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self-feed

American  
[self-feed, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈfid, ˈsɛlf- /

verb (used with object)

Agriculture.
self-fed, self-feeding
  1. to provide a supply of food to (animals) so as to allow them to eat as much and as often as they want.


Etymology

Origin of self-feed

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But there’s also no reason to linger too long with bland cereals and mushes: Research shows that most babies have the motor skills to grasp foods and self-feed by 7 to 8 months, if not sooner.

From Washington Post

"From about eight months a child can self-feed," Black says.

From US News

Before the surgeries, however, temporary staples held the pelican’s pouch together that, within a few days, allowed the bird to self-feed on sardines.

From Los Angeles Times

Mixed with either buttermilk or kefir along with some bread crumbs, an egg, baking soda and some seasoning, the salmon is transformed into a soft, spongy pancake that older infants can self-feed.

From US News

Other options are homemade baked goods with no added sugar that contain peanut butter; quick cooking oats mixed with peanut butter and mashed banana can be baked into a soft "cookie" that older infants can self-feed.

From US News