Feeding Before and After Exercise? (Bloat concern)

[FourIsCompany]

I used to leave 2-3 hours between eating and exercise for the dogs, but B'asia started turning down her morning meal because she got so hungry, she lost her appetite. So, I started feeding them as soon as I get up (about 5 AM) and then exercising a little later. Trouble is, if I wait too much later, it's too hot for anyone to have any fun and they just roam from tree shade to tree shade waiting for me to take them back in.

These guys don't do anything too strenuous in the morning, just a mile or so hiking and some fetching thrown in. But I'm wondering how safe it is to feed them and do this, say, an hour later...

How long do you all wait after feeding to exercise your dogs? And what is considered safe?

Thanks!

 

[Southpaw]

I have honestly never worried about it. Granted, boxers aren't very prone to bloating, but still. Personally its not something I would stress about or rearrange my schedule over.

 

[Greenmagick]

Honestly, I dont do the typical rest for hours that most dane people suggest. I am not going to go do a hard core session with them right after a heavy meal but I will let them run and wrestle, etc. I watch them for how they are feeling.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

I normally give them about a half hour before we do anything after breakfast (including running around themselves), but any hardcore exercise is done in the evening before they have dinner.

 

[Lyzelle]

I no longer feed on a strict schedule, so it is really whenever I feel it is best. He only gets fed once a day now so it is easy to work around.

 

[FourIsCompany]

Thanks for the input. I think an hour or so after breakfast is probably just fine, considering they don't do a lot of strenuous stuff.

Lyz, I love your signature! Zander is such a pretty boy!

 

[Maliraptor]

I feed twice a day, so a couple of cups of dog food on the stomach while working I'm OK with. I do try to not feed RIGHT before working dogs, but 30 minutes or an hour to me is plenty of time.

On the reverse, I wait until the dog is completely back to normal. No panting, rested, and water intake back to normal. Once this happens, I am ok feeding.

 

[Sit Stay]

I like to wait about an hour after she eats before she goofs around or does any kind of work or exercise.

After exercise I'm not quite as picky about - I don't have a time I follow but I wait until she's rested, not breathing hard, and has had a drink at least 15 minutes prior.

 

[~WelshStump~]

I feed them twice a day. I try to never let Enda get to much exercise or excitement right after eating, or she throws up, every time never fails (my strange dog), but I do find that about a half hour is good, an hour is better before "heavy" activity. I never have to worry about the totally lax nature boys.

 

[Tankstar]

I only wait about 20mins before a walk. but their walks early in they am consist of onleash walk around the 'hood about 3kms. So Im not worried. I do make them wait about 20mins anytime after a meal before doing anything. I, not to worried about bloat. just I think they should relax a bit to let it all digest

 

[MicksMom]

I feed two meals, too. I usually wait about an hour after feeding for "heavy duty" play. On the dinner end, ideally I like to wait an hour after exercise/play to feed. Depending on the time, tho, there have been a few times I've only waited until Caleb is breathing calmly again.

 

[FourIsCompany]

Thanks for all the input.

I've been feeding them AS SOON as I wake up - before I even start my coffee. This morning, it was 4:45. :yikes: That way, by 6:30 or 7, I feel pretty comfortable taking them out.

In the evening, it's not so much of an issue because their stomach's are empty when they exercise. I wait till they're calmed down to feed them. Usually an hour or more.

 

[sassafras]

I think an hour is fine to wait after a meal. Honestly if I'm trying to sneak in exercise between breakfast and OMG TOO HOT TO LIVE I don't always even wait that long or I will feed a half breakfast and then feed the rest when we get back.

After exercise, I wait for them to "cool off" before feeding - that is, they are no longer panting or "amped up."