A dog behaviourist has shared the ‘best’ time to feed your dog – and it seems many pet owners have got the timings all wrong.
The dog psychologist and behaviour modifier, who is known on social media as @cherryhoggs, has taken to TikTok to share his message with dog owners.
He said: “We only feed out dogs after the last exercise routine – why is this? Dogs instinctively have to earn their food.
“I am not feeding my dog prior to exercise. If that isn’t obvious, I don’t know what is.
“Another reason for it is, we are true believers in fasting. It increases autophagy, it recycles the dead cells, it increases the immune system, gives the digestive tract a break.
They warn against feeding your dog too late at night, saying: “When working out what times you should regularly feed your dog, make sure that you don’t feed them too late, as they will not burn many calories when sleeping at night. Late-night feeding can easily lead to weight gain.”Commenting on his video, one user said: “I don’t have time for a long walk so my dog gets an early morning walk and an evening walk. He only gets fed after he’s walked.”Another user added: “Mine eats before walk, with me at lunch and dinner. I’m sure you have a point but sadly my lifestyle just does not mesh with this idea”A third user said: “All my animals eat when ever they want proper love and guidance – it’s not a problem.”
“If that energy isn’t on digesting food, where does it go? The mind and the healing properties of the body.
“The body is a mechanism to heal itself on a natural basis. If we give it the correct food, it will do it automatically.”
Explaining how he usually feeds his pets at about 5pm to 6pm, he goes on to warn people against feeding their dogs before their morning walk as it doesn’t allow enough time for their stomachs to settle after eating.
However, the Kennel Club says there’s nothing wrong with feeding your dog twice a day, especially if you have a larger breed.
A statement reads: “Maintaining good feeding habits can help prevent your dog from becoming overweight and can contribute to your dog living a longer and healthier life.
“Keeping your dog lean and fit can reduce their risks of developing heart disease, diabetes and can reduce the strain on their joints and back.
“Dogs like routine and having meals at regular times gives them something to look forward to and makes their day more interesting.
“To help keep your dog in shape, you could consider feeding them two or more smaller meals throughout the day.
“By feeding them regularly it prevents them from eating too quickly, which improves digestion, stops them swallowing lots of air when they eat and makes them less likely to still feel hungry after they have eaten.”
They warn against feeding your dog too late at night, saying: “When working out what times you should regularly feed your dog, make sure that you don’t feed them too late, as they will not burn many calories when sleeping at night. Late-night feeding can easily lead to weight gain.”
Commenting on his video, one user said: “I don’t have time for a long walk so my dog gets an early morning walk and an evening walk. He only gets fed after he’s walked.”
Another user added: “Mine eats before walk, with me at lunch and dinner. I’m sure you have a point but sadly my lifestyle just does not mesh with this idea”
A third user said: “All my animals eat when ever they want proper love and guidance – it’s not a problem.”