Originally posted by Ginger's Mom
Glacier, I must admit that I am very surprised at your response. I guess I figured that the only way to manage such a large crew of big, hungry, active dogs was to have several bowls around and free feed. Wow, I cannot imagine what it must be like trying to accommodate that large crew at dinner time . My admiration for you and what you do for those dogs continues to grow.
Free feeding would lead to bloodshed! We haven't done that since added the third dog--and that was a long time ago! This way everyone eats without feeling threatened. Some of my dogs have been strays and been hungry or been starved by their first owners. It's important for them to have a routine to their meals and that they can eat without other dogs stealing their food. I try to feed at approximately the same time everyday. This way also gives me some control over how much food they get. Their needs vary widely. Mac & Ozzy need as much food as the malamutes, despite the fact that Heyoka's head weighs as much as Ozzy's whole body! The hound in them makes their energy needs very high. Sleet gains weight easily and needs less than she used to.

They do have some bones scattered around that they can chew on whenever they want to.

You can't hear them at feeding time? Good to know the racket doesn't carry that far! I know everyone within a few miles of my house knows when I am feeding!