! Feed him a dogfood that is 100% nutritionally complete.It will say on the package if it is.A homemade food for dogs is well cooked rice with boneless chicken,,liver,,beef or fish.Cool completely before serving.Dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach.Take a feces sample to the vet in a jar to test for parasites.The vet can determine what type of worm & dispense the right medicine & how much by how much the dog weighs.Please feed your dog every day & fresh water always. ;O)

Answer 6

Do not leave food out for your dog to eat whenever it wants. Dogs can eat when they get bored and this is a main cause of obesity which leads to so many other health problems. Adults dogs should only be fed once to twice daily and certain portions depending on size. The food bag will have a chart on it with recommended food amounts.

Answer 7

Cats eat all day long, as much as 30-40 times. It is not recommended, though, that you let a dog free feed such as a cat does.

When dogs are young and depending on the breed, energy requirements, living indoors or outdoors, they will/should be fed once or twice a day.

Answer 8

"Grazing" is also called free-feeding, and letting your dog eat like this is a great way for it to get fat. Some dogs may do fine on it if they're not really hyped on food, but most dogs tend to eat too much when they are free-fed, and will quickly gain weight. It's much better to give your dog rationed amounts of dog food each day depending on his weight, size, and activity level.

Answer 9

some dogs will eat whatever is put in front of them, so grazing will equal a big fat blob! i feed my dog once in the morning and once in the evening. i feel like once a day leaves way too long between meals, so he'd probably be hungry! decide how much your dog should be eating per day, usually the guidlines on the bag are pretty accurate, and feed at set times each day. if you notice your dog packing on the pounds, or looking like he is losing a few, adjust accordingly.

Answer 10

According to my vet, grazing leads to having an overweight dog in most cases. His adivce was to feed my dogs once in the morning and again around 5PM at nite. During the day they get small milkbones ('cause my dogs are small) for treats when they come in from outside. Both dogs are healthy and just about the right weight for their breeds.