Feeding time for the pets at my house is a once a day affair. After all our children are in bed I grab a large bucket and fill it with dog food which is then divided among several bowls. Each of our six dogs has access to at least two or three bowls which they share very well. It is a rather simple process.
There are probably as many methods and systems to feeding as there are pets in the world. Without a doubt, feeding your pet properly is one of the most important things you can do for your dog or cat. While there is no perfect way to feed a pet, there are some specific guidelines to consider so you know your pet is fed well.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends the following:
- House Pets can have a wide variety of activity levels. An animal with a "normal" activity level should receive what we will call "maintenance" energy. A pampered lap dog may require 10% below maintenance, while an active pet that regularly exercises outdoors may require maintenance plus 20-40%.
- Environment influences energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases the pet's energy needs in order for them to maintain body temperatures. Both keeping warm and keeping cool require extra energy expenditure.
- Repair or disease - An animal recovering from surgery or suffering from a disease may have an increased nutritional requirement for repair and healing and to fight infection.
There are many methods of feeding that can accommodate both your schedule and your pet’s needs:
- Portion control feeding: The food for a meal is measured and offered as a meal thereby controlling the amount of food that can be consumed. This method is used for weight control programs and for animals that might overeat if fed free choice. Food can be provided in one or more meals daily. Generally it is recommended that all dogs be fed twice daily.
- Free choice feeding: This is also known as "ad lib" feeding or "free feeding." Food is available at all times, as much as the pet wants, whenever the pet wants. Most lactating pets are fed by the free choice method, and it is generally the method of choice for feeding most cats. This method is most appropriate when feeding dry food which will not spoil if left out. Some dogs and cats, however, will overeat with this method, so two associated diseases must be considered:
a) Obesity. If the pet begins to put on too much weight, the owner will need to switch to portion control feeding.
b) Developmental Bone Diseases. If the puppy to be fed is a large or giant breed or if the breed is susceptible to OCD, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, or hip dysplasia, do not free feed large or giant breed puppies. They may over eat and this can lead to rapid growth and a greater incidence of bone diseases. Large or giant breed pups should be fed with the portion controlled or timed feeding methods. - Timed feeding method: This method involves making a portion of food available for the pet to eat for a specified period of time. For example, the food can be placed in the dog's bowl for 30 minutes. After that time, if the pet has not consumed the food, it is removed. This can be a good feeding method for puppies, particularly just after weaning. The food can be offered to the puppies for 30 minutes, two or three times per day.
Take the time to evaluate your pet’s needs and feeding schedule. Talk with your veterinarian, he or she can help you tailor your feeding routine to optimize the health of your pet.
The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Speaking of feeding, we are in need of dry dog food. We prefer the mid level quality food like Purina Dog Chow or something similar. It keeps them from having stomach problems. We also need towels in good condtion.
Jack Fisher
Board of Directors
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