Feeding frequency
Dexter is the complete opposite. He has never been a very good eater, like it's too much trouble or not worth the effort. He started getting a little thin so we start feeding him puppy food with Winston. We offer him food each time Winston eats and he often won't even get up from the den to investigate. We will often add the next meal's portion to what is there so the end of the day meal has the recommended daily amount. We cooked and ground chicken, alternated with canned food, to mix in his kibble to entice him to eat. He finally turned his nose up at those offerings also, He always eats the evening meal very well, slowly but very well. He's happy with dry kibble if food is presented once a day and in the evening. We have decided he is a once a day eater. BTW, Dex loves treats; normal dog treats, hotdogs, cabbage hearts, carrots, sweet potatoes, apple, cucumber, cauliflower hearts, etc. he just doesn't like the commitment of a meal. (He doesn't like raw meat but Winston loves it. They have only had it once) |
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| If Dexter eats slowly, it's probably not the at big of a concern. The main reason to continue with 2 (or more) meals a day into adulthood is that the day's ration is split into 2 (or more) smaller parts. A large volume of food in the stomach is considered one of the big risk factors with bloat. By splitting it into several meals, the risk is considered lessened. Other factors play into it, but that's the main one most people who feed their dogs several meals a day are trying to prevent. |
| We're a pretty strict 6-6 house; once at 6AM and once at 6PM. If we get a dog not interested, we don't push them as we understand that sometimes they just aren't hungry. This is usually a heat/summer thing. Many times, we'll add a sprinkling of shredded cheese in to keep them interested. Both of ours are pretty food motivated so we don't usually have any issues. Vance |
| We will continue to offer Dex 3 meals, until and if Winston gives up lunch, but won't coax hum any more, that isn't good for dog or human. His eating technique is very un-dog like; he eats a little, looks around (not guarding or concerned, just making sure he doesn't lose track of his surroundings), then eats a little more. Sort of like he's savoring his meal. It drives Winston nuts, his job is to make sure there are no morsels or even aromas left in the bowl so he sits impatiently waiting for Dex to back away from his dish. He never crowds or rushes Dex. Unlike Dex, I have never seen a dog eat as fast as Winston does, I would be afraid to give him very much at one time. He gives new emphasis to "wolf down food." |
Our bluetick coonhound Maggie is a very slow eater. She will take a bite here, a bite there. Then she will walk around... one thing good is that she is the only female, and is the Queen "B" in all regards. NONE of the boys are foolish enough to try and snitch from her bowl.  |
| Dex takes a step away from his bowl and Winston can gobble half of it before we can react! |
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