Is free feeding better, or restricted feeding?
If you have a dog, you've probably wondered about this at least once.
Today we'll compare the pros and cons of ‘free feeding’ and ‘restricted feeding’ to help you find the best approach for your pet.
1. Free Feeding
Free feeding means keeping the bowl always filled so your pet can eat whenever it wants.
Naturally, the owner doesn't have to portion out food at set times, so it can be a necessary choice for busy people.
It can also reduce anxiety or restlessness, since the pet can eat the moment it gets hungry.
But free feeding has drawbacks.
First, food spoilage and reduced palatability
Food left exposed to air for a long time risks going rancid. It may also taste worse, so the pet may not eat well.
Second, difficulty controlling weight
This is the biggest drawback. Pets whose intake is hard to control are at high risk of gaining weight. According to an experimental study by the University of Liverpool's veterinary faculty, when more food than usual was provided, food intake increased significantly.
One study found that increasing the offered amount from 150% to 300% of normal raised actual intake by an average of 88%. The study also noted that using a large bowl or large scoop can induce overeating.
2. Restricted Feeding
Restricted feeding means the owner provides only a set amount at set times. The drawback is that it can be inconvenient, since the owner must pay attention and feed at specific times.
But restricted feeding has the following advantages.
First, precise weight management
You can control intake precisely, making weight management very easy. This is a clear benefit for pets at risk of obesity.
Second, early detection of health problems
When our pets start to fall ill, a change in food intake is one of the first signs to appear. With restricted feeding you can see at a glance how much your pet eats, so you can quickly notice changes.
Therefore, restricted feeding is a good choice for monitoring your pet's health.
Conclusion
Free feeding is convenient for the owner and can reduce a pet's stress, but it makes keeping food fresh and managing weight (due to overeating) difficult.
Restricted feeding can be somewhat more troublesome, but it offers clear advantages for health management — especially weight control and early disease detection.
Taking all this into account, most veterinarians tend to recommend restricted feeding for managing pets' health.
For your pet's healthy and happy life, why not review its eating habits once more, starting today?