Would like some advise about feeding, please - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Yorkie Owned · 05-03-2005, 07:55 AM

My two 16 week old pups both weigh almost 5 lbs each. (mom was 8 lbs/dad was 3.5 lbs) I had hoped they would stay around 6-7 lbs. Not so sure about that anymore...

They eat NC Ultra puppy- dry, I just leave food out for them all the time and I haven't noticed any problems with that. (they don't act like they want to eat until they explode) They are crated during the day while the family is at work/school so their schedule is: they eat breakfast, then sleep all day while we are gone. Then eat again in the afternoon when we get home and then eat again in the evening. They stay very active except for during the day while we are gone. I know they are getting enough to eat- they are growing like weeds!

My question is -am I feeding them too much? Should I monitor their food intake? Like I said they don't appear to over-eat, they will spend about 5 minutes or so eating before they are off playing again. I know they need plenty of nutrition during this time of growth, but I don't want to be excessively feeding them. They seem to have a lot of "baby fat" right now. Is that correct? Will that go away as they grow or are they just fat? I don't remember ever thinking that my first yorkie puppy was fat or puggy- she was always very tiny and petite and still is (almost 2 yrs and less than 5 lbs)

lily's mom · 05-03-2005, 08:04 AM

I bet they are little rollie pollies, sounds adorable!! I think puppies should have access to their food all the time. Are they getting any yummy people food, may be from the kids?

chachi · 05-03-2005, 08:08 AM

I think they should have food at all times. My male was supposed to be 5lbs or less and hes 5lbs now at 16 weeks. So you never really know whet size they are gonna be. His parents were both 5 lbs.

chachi · 05-03-2005, 08:25 AM

Oh I forgot to mention Chachi was a tiny 1lb when I brought him home. I thought maybe I was overfeeding him too. I think the biggest part of his growth spurt is done. He eats less now and doesn't seem to be gaining weight as rapidly anymore so yours may start to slow down now too since they are the same age/weight.

Yorkie_GirL · 05-03-2005, 08:54 AM

I Agree as to keeping food out at all times, maybe later then you should try to tone it down a bit, like feed them every 4-6 hours.

Yorkie Owned · 05-03-2005, 08:59 AM

I have noticed the past couple of days they don't seem to be eating as much in the evenings.
Does your Chachi seem like he has "baby fat"? Since he is about the same size and age I am just curious. That is what has me wondering if they are eating too much... the little porkers!

Their bodies aren't long, but they do feel heavy when I pick them up. (fat bellies)

Kinda like a water balloon- not much size, but a lot of weight!

chachi · 05-03-2005, 09:02 AM

Chachi had baby fat he was kinda rolly polly as he was younger. The older he has gotten he has grown length wise and hes pretty sleek and dainty.

05-03-2005, 07:55 AM	#1
Yorkie Owned YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 277	Would like some advise about feeding, please My two 16 week old pups both weigh almost 5 lbs each. (mom was 8 lbs/dad was 3.5 lbs) I had hoped they would stay around 6-7 lbs. Not so sure about that anymore... They eat NC Ultra puppy- dry, I just leave food out for them all the time and I haven't noticed any problems with that. (they don't act like they want to eat until they explode) They are crated during the day while the family is at work/school so their schedule is: they eat breakfast, then sleep all day while we are gone. Then eat again in the afternoon when we get home and then eat again in the evening. They stay very active except for during the day while we are gone. I know they are getting enough to eat- they are growing like weeds! My question is -am I feeding them too much? Should I monitor their food intake? Like I said they don't appear to over-eat, they will spend about 5 minutes or so eating before they are off playing again. I know they need plenty of nutrition during this time of growth, but I don't want to be excessively feeding them. They seem to have a lot of "baby fat" right now. Is that correct? Will that go away as they grow or are they just fat? I don't remember ever thinking that my first yorkie puppy was fat or puggy- she was always very tiny and petite and still is (almost 2 yrs and less than 5 lbs)

05-03-2005, 08:04 AM	#2
lily's mom Lily Loves Maximus Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,633	I bet they are little rollie pollies, sounds adorable!! I think puppies should have access to their food all the time. Are they getting any yummy people food, may be from the kids? __________________ Lily and Dawn

05-03-2005, 08:08 AM	#3
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I think they should have food at all times. My male was supposed to be 5lbs or less and hes 5lbs now at 16 weeks. So you never really know whet size they are gonna be. His parents were both 5 lbs. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

05-03-2005, 08:25 AM	#4
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Oh I forgot to mention Chachi was a tiny 1lb when I brought him home. I thought maybe I was overfeeding him too. I think the biggest part of his growth spurt is done. He eats less now and doesn't seem to be gaining weight as rapidly anymore so yours may start to slow down now too since they are the same age/weight. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

05-03-2005, 09:02 AM	#7
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Chachi had baby fat he was kinda rolly polly as he was younger. The older he has gotten he has grown length wise and hes pretty sleek and dainty. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

05-03-2005, 08:54 AM	#5
Yorkie_GirL Oreo,Ginger&Cloey Owned Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: none of your business Posts: 1,270	I Agree as to keeping food out at all times, maybe later then you should try to tone it down a bit, like feed them every 4-6 hours.

05-03-2005, 08:59 AM	#6
Yorkie Owned YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 277	I have noticed the past couple of days they don't seem to be eating as much in the evenings. Does your Chachi seem like he has "baby fat"? Since he is about the same size and age I am just curious. That is what has me wondering if they are eating too much... the little porkers! Their bodies aren't long, but they do feel heavy when I pick them up. (fat bellies) Kinda like a water balloon- not much size, but a lot of weight!