[Dori]

That information is very much outdated. It would be like my telling you that eating a bunch of crunchy graham crackers will clean your teeth. No! Absolutely not. The only thing that will prevent plaque and tartar buildup on teeth is brushing. Just like us. Brush their teeth.

Once again, it’s just my opinion, but if your dog is an adult then it is best for him to eat twice a day, not three times a day unless he has a medical condition that your vet has told you it would be better for him to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Twice a day is the recommendation. It gives the gut time to properly digest meals in between and also gives the gut a resting period. Fed more often (or often) throughout the day the gut never gets the resting period. Some people even feel that dogs need 12 hours in between each meal. Now that method I guess depends on what time you feed a.m. meal to be able to feed p.m. giving enough time for digestion before bed time and bathroom elimination time. I don’t wish to be woken at 3 a.m. to take my dogs out for walks.

By the way, I have three dogs. Lola is a 5 1/2 year old Yorkipoo weighing 5 lbs. Katie is a 5 1/2 year old Maltipoo, she weighs 6 lbs., and last, but always first in my heart, is Hannah. She is my 15 1/2 year old Maltese and she weighs 7 lbs. I do know about small dogs. I’ve had small dogs (I’m allergic to animals so all my dogs have had to be of the hair variety and not fur) all my life. I’m 66 years old (or shall I say 66 years young since I continually say I haven’t hit middle age yet).

As to feeding strictly by the manufacturers recommendation, please keep in mind that it’s just a guide, not an ultimate. So much comes in to play. In winter most dogs are not as active, in summer more active. Your dogs temperament and energy. Is your dog a couch potato or an Ever Ready Bunny type with an “on” switch only. All this comes in to play. The package is just a starting point. Then you adjust either up or down.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 10 months ago by Dori.