While you eat three delicious meals and a variety of snacks a day, have you ever looked at your beloved pet dog who is satisfied with just one or two bowls of dry kibble? If you have ever felt a little guilty about this, then this article is for you.
The method of feeding pet dogs can vary according to the body, habits and lifestyle of each dog. The same method does not apply to every dog. Today we will learn how you can make your dog’s diet a little more balanced, healthy and interesting for him. Let’s know about the three most popular and effective ways of feeding dogs.
Let your dog decide for himself – Free-Choice Feeding
If your dog is healthy, his weight is normal, and he is not having bathroom accidents inside the house, then you can give him the freedom of ‘free-choice feeding’.
This means that you leave his food in his bowl throughout the day and he can eat whatever he wants whenever he wants. This method is good for dogs who are very active and spend a lot of calories throughout the day. For example, if your dog plays, runs or goes on long walks all day, he will have a big appetite.
How to do it:
Use dry kibble in this method because it does not spoil quickly. If you leave wet food outside, it can rot quickly and make the dog sick.
When and for whom it is good:
If your female dog is pregnant or lactating, she needs more energy. In such a situation, free-choice feeding is the best method.
Warning:
- Leaving food outside can also attract animals like rats, insects and even raccoons.
- If there is more than one pet in the house, they may fight among themselves over food.
- This method should not be adopted for dogs suffering from diabetes.
Give the dose by measuring it – Portion Control Feeding
If your dog runs after food all the time and never stops, then this method is better for you. In this, you give the food by measuring it so that he neither eats too much nor less.
How to do:
- First of all, know the ideal weight for your dog from your veterinarian.
- Then look at the quantity written on the packet of the brand of dog food you use – but keep in mind that sometimes the quantity given on the packet can be more than required.
- That is why it would be better to decide the right quantity after consulting the doctor.
When to feed:
- You can feed once or twice a day.
- If you feed twice, then feed at an interval of 8 to 12 hours.
- For example, if you have given food at 8 in the morning, then give the second portion at 8 in the evening.
Benefit:
- This keeps the dog’s weight under control.
- Eating habits become regular.
Fix a time – Timed Feeding Method
If you don’t want food to be kept out all day but still you are not too worried about overeating, then you can adopt ‘timed feeding’.
How to do it:
- Give a fixed amount of food at a fixed time.
- Give the dog 30 minutes (or as much as you have decided).
- After this, remove the leftover food.
In this method, when you feed the dog the next time – i.e. after about 8-12 hours – the dog will be hungry and will eat with interest.
Benefits:
- This creates a pattern of eating.
- The dog learns to eat food before time.
- The leftover food does not spoil and insects also do not come.
Additional tips that every dog owner should know
- No matter which method you adopt, always keep fresh and clean water near the dog.
- Give him some rest after eating so that digestion happens properly.
- Check his weight from time to time.
- If he skips meals, seems tired or eats too much, consult a vet.
Conclusion
Every dog is different – some are foodies, some are picky and some eat only when hungry. It is important for you to decide the way he is fed, keeping in mind his temperament, habits and health. Of the three methods – free-choice feeding, portion control and timed feeding – use the one that suits your dog best. Remember, your dog’s health and happiness largely depend on what he is eating, how much and when. Give your doggie the love and attention he demands from you every day – because a happy dog is a happy family.