Most puppies don't show very good judgment when it comes to eating habits. After all, puppies will eat anything - a chair leg, a piece of string, even your favorite slippers. So it's up to you to make wise decisions about when and how much to feed your pet.

You can let your pup dive into her food dish anytime she wants, or you can impose more structured mealtime feedings. Here's what you need to know before you decide which approach works for you.

Free Feeding

Free feeding is most convenient for you. You just pour a bowl of food each morning and your puppy can graze throughout the day.

Your dog can eat as much as she wants, whenever she chooses. Because the food will be sitting out, dry food works best with this method. Not many dogs eagerly come back to a bowl of crusty canned food at 5 p.m. However, many puppies will overeat when offered all their food all at once and this can lead to obesity. For these pups, scheduled feeding makes a better choice.

The constant input of food can make housetraining more of a challenge. If you go with free feeding, you'll have less work at feeding time, but you'll probably spend more time dealing with trips outside.

Scheduled Feeding

You don't have to set a place at the table for your puppy, but feeding her regular meals offers some compelling benefits.

It's a fact that scheduled feedings lead to more regular bowel movements because your puppy is eating at set times throughout the day. So this method could make the housetraining experience a smoother one for you and your pup.

With the scheduled feeding method, you put out the appropriate amount of food for your puppy two to three times a day. Precisely how often and how much you feed your pup depends on her age and breed.

Serving Dinner

Don't know how much to feed your puppy? Check the bag. Most product packages provide guidelines based on age and weight. Start with those guidelines and consult with your veterinarian for help.

If your puppy is leaving food in the bowl, cut back by a little at each meal until she can lick the plate clean. On the other hand, if your puppy gobbles up each meal and still acts hungry, increase the amount of food you give her a little bit at a time until she seems satisfied. Be cautious with the amount of increased food, as some breeds will eat any amount given to them.

Don't know how often to feed your puppy? General guidelines for puppies 6 to 8 weeks old are three to four feedings a day. For a puppy who is 8 weeks or older, give two feedings per day.

When your pup is 6 months old, some experts say it's okay to feed your young-adult dog only once a day. Others believe that once-a-day feedings may lead to overeating and obesity, which can be critical health risks as your dog ages. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on how often and how much to feed your dog as she grows. And it's okay to show your pet a little extra love with a snack as long as you don't overdo it. Teaching your pet good eating habits can make her healthier and prolong her life - a bonus for both of you!