Free-feeding

[braindead]

I'm free feeding Maggie and George. Neither are food obsessed in the slightest and/or food aggressive so, it works but the other day while George and I were taking lessons on working stock a guy vehemently suggested that I not free feed him, (i'm thinking much less two dogs). Do you guys do this? Any thoughts?

[youngK9]

I am not sure if I woud free feed. I don't feed any of my dogs. They eat in the morning and stay in their crate for about an hour after they eat. I would feed what the bag of food says to feed. I haven't ever free fed.

[Brandon M]

I don't free feed. When I put the food down I want the dogs to know it's time to EAT IT. Helps a lot when on the road or camping or whatever when you cannot have food sitting there all the time for them. And a lot of dogs with owners who free feed tend to get overweight.

[LJS1993]

Free feeding is not the way to go for yourself or the dogs. For one they should be working for their food and realize that food is a just reward for good behavior and obedience. Two, free feeding leads to overweight dogs in the long run. Three, it's not very convenient if you ever have to go on the road or travel with your dogs.

[braindead]

I don't really know how to get them off free feeding though. If I put a bowl of food down they'll ignore it until they choose to eat. Do I starve them until they're hungry enough to wolf down the bowl?

[Brandon M]

(05-31-2011 09:34 PM)braindead Wrote:  I don't really know how to get them off free feeding though. If I put a bowl of food down they'll ignore it until they choose to eat. Do I starve them until they're hungry enough to wolf down the bowl?

Yeah basically put it down, leave it there for 10 minutes, then put it away. Eventually they'll get the idea.

[LadyDaniela]

Put it down for 15 min, if they don't touch it pick it up and put it out at the time you want them to be eating.

[LJS1993]

(05-31-2011 09:34 PM)braindead Wrote:  I don't really know how to get them off free feeding though. If I put a bowl of food down they'll ignore it until they choose to eat. Do I starve them until they're hungry enough to wolf down the bowl?

Just start a solid routine with your dogs and they'll catch on. Once they catch on to the routine they'll eat when you want them to eat not when they feel like eating. Try feeding them after some hard work or exercise. Let them cool down of course. But you get the idea.

[Brandon M]

(05-31-2011 09:38 PM)LadyDaniela Wrote:  Put it down for 15 min, if they don't touch it pick it up and put it out at the time you want them to be eating.

Hah, basically the same answer at the same time.

[LadyDaniela]

posted at the same minute, what are the odds

[mcturtle]

My mom used to free feed her BC. He didn't have any issues and would work for treats. The first BC I owned would eat himself sick if I let him free feed. I think a lot depends on the dog and what you want to be able to do. My mom's BC didn't travel anywhere except the vet's. I feed Emmy on a twice a day schedule and it works really well for us. It gives us time for training and it also means I usually know when she's going to need to go outside for potty. Most of what I've read advises a feeding schedule because it adds structure to the day which tends to make a happier dog.

[only-borders]

Another issue with free feeding is you never know when they have eaten. I don't want to take my dogs out to run or train right after having eaten. Full stomach = sluggish dog, at least until they throw it up.

[tim629]

i think it really depends on the dogs.


my dog would eat anything that is put down infront of her and not stop.

my mother, sister, and girlfriend all have dogs that eat a bit here and there throughout the day. we know how much they are eating by how much we put down and when.


as far as the running on a full stomach they are much less likely to have a full stomach like a dog that has just had a meal.

so if limited-free choice works for your dogs and they maintain a good body condition, hair coat, and attitude then its working so why change?

[GreensMom]

I measure out the amount on the bag and put it in Green's dish. He grazes all day. This is what I have always done. I know how much he is eating because I know how much I put out for him. He eats small amounts at a time. He never eats the whole bowl at once. However, green is a house/yard dog. I only take him out to walk or play when I know he hasn't eaten. I can hear his tag clank off his dish so I always know when he is at his bowl.

[bcmama]

I dont free feed my guy. I agree with everyone else, no point in re stating every thing lol. Making the switch might take a few days until they are eating on your chosen schedule and they might go with out a meal or two, but they wont starve themselves.