Feeding Methods of Pets
💜💜 Joy Paw 💜💜
Here are three different methods of feeding a companion animal. The client should understand these three feeding methods and the veterinary healthcare team should make a recommendation based on the pet, the client, and the type of food.
The three methods include:
- Portion-controlled (meal feeding)
- Time-restricted feeding
- Ad libitum (free) feeding.
Portion-controlled (or meal) feeding requires the owner to measure out a specific amount of food and give it to the pet in a ‘meal’ or a portion at a specified time of day. The pet should consume the food within a few minutes but is not required to finish it. The food amount is typically divided into morning and evening feedings. This method is often recommended as it is aimed at the pet, not overeating. This method also is preferred because it allows the client to monitor their pet’s intake and feeding behavior.
Time-restricted feeding allows the client to feed as much food as the pet will eat in five minutes. How well the pet eats is critical to the pet’s eating enough food to meet its needs. This method also makes it possible for the pet to overconsume. This method does allow for clients to stay informed on how their pet is eating. Small-breed dogs may not eat enough in the time provided, and large breed dogs might eat too much. Due to the fact that this method is quite variable, it is not typically the best recommendation for the pet.
Ad libitum (or free) feeding is common as little effort is required. Owners often choose this method due to their busy schedules. This method allows the client to place unlimited food in front of the animal, allowing it to eat at its leisure. The pet owner is much less aware of how much their pet consumes. Frequently, large bowls of food are offered to the animal, enabling the pet to eat during the entire day. When being fed with this method, many pets will often consume 15 to 20 percent more calories than they should and subsequently have difficulty maintaining their weight. Feline owners are known for using this method even more so than canine owners. Ad libitum feeding makes it difficult to truly know if and how much the pet is eating. In addition, if the client is feeding multiple pets, then monitoring food intake becomes even more difficult. This method is not recommended often – but is implemented too often.
