recommended feeding??

[sammy08]

hello all,


this question is pretty basic... how much do you recommend I feed my yorkie..

I have been feeding him Wellness 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/4 cup dry 1/4 wet in the evening he's a pup, 5 pounds. I got him one month ago and he was 4 lbs... he always looks hungry ( begs all the time!) but I don't want to over feed him. he's not picky, thank God!!!

thanks, cindy

[Nancy1999]

Usually, the dog food bag has a recommended amount, but Joey's breeder said that the first 6-8 months they should be free fed. This means leaving food out at all time. Dogs have growth spurts, and many grow one pound in a month, and than no weight gain for another. Teeth and bones are growing at his age, and this requires extra calories as well. Don't worry now about him being overweight. As long as you aren't giving unhealthy snacks his weight is probably right on target.

[sammy08]

thanks for your reply, i not sure what the recommended ammount is.. its not on the bag.. i thought that was strange -- unless i missed it!! and as far as having the food out at all times, i can't cause poop all over the house. i tried that also. he poops alot even when i only feed him 2x times daily. thanks

[Nancy1999]

Now that you mention it, Joey did poop more often when he was being free fed, I kept him in a playpen when I couldn't watch him. When I could watch him, I looked for signs of a circling behavior that indicated he wanted to poop; I then placed him on a pee pad or took him outside. If you decide you don't wish to free feed, I think I would increase the dinner potion to the same size as the breakfast portion and see if that helps. Most dogs shouldn't seem hungry on the time, although there are a few that do, this would concern me with a growing puppy. Remember, most puppies need more calories than they will as adults.