[kjc]

Originally Posted by pstinard

... Even though I have only one puppy, I can tell that Bella used to have food issues at the breeder's before I got her because she will pick up one kibble, run to a safe part of the house to eat it, and then run back to the food bowl to grab another kibble. She probably had to compete for food with a bully, and that habit carried over, even though she no longer has any competition for her food.

This is normal puppy (Yorkie puppy) behavior...

Originally Posted by Ldyrev1

To be honest...I never measured Princess Sophie's food. We just began free feeding her from the start because I knew that as she grew she would want more if she was going through a growth spurt and sometimes less. We let her decide and I just watch her to make sure she is eating and drinking. I know you can't over feed a puppy, they will just eat what they need and since we feed dry dog food it's no big deal. Just have to keep our other dog out of it! LOL

A well puppy normally will not overeat. A sick puppy or dog may try to eat excessively in an attempt to feel better, and eating too much dry food at one time can cause some serious problems, such as dehydration and intestinal blockage.

Originally Posted by Maximo

Vet care is expensive! Hopefully your babies won't need to go back for awhile after next week's follow up.

I agree, but you will spend less in the long run at a good vet because they'll fix any problems quicker... Also, two pups are going to be twice the expense. Have you looked into getting insurance for them?

JMHO on Free Feeding: Freefeeding is fine, but... do measure the amount of food put out daily and check to make sure the food is getting eaten. With longhaired or fluffy haired dogs/pups it can be difficult to notice changes in weight, and with small dogs even a small amount either way can turn critical. Be sure to feel the dog's ribs weekly (as you're petting or grooming) to check for good body condition... you should be able to feel a layer of fat just under the skin, and be able to feel the ribs through the fat. Make changes in the amount of food/treats being fed upon your findings... no fat means to increase the amount of food/treats, hard to feel the ribs... cut back a little on food and/or treats.

Puppies will go through growth spurts... they may appear plump one week then taller and skinny the next. This is when you'll need to increase the amount of food they get daily. Also puppies will gain weight regularly. If you notice weight loss, that would be good to discuss with your vet, if not corrected through diet.

One last tip: Learn about vaccines. Some dogs/pups don't tolerate them too well, so as a safeguard many owners opt to get only one vaccine a month, as oppossed to two or more vaccines during the same office visit. And never get a vaccine if the dog has a fever or is sick. It's best to wait and return in a week or two when the dog is well.