Hello,

My boy golden retriver is 15 weeks old on wednesday and i am feeding him royal canin food (i think thats how you spell it) he is on 5 1/5 ounces 3 times a week this week as i put it up 1/2 an ounce every sunday. The breeded told me to do this but only advised me up to this point, i spoke to my vet and he said just keep putting it up as i am and when he starts leaving some or his poo is runny take some back.
He will always eat it though as he woofs he food is seconds, he is asking for food at the moment inbetween feeds i feed him at 9.30 in the morning then 3.30 then 10.00 at night, i was told to soak his food aswell upuntil he is twelve months old by the breeder.
So what do i do now and when do i break it down to 2 meals a day?
Can anyone advise me?

Tracey

Hi Tracey

I have a labpuppy, 11 months old. I have always looked on the bags, and given her, what the bag tells her, she should have according to her age and weight. And she was on 3 meals a day untill she were about 4-5 months old. I didn't get a sign, but I didn't have anyone to take Luna for a walk after lunch, so automatically I turned it down to 2 meals a day.

Your boy will always look hungry, it goes with the breed! But I always follow the amount written on the bag, and then you can always give a bit more or less, if he gains or looses to much weight.

Thats just the way I did it, because I was very worried about Luna putting on too much weight, as she is a labrador and proned (spelling?) to obesity.

Good luck

Jeanette

Did you used to soak the food aswell and when do you stop or did you do it gradually?

Tracey

Hi Tracey
In the beginning I soked it, but I quickly started giving it dry, so that she would use her teeth.

I can't really remember if I changed it gradually, but I think I did. Because she got her lunch in a so called Buster Bone, a bone in plastic with a hole for food, she then should try getting out.

You could perhaps change it, so instead of soaking it, justing pour water over and serve, and then add less and less water, so the dog will have to chew!

Being a lab, Luna eats everything put in front of her!

Jeanette

I was told by by breeder to soak the food incase in swelled in the pups tummy and make him poorly. So i am worried about giving dry food, but i will if i can becuase i think it would make him eat slower and make him use his teeth. What food do you use and what do you think of Burnes?

Tracey

Hi Tracey

I stopped soaking Lunas food because, I wanted her to use her teeth.

I use Hills Natures Best Large Breed Adult. I think Burns sounds good, and it gets a lot of credit on these pages. Unfortunately I can't buy Burns, Arden Grange or Nature Diet in Denmark, so I'll do with what I can get!

Luna only goes number 2 in the morning and the afternoon, and it's always firm and "nice" to pick up! Hmm what a subject!

I've also heard, that the less poo the better the food is absorbed. SO I'm satisfied. All though I AM considering changing to a cheaper brand, after seeing a researhprogram about dog food in general.

I don't want to raw feed, because I'm worried about the bones!

Jeanette

<<he is on 5 1/5 ounces 3 times a week>>

He may be less hungry if you feed him three times a day rather than three times a week :D

My advice to puppy owners as a very general rule is that if the pups pooh is constantly runny you are feeding too much and they are not ultilising it properly and if you cansee their ribs when dog is standing still you are not feeding enough (I like to be able to see outline of ribs when a dog is turning).

The third meal can generally be cut out at around six months

HTH

Thanks!

Sorry about my slip up!!
Poor Harvey would waste away if only fed him 3 times a week, poor chap!!!

He poo if fine and his not asking for more so i think i will keep putting it up and keep an eye on him.

Thanks
Tracey