when and how often to feed a dog

[Elliott]

My dad is getting on my case cause i only feed my waterfowl dog (11 months) once a day in the evening. Tell me if i am wrong in doing this because i know not to feed a dog on the morning of a hunt. And to habitualize a dog by feeding him in the morning and then not feed him on the morning of a hunt is going to throw him off of his game. What i am basically saying is that my dad doesnt think that every hunting dog is only fed once a day, and i know it might not be every hunting dog, but most likely the majority. can you fellas help me out in explaining this to my dad?

[bobcat]

I've had hunting dogs for 17 years and I've always fed them only once a day, but I usually feed in the morning before I leave for work.

Weekends I feed them whenever I get around to it. 

[Happy Gilmore]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,14790.0.html

good discussion just a few threads below.

[runamuk]

I feed my dogs in the evening.  Hunting dog, pet dog, show dog no difference once a day in the evening 

I've done this for 20+ years and never had a dog bloat, and haven't had many issues with picky eaters. The couple times I've had pups I would feed twice a day until they were 5-6 months of age.

[ducksdoom12]

not saying this to offend you or anything elliott but your dad is a little bit of a liberal when it comes to your dog, dogs are built in the wild to survive off of one meal ever week or so if they have too and even though pet dogs are a long way from coytes and what not the still have some of that heritage. after 6 or 7 months once a day is more then enough (dont get the idea anyone that i am saying only feed your dog once a week, or even every other day for that matter, just saying once a day is fine)

[jackelope]

i feed my dog 2x a day, he's not a hunter but he has done a lot of hiking and on those mornings he gets a light meal and sometimes a little snack on the trail depending how far we go...my dog would eat my leg off if i fed him when i got around to it.
how much do you feed your dog is probably as or more important as how many times a day or when.
i think people get in trouble with their dogs when they put a full bowl of food down and let them eat whenever they want...this is not healthy for the dog...but again, my dog wouldn't leave any siting around. it would all be gone in one shot regardless of how much.

[ducksdoom12]

...my dog would eat my leg off if i fed him when i got around to it. 

dont know if you were complaining about this or not, but try adding a extra handfull of food when your dog if half way through his food, with in 2 days he will stop being so territorial over his food bowl and your hand will be safe if the situation ever comes up where u have to take it away from him/her early

[bucklucky]

It is better for your dog to be fed twice a day.Its recommended but not nesecary, once a day is fine too. Just remember a fat dog isnt a healthy dog . Some dogs need to be fed a little more and some a little less, depends on there metabolism and activeness. I have hounds and when I go on a hunt in the morning I dont usually feed them much, depends if we are going to be running right away or have a couple hours to my destination, then I will feed them.

[hogsniper]

This is a funny topic because my dog will eat a few bites here and a few bites there and always has food in her bowl...She wont eat anything other than her dog food either, not even a dog treat...My girlfriend gives them to her and I find them stashed all over...haha she is a weirdo though....My last dog would of ate you outta house and home if you let her....But its all on the dog..Feed em once a day and they will be fine!!!

[jackelope]

...my dog would eat my leg off if i fed him when i got around to it. 

dont know if you were complaining about this or not, but try adding a extra handfull of food when your dog if half way through his food, with in 2 days he will stop being so territorial over his food bowl and your hand will be safe if the situation ever comes up where u have to take it away from him/her early

not what i meant. i meant he gets so excited about dinner time. he's not territorial about his food...but when it's dinner time, it's dinner time if you know what i mean.
he eats about 1.5 cups of food in the a.m. and the same in the p.m.

[Gutpile]

My dad is getting on my case cause i only feed my waterfowl dog (11 months) once a day in the evening

Two choices. Tell him to STFU. Or just lie to him.

We always fed our dogs once a day in the afternoon except we'd feed them before a hunt. We used to feed them in the morning but the Vet said it was better in the afternoon. BTW the vet fed his twice a day but half portions. He said it was because food time is so enjoyable for a dog he just liked making them happy. This guy was a HARDCORE bird hunter so we really liked him but we stayed with once a day not twice.

I've got a lab who'll be 15 in may. Once a day has worked for him. He's been fed once a day his whole life (except hunts) and an occasional plate scraping. 

[Elliott]

thanks alot you guys, you have been more than helpful and ive learned a little something today.

[Curly]

Some experts even say that it is good for a dog to fast one day per week.  Your dog might just hate you though if you try not feeding him one day per week.

[benbo30]

i feed my lab at in the evening , it is not wrong to feed them once a day , that keeps their weight just perfect , i usually give her 2 cups of dog food which is just perfect for her size an weight

[Grizzle]

The best advice I've gotten on the subject of feeding is to do after walking the dog.   This most closely mimics nature where dogs will walk to find their food.  So if you walk in the evenings, then this might be the perfect way to approach your Dad about it.  (This is also the recommendation of Cesar Millan, The Skete monks recommend food just prior to walking)