Food issues

[micki76]

We are having a problem with food. First, let me say that there are NO fights or even a hint of aggression over food. That seems to be a non-issue.
We have always left food out for Chester (4 yr old Toy Fox Terrier), so that he could eat as he wished. No problem; he eats until he’s full and then stops. Usually only two times a day.
As you may know, we adopted Millie about 2 months ago. The problem is, Millie (3-4 yr old Jack Russell x or Rat Terrier x) will eat constantly. One solution that we’ve already tried, is to set feeding times. The problem is, our schedules don’t always allow us to be home at feeding time (schedules are VERY flexible). Another problem is that when we feed Millie this way she INHALES her food to the point where I think it’s dangerous. Literally 1½ cups of food in 10 seconds or less. Sounds impossible for a 14 lb dog doesn’t it? I’m worried about her stomach twisting on itself. She has also made herself sick by doing this. I think she was not fed properly; she was underweight when we got her.
Anyway, the question is, if I continue to leave food out for them at all times like before, will she ever get used to it being there and not constantly eat?

Anybody have any help or ideas or even a ray of hope?

P.S This is nearly the only issue we have. They get along great and seem to be becoming life long pals.

[wolf_Q]

I feed Nebo 2 separate meals per day, but they aren't exactly at SET times........it's give or take a few hours lol. So if you aren't home at the *exact* time to feed them, I don't think it will make a huge difference.

It sounds as if Millie could become overweight if you left the food out...she might just eat constantly. I know some dogs do that...some know when to stop, some don't lol (sounds like people hehe).

Maybe you could try hand feeding her meals to her for a while? She'll *have* to eat it slower that way.......or I've heard if you place a large object in the food bowl, it will take longer for them to eat it, as they have to eat around it.

And maybe try feeding her in a separate room from Chester. Even if there are no food aggression issues, it's possible that just seeing him there makes her eat faster. I know if my dogs are eating and another dog walks up, they'll start to inhale it.

[lovemyshiba]

Abbey inhales her food too, but not quite as fast. She has to be fed in the pen, while Kito gets his in the kitchen, or else she would eat both!! He is picky, and if he doesn't finish, I have to pick up the bowl so she doesn't eat it all. If he then wants it later, I have to sit on the floor with them, so she doesn't try to get the food. I think she has such an appetite and eats so fast because she was at the rescue with 15 other dogs, and if you didn't get it quick, you didn't eat!! I don't know for sure, but that is possible.

I'm glad to hear they are getting along so well--that is great news!!

[tikeyas_mom]

hey, My dog Mikaiha was the same way she would inhail the food as soon as it was in front of her .. She was only a pup though when she would do this.. As Mikaiha got older she would eat slower and less.. We feed our dogs when we eat dinner.. dont worrie shell stop inhailing her food as she gets older .. My siberian Mikaiha would inhail her food because she had so many siblings when we got her.. Their was 15 pups and her .. wow is right iG tuess she thought that if she didnt eat it as ast as she could then someone eles would

[Cheshirekatt]

This is always the way it is with our rescues, too. They get used to having 2 squares a day and eventually slow down.

[mruffruff]

I'm sorry I can't agree that rescues will slow down after they get used to having regular meals.

I have a Lab/Chow mix that has always eaten all of her food, and fairly quickly. I have had her for 3 years and she is now on reduced fat food, measured out because she is 20 pounds overweight! I have to be sure she doesn't swipe leftover dog food from the other two.

Some dogs will always eat whatever they can find; others are fine on a free feed schedule.

If you are feeding twice a day, even if it isn't at very regular times, all of your dogs should do well. The ones that eat fast won't get too fat and the others will learn to eat when it's in front of them.

I think I'd put a ball or large rock in Millie's bowl (and maybe separate her from the rest) untill she learns to slow down.

Mary

[Cheshirekatt]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mruffruff
I'm sorry I can't agree that rescues will slow down after they get used to having regular meals.

I guess I've been lucky. Of course, there is always that dog that would ear themselves to death if given the chance. (I've known a couple of people like that, too. Hehe.

Given the chance, my dogs will always sneak in and steal kitty rocca out of the litter box!