This is a hot and sometimes divisive topic that typically comes up during discussions with my dog owners at the first or second lesson.
Some are adamant that their dog be allowed to eat whenever and whatever he wants just like their children or grandchildren. If that's your cup of tea, then great! Continue doing what you're doing. But these people generally contact me because their dog has a bad habit or behavior that annoys or severely inhibits their home and lifestyle.
So, I help them take back control over what they can control as quickly as possible. Managing meal times is the first and easiest thing you can do to make immediate changes in your home without too much effort.
These are a few reasons why scheduled feeding is far better than free feeding that I have personally seen with my dog owners and my own dogs:
it makes potty training easier, if you can regulate when it goes in, you regulate when it comes out and how often!
dogs digestive tracks are not meant to have food constantly going through them. They are predators and scavengers, only eating when given the opportunity. Therefore their systems are built for scarcity not abundance. They have a predator's (think gorging) gut, not a prey's (think grazers) gut.
it's easier and quicker to tell if your dog has a medical or dental issue. If my dogs don't immediately eat all of their food, I know something is wrong.
sanitation, while most dogs don't have adverse reactions to dirty dishes and food that's been left out for most of the day, there is always a risk of spreading illness and attracting pests. Feeding on a schedule automatically gives you the opportunity to remove the dog dishes and clean them between feedings.
eliminates picky eaters. Why should the dog eat his food right away when he can nibble at it anytime he wants or beg for much better and more delicious food from the dining room table or countertop?
"dogs won't bite the hands that feed them." Whether you believe this old adage or not, there is a great tasting benefit to scheduling feedings. If your dog recognizes you as the source of their food and water, they are more likely to listen to you. If food is always available, what role do you play on your dog's life? Nothing more than entertainment and the mode of going out for a walk.
A note about puppies, tiny teacup dogs, and dogs with medical issues, use your best judgement. If your dog has a serious illness or diabetes or difficult time keeping weight on, then obviously feed your dog according to your vet's recommendations. These ideas have helped most of my clients solve every day, nagging behavioral issues and conquered the potty training dilemma.
My hope with this post is that you will gain some perspective and make a better informed decision whether you should continue free feeding or switch to scheduled feedings.