i can completely understand you feeling a lil iffy about free feeding .. i dont do that to Chicle b/c i have someone give him lunch at 1pm. but i just dont feel its too safe for him not to eat anything during the time you are out.. thats just a long time for him not to eat... i dunno just my opinion.. i mean we feed em a lil bit anyway ... maybe a treat then while your out if you're afraid of him gaining weight.
just leave a lil food down like a lil kibble and see how that works.. im just worried that your lil guy may not be getting enough to eat is all