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At what times throughout the day should you be feeding your dog? This is a common question for many dog owners and the schedule you choose will vary depending on your dog and on a few other factors.

Of course, the times at which you feed your dog will be determined largely by the times that you are free to do the feeding. If you work all day, you probably only have the option of feeding your dog either first thing in the morning or later in the evening when you get home from work.

A personal preference of mine is to give about two-thirds of my dog's daily food ration to him in the morning, that way he has the entire day to work off the calories. Later on in the evening, I will give him a smaller meal to keep him from going hungry over the night. If you have a puppy, you should be feeding it about three times a day.

Some owners prefer to use the ree feeding method. This entails filling a dog bowl with a large amount of dry food and simply leaving it for the dog to eat at his or her leisure. This method may work well for some dogs, but I have found that it causes many dogs to become highly bored and disinterested in their food.

On the other hand, when on the free feeding schedule, some dogs will eat too much and become obese. Also, if the dog is eating whenever he pleases, his bowel movement schedule will be unpredictable and could be the cause of some accidents if your dog does not have easy access to the backyard.

These are just some general guidelines and preferences for dog feeding schedules. Each dog is different and yours may require special attention.

Some owners prefer to use the "free feeding" method. This entails filling a dog bowl with a large amount of dry food and simply leaving it for the dog to eat at his or her leisure. This method may work well for some dogs, but I have found that it causes many dogs to become highly bored and disinterested in their food.

At what times throughout the day should you be feeding your dog? This is a common question for many dog owners and the schedule you choose will vary depending on your dog and on a few other factors.

Of course, the times at which you feed your dog will be determined largely by the times that you are free to do the feeding. If you work all day, you probably only have the option of feeding your dog either first thing in the morning or later in the evening when you get home from work.

A personal preference of mine is to give about two-thirds of my dog's daily food ration to him in the morning, that way he has the entire day to work off the calories. Later on in the evening, I will give him a smaller meal to keep him from going hungry over the night. If you have a puppy, you should be feeding it about three times a day.

Some owners prefer to use the ree feeding method. This entails filling a dog bowl with a large amount of dry food and simply leaving it for the dog to eat at his or her leisure. This method may work well for some dogs, but I have found that it causes many dogs to become highly bored and disinterested in their food.

On the other hand, when on the free feeding schedule, some dogs will eat too much and become obese. Also, if the dog is eating whenever he pleases, his bowel movement schedule will be unpredictable and could be the cause of some accidents if your dog does not have easy access to the backyard.

These are just some general guidelines and preferences for dog feeding schedules. Each dog is different and yours may require special attention.

Bear in mind that no two dogs will have similar dietary needs. Hence, it is very important for you to consult your vet about the right diet to follow. You will know that your pet is eating right if he has a normal energy level and appetite, fresh breath, clean teeth and ears, a glossy coat, no elimination issues, not itching, and an overall good disposition and attitude. If your dog is healthy, you will see that he is very happy.

At what times throughout the day should you be feeding your dog? This is a common question for many dog owners and the schedule you choose will vary depending on your dog and on a few other factors.

Of course, the times at which you feed your dog will be determined largely by the times that you are free to do the feeding. If you work all day, you probably only have the option of feeding your dog either first thing in the morning or later in the evening when you get home from work.

A personal preference of mine is to give about two-thirds of my dog's daily food ration to him in the morning, that way he has the entire day to work off the calories. Later on in the evening, I will give him a smaller meal to keep him from going hungry over the night. If you have a puppy, you should be feeding it about three times a day.

Some owners prefer to use the ree feeding method. This entails filling a dog bowl with a large amount of dry food and simply leaving it for the dog to eat at his or her leisure. This method may work well for some dogs, but I have found that it causes many dogs to become highly bored and disinterested in their food.

On the other hand, when on the free feeding schedule, some dogs will eat too much and become obese. Also, if the dog is eating whenever he pleases, his bowel movement schedule will be unpredictable and could be the cause of some accidents if your dog does not have easy access to the backyard.

These are just some general guidelines and preferences for dog feeding schedules. Each dog is different and yours may require special attention.

This is a question I see often from new dog owners. In fact, I see plenty of longtime dog owners either not heeding or not knowing its answer. However, most veterinarians and experts will say that for optimal health and behavior, it is best to feed your dog just once a day. And if there is any debate at all, it is between once or twice a day. Free-feeding is never encouraged.

