Feeding an always hungry puppy

[gritsar]

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Kane is not a gobbler; neither of the boys are. In fact, he's in the kitchen right now eating his supper and he's laying down in front of the bowl to do it. We live on a nighttime schedule, due to my DH's work, so we feed at 10 AM and 10 PM.

Amanda, he's been checked for worms and coccidiosis several times. All stool samples have been negative.

Rusty, good advice.

Kane has meat on his ribs. He's slow to teeth, but so was Jax. Kane's coat is in the funky stage, half puppy half adult, but the adult coming in is nice and shiny. Everything says healthy, he just has this humongous appetite.

 

[savingdogs]

I work at a boarding kennel. Some dogs are just more hungry. I've seen some that no matter how recently they have been fed, they are hoping the next cup of chow I'm dishing out is for them.

Other dogs are always finicky.

It is just part of their make up.

Go by how your dog looks and not by how hungry he acts.

 

[greathorse]

I am sure I will be spanked for this, but I have raised many dogs in my life and everyone of them has had free choice quality dog food every day of their lives.The one exception was a bassett that got too heavy in his later years and we had to restrict him. In all other cases I had dogs without any sort of food issues, as a matter of fact food was not a big deal and I never had (with the one exception) an obese dog.

My kids all have dogs and fuss about the qty of food and without exception they have dogs that break things to get to food, fight over food and the list goes on. I started them that way from puppies. I am sure I will get many that disagree but has worked for me.

I have had mostly herding dogs, although a number of bassets as well.

 

[gritsar]

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I won't spank you for it.

I free fed Charlie Girl from the time I got her at little less than a year old. However, we are still potty training Kane - kinda had to start over, since his schedule got all messed up with DH's hospitalization. While he's being potty trained, it's important that we keep him on a schedule.

 

[nyice]

Is he overly active, he may be burning off all the food.

I have always payed more attention to the look of our dogs, and adjust from there (can I feel ribs, shape of the dog etc...) than the reccommended feeding amount. We have a VERY active 2yo that gets the most food but is the most trim, and a boxer in the winter who gets "barrel-y" and would eat 20lbs in a sitting if we let her.

We do have to watch for bloat, and I believe GSD's can get it too, so just be aware of heavy play or running following eating.

 

[gritsar]

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Yeah, bloat is something that scares me. I don't allow heavy playing an hour before or two hours after feedings. Our vet has attributed his big appetite to the fact that he has an older "brother" that at a year old is still a pup himself and they do play hard.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

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I highly doubt you are starving him. Feel his ribs, are they obvious? Yes? Well thats actually normal and a good thing. If his growth is steady and he is otherwise normal (poo, pee, play times, napping, ect) then he's fine. He's just food oriented and that can be a very good thing. Don't worry so much

 

[Amanda0609]

The food must taste really good, like some people he just wants to keep eating even after he should be full. Those looks are probably killing you though. Every day after my dogs eat they give me sad eyes and want more food. I think my boxer would eat herself to the point of being round. Some dogs are good at regulating and some aren't. I agree the cat must want him to be fat, its really the only explanation.

 

[gritsar]

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The (fat) cat is in the doghouse with me, so to speak. After she whined all last night and this morning for food, the first thing I did when I came in from grocery shopping was to fill her bowl. She took TWO bites and walked away.

 

[lockedhearts]

Quote:
The (fat) cat is in the doghouse with me, so to speak. After she whined all last night and this morning for food, the first thing I did when I came in from grocery shopping was to fill her bowl. She took TWO bites and walked away.

Yep, she's a cat