FREE FEED OR SCHEDULED FEEDING with Multiple Dogs!!!

[RLC12345678]

Unless they all need different amounts of food or different kinds of food, or any of them over-eat, I see no reason why they should be schedule-fed.

[eaglez28]

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

Unless they all need different amounts of food or different kinds of food, or any of them over-eat, I see no reason why they should be schedule-fed.

that is the way i feel about it too!

the trainers reasoning was that you would notice they were sick sooner if someone wasn't eating at their scheduled meals.

[ChiliPepper]

I feed in the morning and in at 5pm everyday. Separate bowls with me watching so my sweet little girl who vacuums up her food like lightening can't to get to her brothers. If I left them on their own Chase would starve and Halle would have to be rolled around on wheels.

[Yorkieluv]

I used to strictly believe in free feeding because of the fact that I wanted my baby to have access to food at ALL times in case he was hungry or wanted to snack, but since I started homecooking, I feed on a schedule, and it's actually great for them and they love it!

When I got Emma, my healthy maltese, it was hard because Miko, my liver compromised yorkie cannot eat her food. Because my yorkie is liver compromised, I feed 5 small meals per day to lighten the load on his liver, and Emma eats 2-3 times per day depending on whether or not she wants an afternoon meal.

I was really worried about making this switch because I was worried since Miko was used to having food at all times, but he adjusted perfectly after about a week. At first, they both wanted to see what the other one is eating, so I separated at each feeding and they got used to it.

It is so important to monitor how much they eat, so that, like your trainer said, you can notice changes in appetite, etc. more quickly.

If you free feed multiple dogs, it might be difficult to keep track of how much they are eating.

[cj125]

We used to free feed because my girl was so little that we thought she needed it out at all times - just in case. Hubby started counting the kibble and found that she never ate when we weren't home. We still left it out Then, we got our boy and he's an eater!!! I still free fed until a few weeks ago. I found that they eat better and I know that each one had their share and less poop!!! They start off at their own bowl but they always switch after a few minutes! They even do that when I give them flossies. Yea, I think they think that the other one got something better!!!

[Yorkieluv]

I agree cj125, mine eat better now too

[2Parises]

We schedule feed...3 times a day... 6:30 am, 5:30 pm and 9:30 (snack).

All three of mine have their own bowls each on a separate placemat right next to each other. When the last one came to live with us, it took her longer to get used to the rules...you eat and then leave...no sniffing around for someone else's bowl.

It works great for us now.

[tanksmom]

When we schedule feed my babies wanted to eat at 7am EVERY day. So there was no sleeping in on the weekends. Now we free feed and they will sleep in. I love that!

[eaglez28]

Originally Posted by 2Parises

We schedule feed...3 times a day... 6:30 am, 5:30 pm and 9:30 (snack).

All three of mine have their own bowls each on a separate placemat right next to each other. When the last one came to live with us, it took her longer to get used to the rules...you eat and then leave...no sniffing around for someone else's bowl.

It works great for us now.

I will have to give it try - maybe I'll start the routine next saturday morning.
I am off of work on weekends & can spend more time getting them to adjust.

Wow 2 Parises? thats gotta be confusing for them! do they have nicknames?

[yesenia83]

We're on a schedule here too. the hours vary from 7 am -10am and 6 pm- 9 pm. They wake me up when they want to eat, so when they decide to sleep in I get to sleep in . I stand and watch everyone eat their food because Snuggles inhales her food and will eat the boys food if not watched. Their bowls are right next to each other and always in the same order.

[2Parises]

Originally Posted by eaglez28

I will have to give it try - maybe I'll start the routine next saturday morning.
I am off of work on weekends & can spend more time getting them to adjust.

Wow 2 Parises? thats gotta be confusing for them! do they have nicknames?

It's not confusing at all. LOL

When I call Paris, they both come to me...and since they are inseparable...if one is in to mischief...they both are (all three actually)...

Since we brought Samira in and she follows the other 2 around, when I say Paris come here...Everyone comes. It's like having 3 dogs with the same name!

[Chrissy0277]

My dogs all eat on a schedule and each one of them have their own special spot where they eat seperated from each other

[eaglez28]

Originally Posted by 2Parises

It's not confusing at all. LOL

When I call Paris, they both come to me...and since they are inseparable...if one is in to mischief...they both are (all three actually)...

Since we brought Samira in and she follows the other 2 around, when I say Paris come here...Everyone comes. It's like having 3 dogs with the same name!

That's Great!
I never thought of it that way!

[txshopper73]

I've always free fed my dogs. They are not fat by any means. The food is there when they get hungry.

[Ellie May]

I wouldn't free feed with more than one dog unless I was gone all day. It is best to see how much they are eating.