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How long is too long? Help!

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  • Diane Gilby
    • Gold Top Dog
    Diane Gilby

    Posted : 4/20/2006 8:46:26 AM

    Morning - glad your pup is eating!  Most of my friends (competitors/breeders) do not free feed.  We feel that it encourages picky eating habits.  We measure out breakfast and pick up what is left after about 20 minutes.  Then when dinner is served, the same routine...pick up what is left.  A lot of dogs who free feed just take a mouthful and then walk away.  Also, it makes housebreaking more difficult as the dog has something in its tummy at all times.  Just my 2 cents worth!
     
    dianeg
  • jaye
    • Gold Top Dog
    jaye

    Posted : 4/20/2006 10:13:27 AM

    my dog takes a mouthful and walks away all the time.  i dont think that makes her picky.  its healthy for dogs to eat in small quantities throughout the day.
  • Firestorm
    • Gold Top Dog
    Firestorm

    Posted : 4/20/2006 10:24:44 AM

    I do not think it is picky eating.  Its no different then people who don't like to eat the same amount everyday...somedays I eat more somedays less and I do not eat at the same time everyday.  Its healthier for people as well as animals to eat smaller meals throughout the day then to gorge themselves in 2 or 3 meals.
  • Firestorm
    • Gold Top Dog
    Firestorm

    Posted : 4/20/2006 10:38:18 AM

    I should also mention that my dog has free choice until it is bedtime, he has his potty break then goes in his crate for the night.
  • glenmar
    • Gold Top Dog
    glenmar

    Posted : 4/20/2006 10:40:52 AM

    If you have only one dog, or if you have dogs that respect one anothers food bowls, fine.  For me, free feeding doesn't work so I won't do it, but for many, it works just fine.  The key is to ONLY put the days allotment of food in the bowl and NOT to fill it back up cuz he ate it so quickly.
  • jaye
    • Gold Top Dog
    jaye

    Posted : 4/20/2006 10:53:34 AM

    i measure out half of her food for the day in the mornings.  after thats gone, toward the later part of the day usually, i put down the other half unless i have peope food for her then i put that down instead.  but i put down the 2nd half as soon as the first half is gone. 
  • papillon806
    • Gold Top Dog
    papillon806

    Posted : 4/20/2006 12:14:36 PM

    I don't think free-feeding causes picky eating habits either....and since my pup was free-fed from the start, we haven't had any "bathroom" issues because of it...he uses the bathroom regularly w/ no problems. 
  • tiffy
    • Gold Top Dog
    tiffy

    Posted : 4/20/2006 12:39:48 PM

    I have three dogs, one will eat his entire bowl within seonds, the other will eat most of it, then snack the rest of it, the third would eat a few bites then walk away. Well the problem was either the chow hound would eat everyones food or the picky b **** would resource guard her bowl for the rest of the day. Seeing as her bowl is near  the dog door, no one could get out to do their business, which resulted in messes in the house. Now the food is left for 20 min. and then picked up. She is slowly learning to eat while its there.It is slow ggoing, but at least no one is doing their business in the house.