Hi All

My labrador pup (11 wks old) is still on a diet of chicken and a bit of rice due to having the runs. He is having 4 meals a day at the moment but i'm not sure if i'm feeding him the right amount. Does anyone know how much food I should be ginving him? He alsways acts hungry even after eating but I know Labs do this anyway.

Thanks
Catherine :)

Hi Catherine,

I can't give you food quantities I'm afraid, but judging the puppy's weight by eye is the best indicator. What you have to do is run your hands along the puppy's sides, from just behind his front legs towards his back legs, feeling for his ribs. You should be able to feel them just about, under the layer of skin and fur. But they should not be visible and you should not need to poke through the fat layer to feel them. If this describes your puppy then you are feeding him the correct amount. If not, give a little more or less as appropriate and check again in 3-4 days.

Checking the puppy in this way, once a week, is the best way to monitor his development. Scales can only give a rough indication as they don't take into account the individual puppy's build/frame size and exercise levels. Hope this helps!

Monty's Mum :)

Ta for that

Did this last night and I can just feel his ribs. Am taking him back to the vet today for a check-up so I can make sure then but hopefully I can start introducing puppy food now to his diet (much easier to feed the right amount then!)
I must admit it has come as a suprise at how he instinctively knew to scrat for food when we eat :)
Its also a race eveytime he goes into the kitchen to get to the cats dishes before he does :D