I have a 3 month old boxer puppy that I just started feeding Innova dry puppy food. I just need to know what's would be a puppys calorie limit in a day, as I don't want him to grow to fast. I know what the bag says in regards to feeding, I just need some expert opinions. Please be as detailed as possible.
2007-12-01 05:31:03 · 3 answers · asked by Leo 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Caloric intake isn't so much an issue for large breed puppies when it comes to growing too fast, so long as it is not overfed, per manufacturers instructions. Caloric intake would depend on activity levels; a puppy training for agility or field trials would require more calories than a puppy training to be a house pet. What matters is the protein level (should be under 26% or so) and calcium levels (under 2%, but over .8%) and general body weight. Too much protein promotes faster body growth, and too much calcium promotes too fast bone growth, both of which can lead to problems.
The puppy should be cut back if it begins to get chubby, and never be fed MORE than the manufacturer recommends. If a high activity puppy is not thriving on the max of a specific food, the food itself should be reevaluated, and the puppy should see a vet in any case of failure to thrive. A fat puppy can stress its delicate growing skeletal system, which can lead to the joint problems to which big & giant dogs are prone. A large breed puppy should also be kept on the low protein, low calcium puppy diet until 18 months for large breeds, and 24 months for giants. A boxer should be on puppy food to 18 months.
2007-12-01 05:56:46 · answer #1 · answered by Bartmooby 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not that complicated. You do not need to know the puppy's daily caloric needs. You start feeding a resonable amount. If the puppy is getting "plump", you cut back. If the puppy is growing and seeming TOO thin, increase a little. Each dog is different and the needs vary day to day. What you do not want is a FAT puppy. Thin is better for large/giant breed growing puppies.
My puppies and adults need food adjustments frequently. Some weeks they are very active and the needs increase, the next week they may be looking too thin and need to decrease. You just need to feel the puppy's ribs several times weekly to make sure you are on target.
2007-12-01 13:40:16 · answer #2 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all dogs are different. I started my pup out with 2 small bowls and kept increasing over the months. the more they grow the bigger there stomach and bladder get. Right now it's very small. It took my dog up to 6 months to start really eating eating.
2007-12-01 13:40:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