We just got our 7 week old Victorian Bulldog 4 days ago, and the breeder told us he fed him twice a day-once first thing in the am and then again around 4:30pm. For the first couple of days we followed this schedule, but when I talked to a friend of mine who breeds Border Terriers, she said that she thinks we should feed him at least 3-4 times a day. Is this safe, or will I be overfeeding him? Also he seems very lethargic through the day and sleeps a lot. I know puppies need a lot of sleep but that is all he seems to want to do. Could this be because he isn't eating enough? Thanks in advance for any advice!
Can you overfeed a puppy?
- Thread starter magsmommy
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Your friend is correct a pup that age should be eating 3-4 times a day. But it should be getting the recommended amount of food, split into 3 or 4 meals.
The recommended amount will be on the bag.
Honestly a pup that young is still too young to be away from it's mom and littermates, but now that you have it you just have to do your best.
What food are you feeding? Please make sure it's a quality food, and not something from the grocery store. There is alot of infomation on dog nutrition, and food brands in the dog food and recipies forum.
The recommended amount will be on the bag.
Honestly a pup that young is still too young to be away from it's mom and littermates, but now that you have it you just have to do your best.
What food are you feeding? Please make sure it's a quality food, and not something from the grocery store. There is alot of infomation on dog nutrition, and food brands in the dog food and recipies forum.
I agree. That age....3-4 times a day. I don't know what amount, but yes you can over feed a puppy...not healthy. Has this puppy been seen by a vet since you got him? The vet may make a recommendation as to what amount is appropriate for his frame and age etc. He can also tell you when to cut back to fewer meals. He should have a check up anyhow...puppy shots, worming etc. Puppies do sleep a lot and yes, it is possible he needs more energy from a high quality puppy food. Check with your vet. But don't let him sell you Science Diet. That stuff is garbage and many vets sell it as part of their money making thing. There are other good foods that you can get at a feed store or Petco, Petsmart etc. Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lovers Soul is one. Canidae, Innova, Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance (not to be confused with Natural Choice (Nutro)...not that great. There are others but there's a start. Good luck!
Thanks for your replies. We are feeding him Go Natural, which is an all natural pet food that the breeder and vet recommended. He has had his first set of shots and the vet gave him a clean bill of health. We have been splitting the food up into 3 small meals but keeping within the range of what the bag recommends. He seems to a lot more energetic so I think maybe we weren't giving the poor little guy enough. Thanks again!
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I'd ask your vet's opinion. We followed the instructions on the bad and were feeding Brinley 1 - 1 1/2 cups between 4 feedings. When we saw the vet we asked him (cause she was getting a belly). He told us we should only be feeding her 1/2 cup between 2 feedings. No wonder she was getting fat! You should definitly talk to your vet cause I think every dog is different based on age/breed/frame.
Go Natural is a very good kibble. =) I fed my 8 week-old four times per day, now that he's almost 6 months he gets 3 meals per day, and as he gets older he will get 2 meals per day. This is because the digestive system of puppies (like human babies) work a lot faster than that of an adult dog.
He could just be tired because he's a bit stressed in his new surroundings, or because he's a lazy Bulldog
! Encourage him to play with toys, and once he has completed all of his shots, take him to puppy play groups.
He could just be tired because he's a bit stressed in his new surroundings, or because he's a lazy Bulldog
! Encourage him to play with toys, and once he has completed all of his shots, take him to puppy play groups.
