Free Feeding versus Scheduled Feeding

We all have different daily schedules which in turn affect our dog's feeding schedule.  Free Feeding is when you fill your pet's bowl with food and you allow your pet to have free access to it all day. When the bowl gets low, you refill it with more food. Your pet grazes his/her food throughout the day based on his/her appetite and he/she doesn't have to worry about being hungry during the day.

On the opposite end there is Scheduled Feeding where your dog has a set feeding time(s) and does not have constant, free access to food. This can mean your dog eats once a day, twice a day or other set  feeding schedule. 

With once a day scheduled feeding your dog is fed his/her main meal just as it says...once a day.  Life gets busy so for some people feeding one's dog once a day is convenient.  However, it is best to split your dog's meal in portions and feed at least a twice a day schedule.  This would not only help keep your dog from being hungry, but it would also help your dog burn calories throughout the day and keep him/her fit and healthy. Plus dogs are creatures of habit so, they would love it if you fed them on a consistent schedule This consistent feeding schedule would also result in a consistent potty schedule.

Regardless of what feeding method you employ, your pet should always have access to fresh, clean water.