Feeding Puppy

[pickleweed]

Hi Everyone,

My mini schnauzer is 10 weeks old and I have been feeding him 3 times a day (that's what the breeder recommended). I am feeding him Nutro Max since that's what the breeder had him on. I soak his kibbles in some water so it gets nice and soft. I wanted to know at what age do I stop softening his food? Also, I wanted to know each time I feed him, how much should the amount be? I don't want to over feed the little guy and have him plumped up like a turkey! Right now, I am feeding him a little more than a handful of softened kibbles (they get big after they've been soaked in water). So it's less than half a cup each time. At what age should I start to feeding him 2 times a day? Do I start feeding him 2 times a day when he's 6 months?

Thanks!

Shi

 

[zoe08]

You should not be softening his food now. Pups should be able to eat dry kibble when they leave the breeder so that is not necessary.

How much does he weigh?

It seems many people have different views on when to switch feeding and I don't remember when I switched Zoe so maybe someone else will know.

 

[Julie]

Hi Everyone,

My mini schnauzer is 10 weeks old and I have been feeding him 3 times a day (that's what the breeder recommended). I am feeding him Nutro Max since that's what the breeder had him on. I soak his kibbles in some water so it gets nice and soft. I wanted to know at what age do I stop softening his food? Also, I wanted to know each time I feed him, how much should the amount be? I don't want to over feed the little guy and have him plumped up like a turkey! Right now, I am feeding him a little more than a handful of softened kibbles (they get big after they've been soaked in water). So it's less than half a cup each time. At what age should I start to feeding him 2 times a day? Do I start feeding him 2 times a day when he's 6 months?

Thanks!

Shi

This is just my opinion..... I like mixing water with my dogs food......to give the extra moisture that the dry dog food will absorb in the stomach. But I do not soften the food. I just mix water with the dry food and give immediately. My dogs don't like mushy. So I think mixing water is a good idea but not to softening. As for amount, I don't know enough about your dog or that food to offer advice.
I would also think you could start feeding twice a day earlier than six months. I believe I started two times a day at about 3 months.

 

[Herschel]

I agree with Julie completely. We mix warm water in with our dog's Canidae and he loves it. He actually drinks all of the water first!

 

[Mordy]

You should not be softening his food now. Pups should be able to eat dry kibble when they leave the breeder so that is not necessary.

Actually, adding water to kibble is very beneficial. No need to soak it though, at 10 weeks old the dog can handle solid food.

I would highly recommend switching to a better quality food though, Nutro Max isn't very good.

 

[pickleweed]

thanks guys!

zoe -- he weighs 4 lbs and 4 oz the last time he went to the vet (2 weekends ago) so he probably weighs a little more than that now.

mordy -- what kind of dog food would you suggest?

 

[Mordy]

Let me know what's locally available to you and 'll help you pick.

As a side note, my parents got a (standard) schnauzer puppy in April and he is doing really, really well on Eagle Pack Small/Medium Puppy food.