Joey's breeder recommended free feeding the first 7 months; you are likely to prevent any episodes of hypoglycemia if you do this. Puppies can only eat small amounts at a time, and even a simple small period of play can wear them out, and produce hypoglycemia. If it goes on too long they lose their appetite and when you put out food they won't be interested, so having food available 24 hours helps prevent this. Many people free feed the dogs entire life, but I wanted to do some special training with Joey, and food has to be more carefully regulated. When he was free fed, he wasn't that food oriented, but now that meals are only twice a day, he's much more food driven. That has pros and cons, like most things. |