[PyrNet-L] Feeding

["Murden, Deanna" <Deanna.Murden@wl.com>]

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to share my puppy feeding problems to the group as well.

Lucy has never been a good eater.  I've tried three different brands of
food, and I end up mixing either some yogurt, ground beef or chicken
breast to her food just to get her to eat something.

(For those who remember, we were the ones with the allergies, and
itching.........all is well now with the switch to Eukanuba, and no more
canned dog food)

At 6 months old now, she maybe eats three cups/day, but two is more
usual.  Her health and growth are just fine, she is 50lbs, lost all her
puppy teeth and is beginning to lose her puppy coat.

With all the talk about the use of adult foods and protein contents of
various brands, I asked my vet if I was harming her in anyway by adding
meat to her large-breed-puppy kibble.  Basically, I was told it was fine
to supplement with some meat, but to be careful not to force food on
her.  That force feeding (ok, overly encouraging) her at a young age
usually will encourage obesity in an adult (yikes!!).  I tried feeding
her only dry kibble, and she refused for three days. (remember that
theory that a dog will not starve itself??)  I caved in and added some
beef.

Anyways, I'm just amazed at these young pups that are eating 5 and 6
cups/day.  Maybe I have a "ultra-low" metabolism pyr.  What is the
normal feeding amount for an adult dog/day??

Deanna