I think I'm feeding my puppy too much Hello! I got my new yorkie puppy 4 days ago, she was 8 weeks and 0.7kg (24.6 oz) and now she's already 0.9kg (31.7 oz). I'm feeding her a little more than the breeder recommended but that's because she seems so hungry! After I give her the recommended amount she keeps searching for more and looking at me with a sad face... :confused: Can anyone help me please? Is that weigh gain normal or too much? |
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My pup is nine weeks old and I free feed. I couldn't even tell you "how much" he eats a day because I just make sure there is food in his bowl and that he eats and drinks throughout the day. He gets kibble all day and if I notice he's not eating much, I add a bit of shredded chicken and beef stew. |
I wanted to free feed her, but I don't think she knows how much to eat, she eats way too much, is not normal for a dog so small! I thought she might be hungry when she got here so I gave her all the food she wanted, and she got a little sick afterwards :( I also heard many people saying that free feeding is not recommended, so I'm a little confused now... I just want her to be healthy! |
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You will find many people for and many people against free feeding. I think it's an individual choice, but with a puppy so small, you have the issue of hypoglycemia which is why a lot of people with tiny pups prefer to free feed. What kind of food are you feeding? |
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Has she been checked for worms recently, btw? You may want to. If you ever need a feeding calculator, this is a nice one: Dogs feeding chart - Nature's Logic |
I originally scheduled the feedings at about 2 generous tablespoons every 3-4 hours for the first two weeks I got my girl, but now I free feed because she hasn't always eaten as much after the first week and has gotten the shakes at least once. For the past week or so she has eaten dry food and I've let her free feed then, and so far she's done decently. So unless the vet tells me she's a little chunky, I'll let her eat when she needs to. |
I think I have also been overfeeding my yorkie. She seems always bloated. An hour or two after she ate, she starts looking for food. Is there anything I could do to distract her attention to food? |
My little one will be 9 months old next week and I still free feed him. He's a little guy so I don't believe it's hurting him. He actually has regulated himself to what time he eats. It's usually at the the same times everyday. He is also such a picky eater and will only eat kibbles. I have tried so many wet food to try and give him both and he turns his nose up at every can I buy. I have finally given up with the wet food. However I do feed him vegetables and fruits that won't harm him. He seems to like that and he is still gaining weight. I just wish he would pack on the weight and height. He is pretty solid though when you pick him up. He is just taking after his daddy and grandad. He has never threw up or got sick form eating. If you have any questions I would just ask your vet. I hope this helps you! |
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Also you if you have not already done so, need to bring her in to the vets for a full check up. Everyone has different opinions on free versus scheduled feeding times. In a multiple dog household, I choose to feed on a schedule, for several reasons: some dogs might need to be on a specialized diet, I know how much each dog eats, and therefor I am able to adust feeding volumne according to physical condition. I also weigh or use measuring cups, as I have learnt that my eye is not a good judge of volumne/weight of food in the bowl:p Good luck with your young puppy... Happy Yorkie kisses to you |
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I don't know how old your puppy is, but it is natural for a puppy tummy to "fill out" after a meal. But there should not be any hardness to a full healthy tummy. Seeming always bloated, sounds like a concern to me that again, a vet seems indicated here. There are many things you can do to distract her attention to "food". Puppies need short interactive play sessions, short walks, short naps, and lots of love and attention from you. So these things will distract her from a food only focus. |
Thank you all, i'm free feeding her and she's doing great! My balance is not very reliable so this could be it... Im taking her to the vet tomorrow, she's a bit itchy sometimes, but i didn't find any kind of bug in her skin, just a little dandruff (veeery mild). And she has a soft depressed spot on her scalp! Looks like a open fontanel or something. She's very active, eats well, smart, plays a lot, but I'll check her properly tomorrow. Thanks again! |
That's great to hear :D Just on an additional note, I think the only real issue on overfeeding is when it's the inclusion of lots of treats or foods other than their regular daily food. ^^; It's very easy to treat them more than they need (hard to resist when they beg >_<) |
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