Why should dogs be fed on a daily schedule rather than free fed?
1. If you’re housetraining a dog or puppy, putting the pooch on a routine feeding schedule will help regulate the when and where of the output.
2. Leaving food out all day makes for stale food, but keeping food in a sealed container or bag prior to feeding your dog keeps the food fresh and tasty.
3. Food left out all day will attract ants, flies, and other insects. Flies lay eggs, which turn into larvae. Feeding your dog on a routine schedule keeps your dog’s food free of insects and parasites.
4. If you’re dog isn’t feeling well, you will notice by their intake. If not eating, that is the time for a veterinarian visit.
5. Free-feeding can lead to an overweight dog. Portioning your dog’s food out and serving it up twice or thrice a day will help control calorie intake and besides exercise, will be part of keeping your dog fit.
Most people have routine schedules, so feeding your dog to coordinate with that schedule will keep you both on track. Generally, with older puppies (6 months and older), a twice-a-day schedule is suitable. Younger puppies generally need a 3-time-a-day feeding schedule.
If you need help with housetraining your dog or pup, contact me. I do 2-week and 3-week board-and-train kick starts and can also accommodate housetraining lessons through on-line lessons.
———-
Helen Verte Schwarzmann
Contact me
Certified in Training and Counseling
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
AKC STAR Puppy, CGC, and Trick Dog Trainer and Evaluator
Your Board-and-Train Dog Trainer for south and southwest Florida, Coral Springs, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Davie, and Broward, Collier, Lee counties, cities near me
