I always used to leave Max's food and water down until we got Abbie. She would eat her food and Max's--she was being a little piggy
so we had to separate them during feeding time. I put Abbie in the ex-pen and gave her a bunch of toys to occupy her so Max had some free time to eat (he's a slow eater) After about 10 months she stopped trying to eat all of his food and drink his water and I am able to leave their food and water down all day. They are now able to just eat whenever they are hungry throughout the day.