How many times to feed?

[Kama]

How many times a day should I be feeding my 6 month cocker spaniel?

Right now, we have him on 3 meals a day, half a cup at each meal.

When is a good time to reduce the frequency of feeding?

We are thinking of reducing the frequency to twice a day, feeding him 3/4 a cup each time.

 

[Gallien Jacks]

well i would say as long as the dog is in good condition and the correct weight then go for it, but it does depend a little on the dog and what you are feeding

 

[Gwinnywillow]

How many times a day should I be feeding my 6 month cocker spaniel?

Right now, we have him on 3 meals a day, half a cup at each meal.

When is a good time to reduce the frequency of feeding?

We are thinking of reducing the frequency to twice a day, feeding him 3/4 a cup each time.

Feed him as much as he wants twice a day. Maybe offer two cups each meal. If he leaves any add it to the next meal. He will be a puppy till two years old, and needs all the food he wants as long as he doesn't turn into a butterball. Then you would need to cut back.

 

[Mordy]

I wouldn't feed a puppy as much as it wants, especially with commercial food you'd really be risking overfeeding.

This article has some interesting facts:
http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/02/12.12.02/dog-diet.html

 

[Gwinnywillow]

I wouldn't feed a puppy as much as it wants, especially with commercial food you'd really be risking overfeeding.

This article has some interesting facts:
http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/02/12.12.02/dog-diet.html

Many many years ago a study was done that found that dogs fasted every third day lived 3 years longer than dogs fed every day.

But, I know that there are problems that can develop in some animals (human or otherwise) from living in a state of semi-starvation. You run into length of life compared with quality and enjoyment of life. Of course I am probably guilty of a bit of anrhomorphosizing here. Not in the least sure of the spelling of that word!!!!!!!!

 

[Mordy]

I do think there's a huge difference between starvation and just restricting feed intake tho. Fasting every 3 days would be over the top IMO, but once a week can have its benefits.

Of course once again it's a very individual thing, a dog with a sensitive stomach who throws up bile if going too long without food between meals isn't exactly a good candidate for weekly fasting.

And you are definitely right, quality of life is important.

 

[chadanddenise]

I have the same question!

I logged in today to see how often I should feed our 4 month old 40 pound puppies! We fill their dish 3 times a day and what's left just stays out until the next meal (Science Diet puppy chow).

I know the vet can answer this...but I wondered what's normal. The last time I asked they were 6 weeks old and the vet said to feed them 4 times a day.

 

[Fran27]

Denise, first I would not give them science diet, it's really overpriced and a very bad food - do a search on science diet on the forum to understand why.

Second, when they don't eat everything in 15 minutes or so, you should just remove the bowl until the next feeding.

That being said, my pups have always had only 2 meals and it was never a problem (lots of treats in between for training though). More than two and they wouldn't eat everything either (well Boris, Tips would eat 6 meals a day ).

 

[Gallien Jacks]

Also a small breed is often mature by the age of 1 not 2

 

[Mordy]

Between 4 and 6 months I'd recommend feeding 3 times daily, then go to twice daily at 6 months old.

I second Fran's comment of taking away food after 15-20 minutes and not leaving it down until the next meal. It will prevent your dogs from becoming picky eaters and make house training much easier since the puppies will be more reliable when on a strict schedule.

And it's true that Science Diet is a pretty awful food. You can get better quality products for less money.