Portion-controlled (or meal) feeding
Portion-controlled feeding is the recommended way of feeding. That way, you control energy intake for your dog.
This method of feeding requires you, as a dog owner, to measure out a specific amount of food and give it to your dog in a ‘meal’ or a portion at a specified time of day. Your dog should consume the food within a few minutes, but it is not required to finish it. The food amount is typically divided into morning and evening feedings. This method is often recommended because it aims to prevent your dog from overeating. This method is also preferred because it allows you, as a dog owner, to monitor your dog's intake and feeding behaviour.
This method is essential if you want to achieve weight loss in your dog if the dog is obese.
Time-restricted feeding
This method of feeding allows you, as a dog owner, to feed as much food as the pet will eat in five minutes. How well your dog eats is critical in terms of eating enough food to meet its needs. This method also makes it possible for your dog to overconsume, but it allows you to stay informed about how your dog is eating. Be aware that small-breed dogs may not eat enough in the time provided, and large-breed dogs might eat too much. Because this method is quite variable, it is not typically the best recommendation for your dog.
Ad libitum (or free) feeding
Not recommended and should be avoided
This method of feeding is (unfortunately) common as little effort is required. Like other people, we often choose this method due to a busy schedule. This method involves providing the dog with unlimited food, allowing it to eat at its leisure. As a dog owner, it is difficult to be aware of how much the dog is consuming. Frequently, large bowls of food are offered to the dog, enabling the dog to eat during the entire day. When fed using this method, many dogs often consume 15 to 20% more calories than they should, and subsequently have difficulty maintaining their weight. Ad libitum feeding makes it difficult to know if and how much the dog is truly eating. Additionally, if you have a multi-dog household and are feeding multiple dogs, monitoring their food intake becomes even more challenging. This method is generally not recommended, but is unfortunately implemented too often.