What is Free-feeding and Why is it Bad?\n
Free-feeding is basically keeping your dog's food dish filled, letting your canine eat when he is hungry or bored. Not only will this cause physical health problems in your dog, including but not exclusive to doggy obesity, but the dog will also develop poor behavior problems.

Dogs do not have jobs. They do not earn paychecks and they do not look forward to spending their non-existent paychecks on the weekends. They live simply lives and have very few motivators. Squirrels, walks, treats, belly-rubs, playing, and meals are about all life boils down to for dogs, with naps in between. And food is no doubt the biggest motivator of the bunch (except maybe squirrels!), but free-feeding will all but remove this motivation from your dog's life. Your dog will grow lazy and lethargic and will have no reason to obey your commands. He is fat and happy-why listen to you? What's to be gained? Most dogs can handle some severer 'bad-dogging' when they have all the food they'll ever need.

Twice a Day or Once a Day? And why?\n
Most people are surprised to discover that only one feeding per day is the commonly accepted recommendation. This is because it is difficult to see past our own eating habits as humans. We eat three times a day (at least) and grow incredibly hungry if we miss a meal.

However, you have to realize that humans and dogs have completely different digestive systems and metabolic rates. Dogs are much more accustomed to longer breaks between meals. In fact, not giving enough time in between meals can disrupt the natural process of a dog's digestive track and result in severe health problems. Feeding the dog once per day is not neglectful, it's healthy!

The dog food you buy for your fury friend might have recommendations on the amount of food and the number of times to feed him, but this should not be followed religiously. After all, the more your dog eats, the more money you will spend (and the more money the dog food company makes). Many brands will recommend free-feeding, but this is not correct. We recommend doing once a day or possibly twice a day depending on your personal situation.

Feeding twice a day OK if your dog is especially needy and obsessive about food. As long as you keep to a consistent schedule, two smaller feedings per day should not be an issue. However, once per day is still your best bet.

Also, keep in mind that you are also probably giving your dog a few treats during the day-be it milk bones, pig ears, or rawhide bones. These are a great way to train your dog and to keep him happy and active in between meals.

When Should I Feed My Dog?\n
So now that you understand the importance of not free-feeding, and you've decided to feed either once (best) or twice (OK) a day, it is time to discuss WHEN to feed your dog. And the answer is, it doesn't matter-as long as you keep to a fairly rigid schedule. Personally, I feed my dog in the evenings when I eat dinner, but as long as you stick to roughly the same time every day then it shouldn't really matter.

Feeding twice a day OK if your dog is especially needy and obsessive about food. As long as you keep to a consistent schedule, two smaller feedings per day should not be an issue. However, once per day is still your best bet.

The rules in part below, will help dog owners avoid the most common errors with regard to the practical aspects of feeding dogs.

Give the dog plenty of water. Cool, potable water should be available to the dog at all times and should be replaced frequently. Average water consumption is 60 millilitres per day per kilogram of body weight or higher in puppies, lactating bitches, working dogs or in hot weather.

Change food gradually. Any change in a dog's diet should be gradual, over a period of one week, so the dog's taste, digestion and metabolism can adapt and so that its intestinal micro-flora, which is much more adapted to the type of food eaten than that of humans, can adjust to suit the new food.

Feed regularly. A dog is happiest when it eats the same food every day from the same dish and the same place and time. The number of meals depends on the dog's physiological state, which should be frequently evaluated.

Control the amount of food consumed. The size of portions given is calculated as a function of the dog's daily energy needs and the number of calories the food contains. Portion size should be re=evaluated often to avoid any decline into obesity and should be changed as the dog's weight changes.

Give the dog a balance diet. Whether the food is homemade or commercial, it should be containing all the nutrients the dog needs, in sufficient quantities and in proportions appropriate for the dog's size (small, medium, large or giant breed), physiological condition (maintenance, breeding, sport), age (puppy, mature adult, old dog) and pathological state if need be.

