Free Feeding dry kibble - Page 1

Just an observation... I have noticed that alot of people having digestive "issues" with they're dogs say they feed 2 or 3 times per day. Well we don't seem to have digestive issues, bloat, diahrhea, constipation, bleeding, vomiting, None of that stuff, and we Free Feed our dry kibble. twice a day I mix up a big bowl of mixed ingredients that I cook, and supplements that are geographically correct for our area and our dry kibble, and feed under 6 mos. 1/2 cup. over 6 mos. 1 cup. PG, Nursing, Breeding Pair, or Training get 1 1/2 cup. They are not overly anxious to eat it, But they do eat it and no complications for it. I wonder if Free Feeding the dry kibble is the better way to go as they are allowed to feed when gut says they need to instead of the clock on the wall ?

EchoMeadow, I have never been a proponent of free feeding of any type, although I had some dogs in the past for that this was no problem. That was many years ago when I owned but one (1) adult dog at a time and that dog lived in the house. I think that the presence of other dogs will cause many dogs to eat much faster and much more than they normally would; at least that is what I see on a daily basis. I think that I could offer each dog a squash and they would challenge each other to see who could finish first. Bob-O

Bob-O and with our dogs as many as we have, The free feed tub is never an issue and is never empty, we refill every day, but it's never empty, No dogs are over weight, a couple are on lean side, couple that just stay that way, But actually our dogs stay in just about "Perfect" condition. Never have any fights. I don't know maybe we are just dumb lucky. LOL

EchoMeadows, I would not call it dumb lucky, rather wonderfully lucky. I think that for me its the "Mine!" "Mine!" competitiveness between the dogs that would cause this to fail. I usually feed everyone on the back porch at the same time and supervise until they are finished. But, even if I feed them in the (temporary) kennel runs where they have physical isolation from each other they behave the same way. I am sure that some dogs can do things together and be successful; it just does not work for my "pack". Bob-O

Feeding your dogs actual meals is an alpha thing so most people need it to help maintain pack rules. Not having control of the food means alot to some dogs and they will be less inclined to try to take advantage of you in other areas. Also, if you are trying to train with treats, I find that most free fed dogs are not as interested and don't have as much food drive. This can be an issue in tracking if you are training with food.

I do not like to free feed from a medical standpoint with alot of dogs because you have no way to know exactly how much the dog is eating. I agree with Changer that dogs who free feed are less motivated to work for treats. I cook for my dogs so free feeding is out. I have found for the quick eaters if I heat up the food they slow down and take their time. I separate the dogs because just "knowing" the other dogs are around will cause a dog to gulp and not one of my dogs is willing to share.

Well, We don't have any of the problems anyone has brought up thus far. So guess I will continue doing it so long as I'm not having all the other issues that come with 2x's daily feedings. :-)