Is it okay to leave dog food in the crate all day while I'm at work?

I didn't see an age for your pet posted? If this is a puppy less than 8 months old this is potentially too long to crate them because most puppies can only hold their bladder for a few hours depending on their age. So having accidents in the crate is desensitizing them to sleeping where they urinate and defecate which can lead to problems house training your puppy. However if this is an adult dog over the age of 1 years old and there is a legitimate reason to crate (gets into things still in the house, raids the trash, etc), then crating him for this long is ok; however I would try to work on training your pet to be trusted more when you aren't at home. Crating for long periods of time, all the time, increases chances of obesity due to lack of activity, boredom, and isn't good for pets long term for their psyche and happiness. We typically only recommend crating puppies during their earlier months because it is for their safety and well being to remain out of trouble until they learn how to behave.

As long as the temperature is normal inside and she has access to fresh water dogs can typically stay in a crate anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. Some dogs may be able to go longer, some dog shorter depending on their urinary bladder capacity. I usually don't recommend anything longer than eight hours in a crate at a time.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is nothing wrong with crate training your pet when you are out of the house, especially if he is going to be destructive to the house and/or consume things that could be very harmful to him. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian about possible medications to give Spooky when you are out to make crating easier for him. There are anti anxiety medications that can help him relax at home. I hope this is helpful!

Some pets do you need to be crated for their own safety and for the safety of your home. Don’t feel bad about it but do make sure that he gets plenty of exercise every day and also attention. Exercise before putting him in the crate is best. Dogs will do fine in the crate 8 to 10 hours but shorter is better. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Keeping him kenneled keeps him safe from eating something he should not. When no one is home is very common and appropriate. While people are eating is realistic since it is only short period at a time. If you have a fence he stays in, maybe you can let him out during that time instead. Every night, depends on what he does at night. If he sleep in his bed or yours and does not eat anything or bother anyone, then this may not be necessary. however, if he chews things while unsupervised, it is necessary so he does not eat something that may harm him. It is hard to not feel bad, but keep in mind most people kennel their dogs during the day while they work and at night when they sleep for their safety

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Most of the people work all day and have animals. I know we all feel guilty about leaving our pets but that is the way life goes. As long as when you are home you are walking her, interacting and playing with her you are doing a good job. You can consider sending her to doggie day care 2-3 times per week for interaction, have a neighbor kid pop in to walk her or send her to a friend or relatives house who may not work as other options. The cage is a safe place for her and your personal belongings. I wish you the best!

They are adorable! At four months of age, 10 hours is too long for Coco and Chaz to stay in their crate. Their bladder isn't big enough to hold their urine that long, and they should be let out to potty every three to four hours. I would consider hiring someone to stop by at least once or twice a day to let them out to potty if you can't leave work to let them out. Dogs should be in crates no longer than eight hours, even if they are older. I hope this helps!