I know lots of people have different ideas but this is what I do in my house. I leave dry food out for my kitties all the time. They get a little bit of canned food in the morning and a small amount again in the evening.
I think how you feed depends on your cat. If your cat has a weight problem then you may not want to leave food out at all times. If your kitty is in good shape and fairly active then dry food available at all times shouldn't hurt.
Thats how I do it!!
How is Buddy??? I hope he is as good as new!!