Should You Always Keep Food in the Dog Dish?

Leaving food in your dog's bowl all the time is a convenient way to ensure he gets fed, but it's not the best method for his health. Establishing meal times gives you more control over his diet; measuring the right amount discourages weight gain.

  1. Establishing Mealtimes

    • Two meals, spaced eight to 12 hours apart, is what most veterinarians recommend for adult dogs. Divide the daily food allotment into two equal parts and give him half in the morning and the rest in the evening. Rationing his dinner won't make much difference if you give him tons of treats every day. Treats should make up about 5 percent of your dog's total calorie intake. Break treats into kibble-size pieces if you want to reward your dog for good behavior throughout the day.

    Amount

    • Determining the right amount of food to give your pup isn't cut-and-dry. Check the label on the dog food container for a chart listing body weight and daily recommended food amount to get a general idea, but know individual dogs' needs vary outside manufacturer suggestions. Take your pet for a checkup and ask your veterinarian how much food you should give him. When you feed the dog, let him dine for about 15 minutes. Remove whatever remains. Dispose of leftover wet food since it quickly spoils after it's opened.

    Dangers of Overfeeding

    • Allowing your pet free access to the food bowl can have serious consequences. He may eat out of boredom, for instance, or to comfort himself when stressed, even when he's not hungry, causing weight gain. Obese dogs are more likely to develop heart, joint or lung problems and have a higher risk of developing cancer, according to University of Missouri Extension. Being overweight is just as bad for your pup's health as being underweight, so don't let the fear of starving your dog stop you from managing his diet.

    Special Cases

    • A set mealtime schedule isn't appropriate for every dog. Puppies, pregnant females and sick dogs need more frequent access to food. Pregnant dogs require about twice as much food as they normally would, so don't withhold food without getting your vet's approval. Puppies less than a year old need to eat three or four times a day. Make sure you keep your dog's water bowl full at all times, even if you restrict access to food.