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How to transition 3 small adult dogs from free-feeding to schedule?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 2 months old

How often should I feed my 3 adult dogs ? As of now I leave dog food out for them so they can eat whenever they want but birds began to eat all of their food. So I want to train my dogs to eat on a schedule, how can I start ? How many meals should they eat and during what time period ? When do I give and take away their food? They are all small dogs..thank you!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 7th, 2019

Hello. I agree, leaving the food out to be soiled by birds & insects is nasty & wasteful. I would start with whatever you feed the dogs using the recommendations on the bag as a guide. Take the total daily amount recommended per dog & divide into 3 meals, 1 bowl per dog ( you may have to initially separate the dogs at feeding time ). Put the bowls down & leave for about 15 minutes. Whatever is not eaten in this period of time should be picked up & offered at the next feeding. Repeat at the evening meal. You may have to do this for several days, but pretty soon they will get the idea & you can go to twice daily feedings. Most dogs are very adaptable & I am sure they will pick up on the new schedule quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Adult dogs should be fed twice a day. I would give them breakfast about 30 minutes after they go out in the morning. Leave the food down for 20 minutes, and then pick it up. Feed them again around dinnertime, again leaving the food down for 20 minutes before picking it up. I hope this helps!

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