Hootie is FAT!
 

We have had Hootie for a month now and she is 12 weeks old now and weighs about 2 lbs. We have been free feeding her and feeding her as much as she wants to eat this past month because we didn't want to risk her having a hypoglocemic episode. However, it is quite obvious that Hootie is fat. So, my question is, should I be worried about that right now or is it just puppy weight that will go away as she gets older? I don't mind that she is fat, I think it's quite cute, but I want whatever is best for her health. I could quit free feeding her and put her on a feeding schedule, but is she over the threat of hypoglocemia? AND the only problem with that is that her older brother Hobbs is SO skinny! We are trying to fatten him up :p So, any suggestions?! :confused:

Its probably just puppy fat but I would put her on a feeding schedule if you are concerned.

I would definitely put her on a feeding schedule - especially if she has such a voracious appetite. Excess weight puts undue stress on her little body and her joints, and just like for humans, it's not healthy. I would say at 2lbs, if you give her 3 meals a day she should be ok (plus the occasional treat) and make sure she has lots of water. Are you giving her a lot of treats in addition to her food? If so, you could always try using pieces of her kibble as a treat - it really does work - if you hold one piece, they think it's a treat, and really it's just their same old food. Or, check the food your feeding her for the recommended serving amounts for a 2lb dog - if it recommends say, 1/3 of a cup a day, you could split that up into several small feedings, so she always has something in her tummy but the amount she gets is controlled. As she gets bigger, you can gradually reduce the number of feedings until she's getting 2 a day. It was hard for me at first with Oscar to see those few little bits of kibble sitting in his bowl and think it looked so empty and that it couldn't possibly be enough for him - BUT, if you look at how small your puppy is and consider how tiny her little stomach must be, picture that when you're putting out food. You don't want to starve her obviously, but I've always heard that freefeeding was a no-no (just my opinion though)... 2lbs at 3mths by no means sounds heavy, but I dont know what her build is like. Can you still feel her ribs a little bit under her skin? If you can, then she's probably at a good, healthy weight.


Sorry, this was ridiculously long.... my bf says I'm long winded, I wonder why? :)

2 pounds for a 3 month old does not sound fat to me- sounds like she's doing just fine!

My Schatzi gets a total of about 1/2 cup of food a day. I give her 1/6th of a cup 3x a day. I do not free feed. She isn't really into treats, although she loves the tiniest piece of turkey or chicken occasionaly. I wouldn't worry about her size, it sounds right on schedule to me!

Thanks for the great info! Tell your bf that you're not long-winded, your thorough! hehehe If you look at ANY of my past posts, your bf would consider my long-winded, too :p

What should I do since I have 2 dogs? They eat out of the same bowl and there is NO way that I can possibly keep them separated when they eat. And, how long do I leave the food out at each meal? What if they don't eat it when I put it out because they aren't hungry then, but they get hungry when I take it up? We visit my parents quite ofen and they free feed...what should I do when we go visit them? I can't ask my mom to take her up dog's food just for me. Won't they wolf down the food at my parents' house if they aren't used to being free fed? Sorry so many questions!

Hootie is TINY...I'm really not picky at all about weight, but it is QUITE obvious that she is fat. The first thing my parents said when they saw her was "she's so fat!" :p Her nickname is "Ms. Fatty Fat." :D Maybe when I get off work I can post some pics of her. It is so funny bc she just waddles around. I think it is adorable that she is a little fatty, but I just want what is best for her health. You know?

Oh, and she rarely gets treats. I might give her a little pinch of a treat once or twice a week. Other than that, all she gets is her food.

I promise I'm not worried about her size. The bigger, the better in my opinion! I just want what is healthiest for my little girl.