are the amounts shown on food bags a good guide to go by or are they slightly inflated.my dog seems to be eating less than what (according to the bag) she should be is anyone else having the same problems?

They are only a guide but generally I would feed less as they tend to be high, my dogs eat a lot less than the bag states.

i was beginning to worry a bit,it says on the bag that she should be eating 560g a day but she usually only eats about 400-450g a day.

I seem to remember reading about a study done fairly recently into this subject, and they found that, on average, dogs were healthiest on about three-quarters the amount stated.
:)

that's interesting jeangenie,going by that suki would be eating roughly the right amount.do the makers deliberatly? do this to try and sell more food? you would think with all of their nutritionists that they would be able to get this right....if they wanted to!!

Now my lot would eat the recomended amount, well they would eat the whole bag if they could but I have never found whatever the food they need the suggested amount.

i use royal canin giant puppy and i noticed on their web site that once your dog reaches 8 months that the amount actually starts to decrease! is this the same as with other complete foods?

Yes, as the growth rate slows so does the amount of food that is required.

i read a atricle also about a long term study where they had two groups of labs i think it was)one half on normal rec amount of food and the other half on approx 1/3 less and on average the dogs with the reduced amount lived between 2-4 years longer than thos who had the full rations it was in an issue of Dogs Today about 4/5months ago if any one interested.Call me cynical but do you think that food manufactueres just want us to feed more so we have to buy more?

I think the manufactiors state certain amounts just to be on the safe side,some dogs need more others less,i'd say the amounts are just a Guesstimate.Most dogs regulate themselves.

~christine~

I think the manufacturer's recommendations are based on the assumption that it is the only food your dog will eat. No dog treats. No leftovers from your dinner. No snacking. Not many of us with house dogs feed our dogs only dog food.

Stacey

My Akitas eat 450g food a day. This keeps them in good shape, not fat not thin. Given the opportunity they would eat 1450g a day but obesity is not my thing!
On top of this they get four gravy bones each, a pigs ear and a chew stick to keep them occupied. So they probably meet the recc amount on the bag without it being given in their two meals that day.

what age are your akitas? my akita-inu is 5 and a half months old and she is eating between 400-450g a day plus a dentastik and a couple of smaller treats.i had her round at the chippy earlier and before i could say anything the owner had threw her a sausage and she devoured it!!!! i forgot to say that she also gets a tin of sardines in oil split between her 2 meals

The fish is good for her, i give mine tuna steaks!
I have a 6 year old bitch, 2 year old male and their daughter who is 14 weeks.
The adults eat 450g of dry food a day. Along with chews and biscuits etc.
Pup eats about 580g food a day and only has a chew stick in her bed to keep her busy and her teeth clean. Her food will be cut down over the next few weeks, she's just greedy.
Every trip to the chippy means battered sausage for my three, they like mcdonalds too lol.
The adult bitch simply loves chillie con carne, the hotter the better. She steals some every time we have it lol.

they sound adorable,in a couple of years time i am thinking about getting another female akita,is it ok to keep 2 of the same sex?

It all depends on the older bitch. mine will accept anything as long as she can have it. She thinks all puppies are hers and any human baby visiting us ends up being babysat by her, she's mad! But many people seem to thing she's a one off.
If your bitch is generally used to, and accepts other dogs in her house then you should be fine. Its just an idea but you could consider getting a dog. Opposite sexes seem to get along much better. Although the male akita is a little more 'boistrous' they make just as good a pet as a bitch. Our dog is such a charcter: he steals the tv remote and hides it, then sits on the sofa throwing his head back as though he's laughing while you search for it.
Have you read 'The Akita Today?' Its a really good book, explaining everything about the Akita, ranging from its origin to genetics. It tells you all about the temperament and has a section about mltiple ownership of the breed. That may help you out a little.
What breeding is your baby? Just out of curiosity.

hi,i have read the book that you are talking about it's very informative,at the minute i am looking for a book called the new complete akita the only problem is it is out of print but it is supposed to be very good. suki was bred by libertia kennels over here in northern ireland her sire was imported from the usa from the ichiban kennels so most of her lines are from over there and nikasuko kennels.she is the japanese type akita inu.i think that both types are the best dogs that anyone could want although i have only had her a short while i wouldn't be without her and i am sure that you are the same.by the way i don't suppose you know of anyone who is selling a copy of the new complete akita?

I don't i'm afraid. Have you tried amazon or ebay? You may find one on there.
Mine are the American type, bloody loopy! I have an Inverdarrach/ Goshens mix, a full Wolfen and a cross of the two.
We would like a japanese type but we haven't the room just now.
I am in love with the Akita. Granted they have a bad name due to irresponsible ownership in the past but i've loved them regardless for years!
I hope you have many happy years with Suki, she sounds fantastic!!!!!

thanks miasmum,all the best to you and your dogs.

No problem!
Any more little problems give me a shout, im more than happy to help!!!!!!!