when to feed?

[going4it]

Heading up on a trip over MEA break to chase some grouse. I have been reading on some forums and articles to not feed before the hunt. Just curious to see what people on here do.

Thanks

[LABS4ME]

I feed end of the day at least an hour after they settle from strenuous activity. I do not feed prior to a hunt. I have a friend who does, but wakes up at 6 am to do so. The dogs metabolism is different than ours so it is not as crucial to get food in them immediately pre-hunt. I concentrate on good food prior to putting them up for the night and hydration then and throughout the day...

of course sharing a sandwich at lunch break is always welcomed by your buddy!!!

Good Luck!

Ken

[Ufatz]

FWIW I agree totally with Labs.

Except on the sandwich sharing part.

Most of my pals have always wanted the WHOLE sandwich!

[Snag]

I usually feed 3-4 hours prior to a morning hunt. Never had any issues.

[CaptainMusky]

If your breed is prone to bloat or torsion its in your best interest to read up on specific feeding patterns to hope to avoid it. Good advice so far but research bloat/torsion and you will find a ton of info.

[Lunker]

I've seen dogs puke if they eat right before hunting. I always figured if I ate meal then went for a long run it wouldn't go well either...

[DaSwede]

I feed at 6:30 am and then again at 6:00 pm. I've never had issues. We had to go to two feedings because of stomach issues, and I was a little worried about the morning feed and then hunting, but he's always done well.

[rundrave]

My daily feeding schedule with my 2 GSP's is 2 cups each in the morning and 2 cups each in the evening.

If I am hunting tomorrow they will get 4 cups each the evening before and nothing the morning of the hunt.

[Pherris]

I have a very high energy lab and only feed at after hunting. Her normal feeding schedule is 5am and 5pm but on field days if I fed her in the morning even on SD opener when starting time is noon after about the first hour or two she would poo and it was always very bloody and sometimes no solid waste just a pool of blood. After doing some research and talking with my vet I found the reason this was happening was most likely a result of her waist bouncing around in her colan and causing injury to the colan lining which was causing the blood issue. Since then and only feeding after hunting she has not had any issues. I know all dogs are different so just sharing what I learned and experienced.

Good Hunting!