It is highly important that dogs be fed regularly, on a schedule, rather than have the food available for them on a self feeding basis. There are many good reasons for this. For one thing, this is the best thing for their digestion and can help you to be aware of the health of your pet. Dogs who go off their feed are recognized more quickly when the feeding is done on a regular schedule and not “on demand”.
Also, feeding dogs on demand does not allow for a period of rest for their digestive systems. The digestive juices within a dogs stomach are stimulated by the sense of smell, thus if a dog is constantly exposed to the smell of his food, even though he may not be eating it and it is just there for him 24/7, his stomach does not have a chance to rest.
Training a non-aggressive approach when around food is also important and this can not be done successfully unless you are the one to offer the food to the dog and thus can control his eating. When a dog is eating, you will be present and can train him to allow people to approach his food bowl. It is a good idea to pick his food bowl up while he is eating, stir your hand around in it, then set it back down. Occasionally you can also add a small tidbit of something special. this will teach your dog not to bite the hand that feeds him (or anyone else’s hand).
