Feeding Amounts - Newbie Here

[PupGus]

Hi,
I'm just wondering what amount I should be feeding our puppy.
The breeder said 1.5 cups per day (at 7 weeks) of Purina Puppy Chow.
So far, that's what I"m doing. But he's starving all the time and devours his food.
I feed him 3 times a day right now, 1/2 cup each time.

So, is there a general rule as to how to increase the amount over time ?
And at what point do you reduce to two feedings ?? Is it 12-16 weeks ?

I will be chatting with the vet in two weeks about this, but right now I'm wondering.....the breeder only told us about what to do "right now".
And the amount guideline on the food bag seems ridiculously low, and I've read online that you really shouldn't go by what's on the bag.

[MyBoyGus]

:welcomesmiley Pup Gus. My 6 year old is Gus also. First off, whatever you feed him, it should be large breed puppy. Plain puppy chow tends to be too rich for them, and it also encourages a lot of growth. With a bigger dog, you want them to develop a bit more slowly for their joints. That sounds about right, but it depends on the pup. If he is still ravenous, I would feed just a bit more every meal, just watch his weight.

From what I have seen of my fosters, I usually feed them 3 times a day until they are about 6 months, and then try splitting it into 2 meals. You can always cut it down slowly, and feed a bit less and less at 1 of the meals. I usually cut out the night meal, and replace it with a treat like a milk bone at bed time.

We love to see pics of our new dogs, please post some. And keep asking questions, somebody always has an answer. GoldenFrost, JohnTIZ and Bella's Mommy all have young pups now, so they can probably give you some better advice.

[GoldenFrost]

Welcome PupGus
I'm Bonnie from Southern Ontario and I am owned by 3 Goldies
Larz 4
Edie 14 Months
Roma 14 weeks

I start with 1/2 cup at 8 weeks 7:00 am - 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
3/4 cup at 11 or 12 weeks same times
I now feed Roma 1 cup in the morning 3/4 at noon and 3/4 at 6:00
I changed Edie at 5 months to twice a day using 1 1/2 cups each meal

Pups are always hungry and go at their food like it is their last meal and they haven't eatin in days. :shrug :laughingsmile
They slow down as they get older. Edie slowed down at about 7 months
Hope this helps
Oh yes I feed our guys Canidae -All Life Stages. That way I dont have to change them as they get older. Always feed a good grade dog food. I'm not to keen on
Purina Puppy Chow. Like Mel says....way to rich for them
Check this site out
http://www.canidae.com/

Looking forward to seeing some pictures soon
And Welcome to our little family

[Bella's Mom 5308]

Hi Everyone,

I need some advice on feeding Bella. She is 1 1/2 years old and already overweight. She gets plenty of excerise but I overfeed her. I know I shouldn'nt but she is always looking at me like she wants something. So I fill her kong with crackers or bread with peanut butter or add a little ham or roast beef to her food. We feed her 1 cup of Kirkland dog food in the morning and at night. I know it is my fault she is overweight but why do I feel like I need to feed her all the time? Is she hungry or just wanting more attention?

Thanks for any advice!

Bella's Mom

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[molmotta]

She has you well trained! :laughingsmile

You will need to get a little tougher on the food thing. Either u cut back on the treats and extras or her food. Try filling her kong with less fattening food like bits of fruits or smear some fat free yoghurt and freeze it. :)