Shelter Feeding Guidelines. No, Once A Day IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH

One of the most furiating cost saving measures I heard about at the Humane Society of Harford County, is that they reduced the feeding schedule to once a day as a cost saving measure.

Here are the recommendations from the experts; What we call "best practice" standards.

Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters- 2x daily

https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/42/20

The amount and frequency of feeding vary depending on life stage, species, size, activity level, health status of the animal, and the particular diet chosen. Ideally, healthy adult dogs are fed twice daily, and cats are fed multiple small meals or allowed to forage throughout the day. When managing starved animals or those with unique nutritional needs, veterinary input must be sought. Healthy puppies and kittens as well as lactating and pregnant animals must be fed small amounts frequently or have food available through the day (i.e. free-choice).

ASPCA PRO for Shelters- 2x

Feeding Frequency 

All animals should be fed on a predictable schedule to provide enrichment, reward, and to reduce stress. Ideally, all animals are offered food at minimum twice daily with food intake monitored throughout the day. Uneaten food should be discarded and replaced at least every 24 hours.  

• In breeds like deep-chested or large breed dogs, feeding two smaller meals may reduce risk of life-threatening bloat and gastric torsion which occurs when an animal eats quickly and takes in excessive air.  

Best friends- 2x daily

Should you change your dog’s diet over the course of his or her life?

You should change your dog’s diet according to age and special needs requirements. Most puppies are eating dry puppy food by six weeks of age; they need three or four small fresh meals offered throughout the day. At six months, puppies can go down to two meals per day.

https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/feeding-your-dog#:~:text=Most%20puppies%20are%20eating%20dry,his%20growth%20through%20diet%20change.

Why is feeding twice a day so important?

These animals are under a high degree of stress, much higher than a normal at-home-couch-potato dog. They need extra calories. Even if they don't "look" stressed, they are. It is a noisy, bustling place. Lots of people, animals, noise. Think of being in a county holding facility, I guarantee your gi tract is going to tell you that your body is stressed. 

These dogs look forward to food. Because, they are hungry, if they aren't so stressed out that they are nauseous. Then the whole catabolic body system forces the immune system into overdrive. Ever wonder why disease runs a much higher risk to shelter animals? This is part of the equation.

Some dogs are so hungry that they resource guard. They are under great scrutiny at the shelter to be deemed "safe for adoption." Some of these dogs are just afraid of losing their food so they guard it. Want to know how many animals are euthanized at the shelter due to behavioral issues? I don't because I am worried this current feeding schedule will exacerbate the aggression/fear/anxiety.