How to Feed Dogs in Multiple Dog Households

Feed your multiple dogs separately.

Do you have multiple dogs in your home and need to figure out a good feeding system? We have you covered.

Why Should I Feed My Dogs Separately?

There are a few different reasons why you should establish a dog feeding system that is separate and non-competitive:

How to Feed Dogs Separately

First, if you're not already, you will need to switch to meal feeding rather than free choice feeding. If you've already been feeding your dogs free choice, this will take a week or so for them to get used to. However, they will quickly learn that the food is available for a short time and then will come back later.

Next, think of separate areas in your home that you can use to feed your dogs. If you have large crates for your dogs, they work well as feeding areas. Otherwise, separate rooms with doors are a great option. If you don't have enough rooms, baby gates to create separate areas might work.

Give each dog their bowl of food once they are all separated.

Monitor the dogs to ensure they've all finished eating, and remove all of the empty dog bowls.

If possible, let the dogs rest separately for a bit before releasing them.

Divide your dogs' daily food allotments into at least two meals. This helps prevent them from becoming overly hungry and feeling more defensive about their food.

Try to keep mealtimes as pleasant as possible for all of your dogs. Stay calm yourself, and keep your voice light and cheerful. Don't encourage any belief that your dog might have that mealtimes are stressful and resources are scarce.

You May Also Like These Articles:

Benefits of Multiple Dog Households

Good Small Breed Dogs for First Time Dog Owners: Slideshow

Crate Training

Use Your Voice and Body Language to Make Your Dog Happy

How to Introduce Dogs

How to Introduce Dogs and Children

Dog Adoption: What You Need to Know

Which Dog Breeds Shed the Least?


Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with DogHealth.com.