can you feed a yorkie 1x a day? I was just wondering if you could feed a yorkie 1x a day and give snacks like greenbeans and lettuce for a treat a couple of times a day. My dog has gained 2 1/2 pounds on Royal Canin for weight loss. I only feed the recommed amout for his weight. Any answers will be helpful:animal36 |
Technically, yes, but that is rarely recommended. Twenty-four hours is a long time to wait between meals and could potentially stress out the system of a little dog who may need more frequent meals for sugar/energy. I would not do it. Twice daily (and for some three times daily) or free feeding is best. Just cut down on the amount. The directions on the bag don't apply to every dog. You'll probably just need to reduce the amount you're feeding by 1/4-1/2 depending on how much your dog needs to lose and how much exercise he gets. |
There is a poll concerning number of daily feedings in the polling forum. A few people do it. Depends on the dog's needs. I wouldn't recommend it as a weight loss program. My boys need their food spread throughout the day. You may try reducing the amount of kibble your dog eats and supplementing each meal with green beans. I believe all food brands recommend feeding too much in their feeding guidelines. |
^^Adding to what Crystal wrote about sugar/energy, I believe dogs are like humans in that metabolism is maintained better with frequent small meals rather than one large meal a day. |
Remember you shouldn't feed the recommend amount they weigh, but the amount they should weigh, and for some dogs, even that's too much. I've never gone by the recommended amount. If he's gained 2 1/2 pounds, you are feeding too much. I think it's better to feed two or even three times a day, but smaller amounts. When Joey needed to lose weight after a trick training class, the vet said to cut his kibble by 1/3 and add a few green beans to make him feel full, he was able to lose about an ounce a week by doing that. Increasing exercise helps too. |
I feed my Spuddy twice a day. But for some reason, when I feed him in the morning before I go to work, he will eat all of his food then lick his bowl clean. I'm wondering if I am feeding him too little amount? He's 3 and weigh about 7lbs now. I just think he is greedy. |
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I do not believe in feeding once a day for several reasons. For smaller dogs, 24 hours is a long time to go without any form of sustenance, especially when your pups are active. When no form of energy is available, blood sugar drops, and their body turns to breaking down fat or muscle to acquire the needed energy. Large fluctuations within the body's blood sugar and proteins are the beginnings of the creation of chronic disease. By the time pups are fed in this 24 hour cycle, they engulf it, eating much more than if they would have been fed twice during that cycle. Their hunger essentially forces them to engulf everything that is put down on the plate, and then look for more. When dogs are hungry they find other ways to display their anxiety, creating possible behavior problems. Feeding animals smaller portions on several occasions during the day, encourages their metabolism to not only burn off calories, but also maintains their chemical homeostasis within their bodies. |
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I just made a thread on how to calculate your dogs calorie requirements. Maybe that would help? Seek out a food that is low in carbohydrates. Cut out treats unless they are plain veggies. |
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