Our pets are like humans in the sense that they need to eat a few times a day in order to feel satiated and happy. While our furry companions don’t have much of a say when they get to eat, it’s safe to assume that they would be happy to indulge any and every time something tasty is offered to them!
This is why coming up with a feeding schedule is so important. Here are our eight top tips to help you.
1. Understand the Value of a Feeding Schedule
First of all, you need to understand why you would want to implement a feeding schedule in the first place.
Free feeding is simple and allows your pets to intuitively eat when they’re hungry – right? Unfortunately, some animals have big appetites and are less likely to self-manage in the way that we might do, which means that free feeding can lead to an overweight pet.
A feeding schedule puts you in charge of how much and how often your animals are eating, which will help you take charge of their weight and protect your pets’ health.
When you have multiple pets, a feeding schedule will also help you make sure one part isn’t stealing everyone else’s food!
2. Determine Feeding Frequency
You’ll need to decide how often to feed your pets, which is a consideration that should be based on your pet’s unique needs and your vet’s advice.
Two meals a day is the recommended feeding schedule for adult dogs and cats, but puppies and kittens will need more food more frequently as they grow and develop.
Most pet owners find that a morning meal and an evening meal work well for their furry friends, keeping them energized for the day and well-nourished.
Of course, you’ll also need to take into account any medical requirements and other aspects like exercise – you won’t want your pets eating a large meal right before running around as this can cause bloat in dogs and general discomfort.
3. Pick a Location
Our pets thrive on consistency, so a dedicated feeding time and place that they can rely on are important for a dog and cat’s mental well-being. Pick a feeding spot that will work for you long-term. This will allow your pets to become familiar with a specific feeding spot and time, minimizing pet anxiety and poor behavior.
Try to pick somewhere quiet where your pet can enjoy their meal in peace and without being distracted or bothered. You might choose the kitchen, the garage, or outdoors.
If you own multiple pets, you might want to feed each of them in a different location to avoid fighting over food.
4. Keep Them Away From Your Food
It can be so tempting to offer your pets a little morsel off your plate, especially when they’re begging so sweetly.
Unfortunately, as much as it feels like you’re doing them a favor, you’re only harming their health by doing this.
Regularly feeding your dog or cat off your own plate can result in excess weight gain, create bad habits that are tough to break, and make them sick—certain human-safe ingredients are unhealthy for our pets. It’s important to only feed your animals pet-healthy foods.
This is why it’s important for you to feed them as far away from where you have your own mealtimes as possible (and not at the same time). Make sure you feed your pets in a space where they won’t be tempted to come asking for scraps during your own meal, and if they do, be stern!
5. Move Their Bowls After Mealtimes
Another helpful strategy can be to remove your pet’s food bowls when they have finished eating their meal. Most cats and dogs will eat their meal pretty quickly, after which you can remove the bowl and give it a rinse or wash – especially if you feed your pets a raw food diet.
This can help prevent your pet from visiting their bowl multiple times a day out of boredom or curiosity, looking to “graze” throughout the day. It’ll also help you as their owner to avoid feeding your pets excessively just because you see them sniffing around their bowl!
If you find that your pet eats very slowly, you can try the tactic of feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
6. Stay Consistent
As we’ve mentioned, pets thrive on routine, so consistency is key. Give your pets the same amount of food at the same time in the same place every single day. This will help them learn their routine and stick to it, knowing not to beg for extras.
Consistency can also help reduce anxiety in your pets, since it gives them a sense of structure and a pattern they can rely on.
7. Include Treats
Just because you want to avoid extra food in between feeding times doesn’t mean that treats are off the table! In fact, pet treats play an important role in your animal’s well-being and will strengthen your bond with them.
However, it’s important to be mindful about how many treats you’re giving your pet as well as what kinds of treats.
If you can, keep treat time consistent as well—limit it to a time of day when you’re training or playing with your pet.
Additionally, opt for low calorie, healthy treats like pet-friendly fruit and vegetables where possible, so that they don’t negatively impact your pet’s health and weight.
8. Help Them Stay Full
Since you’ll be restricting your pet’s feeding times, it’s important that the meals you’re offering them are nourishing and satisfying so that they can stay full and feel energized all day long.
Make sure that their diet is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You can do this by opting for a high-quality pet food recommended by your vet or by feeding them a home-cooked diet that gives you more control over what they’re eating.
Natural ingredients are always going to be a healthier option for your pet, so whether you choose store-bought or homemade, make sure the ingredients are healthy and satisfying.
