I've been a lurker for years - too many lists to keep up with,  but I need to
jump in here.   All of my dogs are free feeders and none  are obese (Can't
say that about their owner sadly but I have lost 30 lb since  both knee
surgeries).
       I've only had 1 dog who  gained too much weight by laying all day with
his head in the feeder and  obviously munching all day.   We raised the
feeder up on concrete  blocks and Corky no longer ate all day.   I do have my
breeding adults  and all the moms and litters with food in front of them at all
times.  My  housedogs too.  They are all solid, round healthy dogs but not obese.
  Some few might overeat but I would be willing to bet most dogs will not
overeat  if allowed to eat when they are hungry.

Pam


_www.rockridgekennel.net_ (http://www.rockridgekennel.net/)  

In a message dated 10/28/2008 8:25:47 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
susan-hart@comc... writes:

Free  feeding is only good for dogs who don’t have issues with food
aggression and  who are good at self regulation.  In most breeds, free feeding can lead
to obesity and the host of problems that come with that.  



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