Busy puppy owners often free feed their four-legged babies, so they don’t have to worry about them starving during their absence.
Undoubtedly free feeding is the path most pet owners likely take if they have a packed daily schedule or work week. This way, they can rest assured that their furry family members have food ready to eat at all times.
While some dogs stick to a routine and eat only when it is time for food, others might just dig into the food until the last morsel is licked off the bowl. Note that overindulging in food for prolonged periods leads to excess weight, obesity, and a host of other health issues.
Feed your pet prescribed food portions at regular times to ensure health and well-being; simultaneously, consider being equipped with dog insurance so your canine companion can avail of quality medical care during dire health situations and emergencies.
The best pup insurance supports a little pupper with top-notch treatments and medications for broader-ranging health conditions, which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy. Meanwhile, read this article to learn the negative implications of free-feeding dogs.
- Free feeding a puppy can make toilet training challenging. While this might not seem a significant con initially, you will feel work mounting up when frequent accidents on the floor, couch, bed, and other furnishings occur. It can be challenging to clean up the stains, eliminate the foul odors, and disinfect places your furry little one has peed or pooped on.
- Puppies can quickly get used to eating food when bored, have little to do, are full, and know there is unlimited food. Most puppies are voracious eaters and would love to finish the bowl contents; this is especially true in multi-dog households where every pup competes for freely accessible food or there are aggressive puppies who may want it all. In such a case, you never know if all puppies are well-fed.
- Free-fed puppies are often less motivated by food, which means training them is more complicated. All a puppy with a full tummy may want to do is find a corner or a comfortable area to snooze. A dog that is pretty sure about not having to worry about food is more likely to rest or laze around. When your puppy gets into this mode, it is probably time to change its feeding routine. A furry baby needs activity and exercise regularly and should earn its meal to stay happy and healthy.
- Free feeding fresh food can leave your pet exposed to health risks. This is because fresh food spoils over time, and your pet feeding on it can fall sick. The chances of your pet eating spoilt food is more on hot days. Be prepared for health emergencies like tummy upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues.
It is advisable to leave dry food instead of fresh food in your pet’s bowl when you attend work outside the home. At the same time, consider being prepared with the best pup insurance, so your furry baby has basic health coverage during unplanned vet visits and emergencies. Contemplate purchasing dog insurance so that unexpected pet health expenses need not be as financially burdening.