About a feeding schedule for my Italian Greyhound/Chihuahua mix (pictures included)?

Question

We have a Italian Greyhound/Chihuahua cross breed (we got him from the humane society, so no worries about us purchasing him from a BYB haha) and we have been trying to put him on a feeding schedule. From what I have read about IG's and Chihuahua's, he acts more so like an IG.

When we get up in the morning, I feed him a mixture of Science Diet and Pedigree canned food, keep the food down for about 45-60 minutes, and whatever he doesn't eat, I pick up and put in the fridge. Later I will put that down for him to eat (with the same restrictions as above). I feed him when we eat to try to cut down on his begging, also, we dont give him people food.

Right now he is at my parents house (our lease is almost up on the apartment and a lot of cleaning has to be taken place and we didn't want him around the various fumes) so, like their dogs, he's on a free feed schedule (which i don't like) and it has caused him to gain a little weight.

OK, now with that bit of background, would it be ok to just put him back on what we are used to doing with him when we get him back, or is it better to do a slow integration back to what he is used to? Also, will that help to drop down his weight back to what it is supposed to be?

I do walk him several times a day (no less than 20 min each, usually about 40 min). Also, I have read that IG's like to eat a lot of small portions through out the day, so would it maybe be better to feed him small amounts three or four times a day?

Here are some pictures of Baci (Pronounced Bah-tchee, means "kisses" in Italian) We don't have a collar on him anymore, we keep his tags on a harness and he is ALWAYS on leash when hes outside. My parents live out in the country, so he is outside a lot (always supervised) but they don't keep him on a leash.

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s293/swilder1988/?action=view&current=S5001450.jpg

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s293/swilder1988/?action=view&current=S5001452.jpg

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s293/swilder1988/?action=view&current=S5001453.jpg

Answer 1

Very cute pup! I love his name!

I would get him back on your normal schedule. It seems like that was working good for him. =)

I think he'll lose the weight when he gets back on schedule. Plus, the walks will help him out.

Answer 2

Baci is gorgeous. Everything is all right.Put him on a feeding scheldule. No free-feeding.

Answer 3

You should go back to what was working for your dog. Everyone feeds differently. I free feed. It works for my dogs. I put their days ration out in the morning and they eat from 1/4 to 1/2, and then in the afternoon, they go and either eat the rest of it, or sometimes they may leave a little. But, I do pick up the food plates, empty or not at 5-5:30 pm and the water at about 7. This is just easier for all of us. Oh, and your dog is adorable.