Feeding question

[mainstreet]

Was curious if anyone uses automatic feeders. I know beagles will eat til they get sick, but was curious if anyone had success with one. Was thinkin about adding one to my kennel. thanks

[yoteslayer]

Feeding time should also be a time to interact and look over your hounds. Auto feeders may allow you to skip a day or two of even going out to your kennel. If a dog has a problem you may not catch it in time. Also my dogs would eat til it was empty, would not work for me. My aunt has a lab that eats froma 25lbs auto feeder, that lab is atleast 20in wide at the ass. The dog wont even get up most of the time if someone shows up. Im not sure what that dog weighs but its probably 50-60lbs over weight.

[Walnut Shade Beagles]

I think auto feeders are a lazy mans way of taking care of hounds. Like what was just said, " it is a time each day to examine the dogs, clean their area, make sure that they didn't flip the water bucket over, etc. I know a guy who swears by them, and his dogs look like little footballs! JMO!

[mdbeagler]

I think auto feeders are a lazy mans way of taking care of hounds. Like what was just said, " it is a time each day to examine the dogs, clean their area, make sure that they didn't flip the water bucket over, etc. I know a guy who swears by them, and his dogs look like little footballs! JMO!

Nick I am sure we would be thinking of the same person, we have had several discussions on that
very same topic. He thinks a dog should be able to eat as much as it wants and that they will eventually
adjust to the feeder being there and only eat what they need.
His argument is that dogs in the wild eat as much as they want, which is bull. Wild canines sometimes go
days without eating, and there diet isn't always the greatest.
I have some dogs that I could keep on a feeder and they would only eat what they need, and others that would eat until they get sick. I do raise pups on feeders as well as dogs that need to put weight on. I also think feeding a cheaper feed is a lot easier to use in feeders than a more expensive food. Can you image using feed that cost about $30.00 or more a bag and feeding about 20 hounds? I go threw about 50 lbs a week feeding about 15 hounds, and not feeding cheap feed. I couldn't image putting them all on feeders.

[mainstreet]

Not trying to be lazy, just sometimes we are gone overnight. Just would be easier for these times, my neighbor that would help me moved away so I guess I need to find a new one.

[Walnut Shade Beagles]

I wasn't trying to say that you are lazy, sorry if it came off like that. I just meant in general. I don't know your circumstances,friends close by, work,travel,etc. If you have no choice then by all means put one in. I would say they'd be happier with too much food than none at all! Lol! I'm retired and don't travel much so I'm home all the time. Plus my neighbors like the dogs so they look in on them from time to time if need be. Didn't mean to come off like an azz.

[Crow]

Not trying to be lazy, just sometimes we are gone overnight. Just would be easier for these times, my neighbor that would help me moved away so I guess I need to find a new one.

Maybe just use the feeder enough to get them used to it then feed normally when time allows & leave the feeder empty. Then when you need to be away for an extended time fill the feeder with enough food to get them through til you get back. My experience with feeders has not been good as a whole. I've not used them on beagles but I did try them back in my coon dog days & know a couple guys that did try them on beagles. From what I've saw it usually ends up with fat hounds that aren't socialized very well & ends up affecting handling (not getting their food from their "pack leader" every day). A couple other points just in case you haven't thought about them is I would secure my water buckets in a way they couldn't turn them over while you are gone (especially important during hot weather) & maybe invest in some sore of water bucket warmer to prevent freezing (thus them being without water) during the winter months. Just a couple thoughts, hopefully you'll find a hunting buddy or a new neighbor to help you out.

[Ky. Hunter]

I had my rottweiler on a feeder for years and after the first day or so on the feeder he actually ate less food per month. Once he stuffed himself the first couple of days he would just eat a bite or two at a time and I saved on his feed bill but the only beagles I put on the feeder are my pups and once they get 5--6 months I take them off.

[Danny G]

Most of the dogs I have had , if kenneled alone, will only eat only what they need. If 2 or more they will compeat for food and over-eat.

[warddog]

It has been my experiance as Danny G stated that when two are kenneled together they see who can get their head in the feeder and clean it out before the other. I've also found that if you raise pups on them they are more adapted to using them as they learn that they will always have something to eat in the feeder. Many older dogs I've tried them on just gorge themselves and get fat in them. I still have automatic feeders BUT I hand feed them everyday in them and the only time I put more than a days ration in them is if I'm out of town with no one to take care of them. They have never worked for me as a constant and I will also agree that feeding time is the time for bonding and assuring everything is good in the kennel be it pups, young or old dogs.

[mdbeagler]

My buddy that uses feeders puts more than 1 feeder in each pen to prevent them from competing for food,
and he says they only eat what they need and don't over eat. Some beagles are just greedy and will eat
as much as they can.

[beaglerun]

I have used them and I am currently using one due to my schedule. I don't think most people get pass the initial feeding habits. When you first fill it, the dogs are going to overeat. After that, they eat what they need. The key is to not let it run out. Keep food in it. In my experience, they eat less on a feeder (once they establish a eating pattern), than they do being fed by the cup.

The biggest draw back to feeders (IMO)is that most guys when using them don't do anything with their hounds. I'm down to one dog now, and I have just enough time to come home and get her out for about an hour to go run. Daily exercise keeps her at a healthy weight, and on cold nights; I don't have to worry if I fed her enough.

I used to have 12 dogs on feeders when I had to keep my dogs away from my home. It was hard getting them started. The first 2 weeks were tough. They ran through food and pooped most of it out in semi-liquid form. After they realized they couldn't possibly eat it all, they cut back a whole lot. Each 25 lb feeder was lasting 2.5 weeks with 3 dogs eating from it. When I was feeding them by hand, they ate more.

If you have to use a feeder, use a cheaper food to get them started. Once they have adjusted to it, switch over to the feed of you choice.