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Should dogs eat before or after a walk - Uncover the answer here!
Feeding a dog can be a simple process, but it's important to ensure that you're providing your pup with the proper nutrition. The first step is to determine the appropriate amount of food to give your dog based on their weight and activity level. Avoid feeding table scraps or human food as it can disrupt their diet and cause health problems.
But as dog owners, we are often confronted with the question, 'what is the best time to feed our dogs? ' Feeding a dog before or the walk? , how much food to feed your dog Or is it a completely different part of the day?
There are a lot of questions that are vital to supplement our dogs' health.
While there is no right answer to 'best time to feed a dog,' we can simplify the affair if we approach the task keeping the following points in mind.
Should I feed my dog before or after a walk?
Since dogs are more inclined to relieve themselves after 15-20 minutes post their meal, it is ideal for walking them after feeding time. However, that is not the only reason why you should consider this walking time. Many experts believe it is a good habit to feed a dog, two times a day at an interval of 10-12 hours.
Bloating is common when it comes to big dogs. Therefore, consistency in feeding is essential. As a pet parent, you must ensure that they aren't fed close to their exercise time.
This brings us to your next question, "Should I feed a dog before or after Walk?"
It is always advisable to feed a dog after the walk but not immediately after the walk. Leave a considerable time, say half an hour to 45 minutes, before you give them their meal. Feeding your pets while they are still warm and panting from their walk can cause digestive problems.
Related blog: Why should you walk your pet?
What are the problems of feeding a dog before or after Walk?
If you choose to feed your dog before the walk, wait for at least an hour before taking them out. Failing to do this can result in GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus).
GDV is a concern that is caused by the twisting of the dog's stomach. This is caused when a dog has a big meal before vigorous exercise, stress, anxiety, etc. This affects the dog's metabolism and leads to nausea and vomiting. It can also lead to bloating. Bloating involves the expansion of the stomach, which is caused due to food or expansion where the air accumulates. Swollen stomach, increase in heartbeat, harsh breathing, and drooling are common symptoms.
GDV is a life-threatening condition and is common in big breeds. If affected by GDV, the mortality rates range from 10 to 30 percent after treatment.
When a dog is fed right after or before the walk, it causes dysfunction in the sphincter, which is placed between the stomach and esophagus.
Here is a scan report of how this condition would look like:
This condition causes a twist in the stomach around the longitudinal axis called the Volvulus in the digestive tract, and this causes gas distension. When this occurs, the stomach rotates at 360 degrees. If the Volvulus is placed above 180 degrees, the esophagus gets closed, resulting in bleaching and vomiting.
Treatment for GDV
GDV is fatal and can become life-threatening in a matter of a few minutes.
Treatment of GDV involves intravenous fluid therapy and sometimes surgery. During the surgery, the stomach is pulled back to its original position. Although this would be done under Anesthesia, it can be a very painful process post-surgery for your dog.
Dogs have Sensitive Stomachs
Just like humans, dogs too have sensitive stomach anatomy. The food enters the stomach and then moves on to the small intestine after 8 hours. These are the hunger signals that the dog receives. It is therefore ideal for feeding your dog at least twice a day, exclusive of little (regulated) treats in between.
However, it is important to be mindful of the portion and follow the schedule that will train your dog to expect food at fixed hours to encourage healthy food habits and avoid grazing.
If you notice your dog not eating on time, even after a habit formation, it is time to visit the vet.
Which time would be best to feed my dog?
Each dog differs when it comes to food. Just like humans, your dog can be a light-eater as well. And, there are dogs who want more food. It all comes down to how well you understand your dog's food habits.
As a new pet parent, finding this out initially might be a daunting task. If you prefer feeding your dog twice a day, it is recommended that you do this once early in the morning at around 7-8 and then again in the evening at around 6. This is because a canine digestive system will often require 4 to 5 hours to digest the food. It takes about 8 hours after the initial feed for the dog to feel hungry again.
This is when the dog would start searching for food. Feeding your dog at this time will ensure that he eats the food completely. If you have a puppy, then it is advised that you feed him at least 4 times a day. If you have a senior dog, it is recommended that you follow a once-in-a-day approach or feed small quantities of food at different intervals. This entirely depends on the type of dog and his eating habits.
If you have a hyperactive dog, you might have to look at feeding them more than two times a day as most of their energy is drained by their activities. You can also consider leaving the food in the bowl all the time so that they eat when they require it. This is not to be followed if your dog is suffering from diabetes or any other health issues.
That said, there is no hard rule on when you should feed your dog. It all comes down to what activity your dog does and how much energy your dog needs. If your dog is hungry, make sure you feed him and do not wait until the feeding schedule. A feeding schedule often helps working pet parents to make sure that their dog is fed properly. But, otherwise, it all depends on your dog and when they want to eat.
Common Dog Feeding Questions by Pet Parents
Q: Should puppies be allowed to eat all they want? Even if that includes 3-4 meals a day?
A: Also known as 'ad libitum' or 'free choice' feeding, these multiple meal times are not recommended by experts as they are a gateway to obesity, orthopedic issues, and diabetes. Allowing your puppy to overeat will not only set them on a binge-eating path but also cause bloating, indigestion, and of course, discomfort. While dogs grow up to know their portion limits, puppies need to be trained for the same. Therefore, controlled meal portions are the answer here.
Q: How many meals should I feed my dog?
A: The number of meals usually depends upon the dog's lifestyle. In ideal situations, where dogs sleep for 12-14 hours with adequate exercise, giving them two full meals each day is a good way to go. The meal gap must not go beyond 12 hours as it can cause hyper acidic generation in the stomach, leading to nausea.
Q: Should grazing be an option for dogs who don't finish their meal?
A: Grazing is the act where a dog eats their meal intermittently, with no fixed timings. While this is a natural act for the dog who is simply responding to the hunger pangs, it does more harm than good for them.
It is better to create food expectations during mealtime and tweak their behavior to emulate a 2 meal per day routine. However, if that does not work, measure the food reserved for one meal and branch it out into smaller portions throughout the day to keep the measures controlled while complementing your dog's preference as well.
Q: Is feeding a dog better before exercise or after?
A: Since dogs tend to relieve themselves 15-20 minutes after food, it is better to sync their exercise/walk time after a meal.
Q: Can I walk my dog 30 minutes after eating?
A: The consensus among veterinarians and animal nutritionists is mixed regarding the 30-minute Rule for walking your dog after eating. When deciding the best time to walk your dog after a meal, consider the following - size, breed, age, diet, and health.
