This is just me; but there are others who share my view: I wouldn't worry too much about exact amounts. I think you'll find your pets will do one of two things. Either -
- eat like there's no tomorrow, or
- look at you like you've surely lost what good sense God tried to give you
.
If they eat like they're starving, it's probably because they have been. NO REFLECTION ON YOU! It's just that there is very little real nutrition in commercial dog stuff; so, when they get real food, they might seem to gorge at first. I am of the opinion this will even out, as the body gets what it's lacking, and they learn that there will more where this came from. Eventually, they regulate themselves. When they over-eat on commercial,
I think it's because they're just trying to get enough nutrition; and subsequently get too much of the other junk, too - making them sick. JMO
If they won't eat at all - it's because they don't recognize this as 'food'. Patience, Persistence and hard love is key here. Don't give in to the temptation to go back to kibble, because it's comfortable. A healthy dog will not starve him/herself. They will eat when they're hungry. Now, if they miss two meals and get shaky, of course offer honey, karo syrup, or nutrical.
I won't be at all surprised to hear that Miss Cali is scarfing it down like a lumberjack
.