Feeding a rescued cockapoo

Question
I recently rescued what we believe to be a cockapoo from the streets. He is underweight and I have been feeding him 2xs a day about a cup (he weighs 13lbs a week ago). The vet thinks he is about 1. Because he poops about 5xs a day and our schedules will be changing soon is it ok to feed him 1x a day? He is in a crate but at night he sometimes will stick his butt out of the crate and poop so I am trying to elimnate him having to go while we are away from home.

Answer
oK, first of all, I have a question or two for you, ifyou don't mind. I think it is fantastic that you have rescued this dog but now I think you have to plan better for him if you are going to keep him. If you don't have the time for him, and it sounds like you do not, could you hire a pet sitter or dog walker during the day? He cannot be kept in a crate all day and night--that would not be fair at all. Any dog pooping 5x a day is not digesting or absorbing his food properly and I am surprised the vet didn't make some sort of, any kind of suggestion about this. This is not good and it means that the dog is digestively compromised. It isn't how often you are feeding although we know the obvious thing that does happen (eventually) after eating but still THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE. Your pooch, hopefully, just has a sensitive tummy but more than likely needs a much better diet, MORE SMALLER FEEDINGS DURING THE DAY, and dietary supplements. What you are describing reminds me of my two rescue dogs who had constant or rather consistent diarrhea or loose poop for months and months when I got them. I completely stopped all commercial foods and began lightly steaming organic chicken and organic squash for them AND added a probiotic and supplement. you must nip this in the bud now or his digestive problems will be chronic. WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING HIM? THIS IS A CRITICAL QUESTION SINCE ALL COMMERCIAL KIBBLE AND CANNED FOOD HAS SYNTHETHIC INGREDIENTS IN THEM AND FOR A DOG WHO IS NOT DIGESTING OR ABSORBING, THIS CAN AND USUALLY DOES, MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE. AND no, feeding once a day is not the solution to stopping the pooping..that would be unfair too. Do you eat once a day..only once a day? Twice a day is usually ok but again, you must change his diet --oh, so slowly cause quick changes almost always cause real diarrhea--and you must speak to a nutritionist who knows about dogs...this is what I did.

What concerns me is that it doesn't sound like you really have the time for him but only you know this. But, you need to start from scratch with him and make sure you stop the commercial foods. Please consider buying organic chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) and steaming them and organic veggies. Get more information on how to feed a dog who is not absorbing his food as yours is not or he wouldn't have to poop all night. This is a huge RED FLAG about his digestion and NOT ABOUT HOW MANY TIMES YOU ARE FEEDING HIM. ok//

Believe me, with two male rescues, BOTH WITH DIGESTIVE AILMENTS (IBD), I know about diets, supplements and feeding. Ifyou would like the email of my mentor that I credit with saving my little ones' digestive lives, write me again and I will send it. She doesn't charge because she ADORES DOGS. She is in the supplement business and I use her product to this day...they are REAL FOOD AS OPPOSED TO BUYING PROBIOTICS OR DIGESTIVE ENZYMES IN WALGREENS OR EVEN THE HEALTH FOOD STORE. Your dog needs a real food probiotic (DDS Plus which you can buy in the vitamin Shoppe if you have one) and real food digestive enzymes. Please research dog digestion and please get back to me if you would like more info--I certainly think I can help you further and can definitely put you in touch with my mentor for my dogs. All the best, Susan