Dogs are acknowledged to have a genetically determined "set point" for their adult size. Over-eating at any one meal can also cause stomach discomfort and bloating causing slower digestion. This is not recommended as it can create juvenile obesity, binge eaters, as well as set the stage for some orthopedic problems and diabetes. Is that true?įeeding a puppy all it can eat at one time is called ' ad libitum' or 'free choice' feeding. I was told that puppies should eat all they want 3 or 4 times per day. If food is left, whether all or part of a meal, that is an important signal that something is wrong, and it is time to schedule a veterinary appointment. It is easy to see at a glance if all the food from a meal is consumed. It is not recommended to keep the bowl filled and allow grazing.Ī break in eating habits can be a warning sign of illness. When dogs eat on a regular schedule, that habit becomes strong. Imagine if you only got to eat breakfast each day, and that was it! Regular, routine feeding times allow your dog's body to be prepared for the food it will receive. For this reason, at least two meals per day are best for your dog. After 8 to 10 hours, an empty stomach begins to send signals to the brain stimulating a hunger response. Hunger can be a great motivator! If the stage is set for increased hunger followed by meals at regular times, then transitioning to a new food will often be seamless and straightforward.ĭogs have a simple stomach anatomy, just like humans. Because dogs have a simple stomach structure, once the stomach is filled with food, it will empty within a few hours as food moves into the small intestine. When your dog is used to eating at the same times each day, his body becomes conditioned to expect food at those times. "A feeding routine helps your dog cope when there are changes in the household."Ī feeding routine makes a necessary food change easier. A feeding routine helps your dog cope when there are changes in the household (e.g., a child moves away to college, a new baby arrives, or a vacation during which a house-sitter is in charge). Meals become a cornerstone event of the day around which other activities are added. This is a very important step in the house-training process.įeeding an adult dog at regular times provides the security and predictability of a routine. By linking a 'potty stop' with a meal we not only allow ourselves to predict when the pup needs a trip outside, we allow the puppy to learn to associate the urges to urinate and defecate with being in the appropriate location. Puppies generally need to relieve themselves within 10 to 15 minutes of eating a meal. By recognizing a few key concepts and attributes of dogs we can create a very reasonable feeding plan for them.ĭogs are creatures of habit. We can use this fact to our advantage by creating a regular feeding schedule and sticking to it.Ī regular feeding schedule helps with house training puppies, as well as adult rescue dogs who have not been taught household manners. I'm confused! What is a good feeding schedule?įeeding your dog does not have to be mysterious. If you don’t have time to take your pup to the park or on long walks, consider enrolling in puppy daycare to get that energy released while you are working.I've heard conflicting advice about feeding my dog - once a day, twice a day, just keep the bowl filled. Behavioral problems such as chewing, digging and barking often begin to occur at this age (roughly 6-10 months) and the most effective way to stem these negative behaviors is by providing adequate physical and mental stimulation. By 6 months you should be taking your puppy on long walks, running in the park or playing fetch at least once every day.Īs your pup grows up into puppy adolescence it is extremely crucial to provide exercise and stimulation on a daily basis.
But that little burst of excitement doesn’t constitute the day's exercise. The puppy craze is normal and healthy it provides a quick energy release as a response to all of the puppy energy bottled up inside.
Don’t sweat it, your puppy is not possessed. Your puppy will run around the living room in circles, bouncing up and down on furniture and act more or less like a lunatic for a good 5 minutes. By 6 months you have probably witnessed what we call “The Puppy Craze”! Your precious little pup will be calm and sleepy one minute, and will suddenly flip a switch to level insanity.
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