Impact of Feeding Method on Overall Activity of Indoor, Client‐Owned Dogs
Objective: To compare the total daily activity time, walking time and running time using food-dispensing toys versus bowls in a group of client-owned, primarily indoor dogs. Materials and Methods: A two-way, two period, randomised repeated measures mixed-effects crossover study performed on 26 client-owned, primarily indoor dogs. Results: Toy feeding increased average daily total activity time by 12% and walking time by 26%. Average daily total activity time and walking time were reduced by 8 and 7% respectively with each increase in year of age. Gender, body condition and muscle condition had no significant effect on average daily total activity or walking time. Toy feeding, time, their interaction, age, gender, body condition and muscle condition had no significant effect on average daily running time. Clinical Significance: Feeding toys may be helpful during weight loss programs to achieve the goal of increasing daily exercise duration in dogs that need to lose weight.
Su, D. K., Murphy, M., Hand, A., Zhu, X., & Witzel‐Rollins, A. (2019). Impact of feeding method on overall activity of indoor, client‐owned dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(7), 438-443.
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View ResourceTopic(s): Enrichment, Enrichment, Stress & Improved Welfare, Pet Families