Choose the dog's food carefully. The choice of food is not significant. Nutritional balance should be the overriding consideration. There are three basic criteria for choosing the right food for a dog: its age (puppy, adult, mature adult or old dog), its level of physical or physiological activity (active, sporting dog, breeding dog) and its size (small, medium, large or giant)

Use the food properly. The manner in which the food is given is just as important as what is in the food. This is why, when feeding commercial food, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions. When feeding homemade food, certain words should never be heard, namely  My dog eats what I eat My dog eats what he wants  My dog only eats that Finally table scraps, sweets, sugar, cake and chocolate have no place in a dog's diet. (It would be better to give the dog bits of rind from cheese)

Cleanliness is next to godliness. Commercial food offers the best guarantee of healthful cleanliness. Used properly, they present no risk of food poisoning. Open cans of dry food, fresh food or defrosted food should be kept cold and dry food should be kept in its re-closed bag in a dry place. If the dog does not finish its meal, the remaining food should be thrown away. The dog dish should be washed every day.

Keep track of individual results. A diet's effectiveness and the effects of any changes should be kept track of through such simple indicators as changes in weight, the health of the dog's hair, the characteristics of its excrement, its appetite and its day-to-day behavior.

Do not hesitate to consult the veterinarian. By training, a veterinarian is also a dietitian for both sick and healthy dogs. Consult your veterinarian for persistent lack of appetite or bulimia,abnormal weight loss or gain, persistent diarrhea or constipation, worrisome physical or behavioral problems or any notable changes in thirst or appetite that might be signs of a general illness requiring a thorough examination.

Free-feeding is basically keeping your dog's food dish filled, letting your canine eat when he is hungry or bored. Not only will this cause physical health problems in your dog, including but not exclusive to doggy obesity, but the dog will also develop poor behavior problems.

The rules in part below, will help dog owners avoid the most common errors with regard to the practical aspects of feeding dogs.

Give the dog plenty of water. Cool, potable water should be available to the dog at all times and should be replaced frequently. Average water consumption is 60 millilitres per day per kilogram of body weight or higher in puppies, lactating bitches, working dogs or in hot weather.

Change food gradually. Any change in a dog's diet should be gradual, over a period of one week, so the dog's taste, digestion and metabolism can adapt and so that its intestinal micro-flora, which is much more adapted to the type of food eaten than that of humans, can adjust to suit the new food.

Feed regularly. A dog is happiest when it eats the same food every day from the same dish and the same place and time. The number of meals depends on the dog's physiological state, which should be frequently evaluated.

Control the amount of food consumed. The size of portions given is calculated as a function of the dog's daily energy needs and the number of calories the food contains. Portion size should be re=evaluated often to avoid any decline into obesity and should be changed as the dog's weight changes.

Give the dog a balance diet. Whether the food is homemade or commercial, it should be containing all the nutrients the dog needs, in sufficient quantities and in proportions appropriate for the dog's size (small, medium, large or giant breed), physiological condition (maintenance, breeding, sport), age (puppy, mature adult, old dog) and pathological state if need be.

Choose the dog's food carefully. The choice of food is not significant. Nutritional balance should be the overriding consideration. There are three basic criteria for choosing the right food for a dog: its age (puppy, adult, mature adult or old dog), its level of physical or physiological activity (active, sporting dog, breeding dog) and its size (small, medium, large or giant)

Use the food properly. The manner in which the food is given is just as important as what is in the food. This is why, when feeding commercial food, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions. When feeding homemade food, certain words should never be heard, namely  My dog eats what I eat My dog eats what he wants  My dog only eats that Finally table scraps, sweets, sugar, cake and chocolate have no place in a dog's diet. (It would be better to give the dog bits of rind from cheese)

Cleanliness is next to godliness. Commercial food offers the best guarantee of healthful cleanliness. Used properly, they present no risk of food poisoning. Open cans of dry food, fresh food or defrosted food should be kept cold and dry food should be kept in its re-closed bag in a dry place. If the dog does not finish its meal, the remaining food should be thrown away. The dog dish should be washed every day.

Keep track of individual results. A diet's effectiveness and the effects of any changes should be kept track of through such simple indicators as changes in weight, the health of the dog's hair, the characteristics of its excrement, its appetite and its day-to-day behavior.

Do not hesitate to consult the veterinarian. By training, a veterinarian is also a dietitian for both sick and healthy dogs. Consult your veterinarian for persistent lack of appetite or bulimia,abnormal weight loss or gain, persistent diarrhea or constipation, worrisome physical or behavioral problems or any notable changes in thirst or appetite that might be signs of a general illness requiring a thorough examination.