How much do you feed a pup?

[rme147]

I have a new Corgi Puppy, and I've had small dogs all my life, but I've always gotten them as adults. I've had my puppy for 5 days now and I feed him a half cup of dry, iams puppy food in the morning, and a half cup in the evening. He seems to be doing fine, and he's not going potty any more than my other dogs, and he has never thrown up... but I am worried about feeding him correctly. I know Corgis are bottomless pits, and will eat as much as you give them, so can anyone tell me if what I'm feeding him now is sufficient? Should it be less? More? I'd really appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

~Robin~ and Levi

P.S. I'm new to this forum, and so far, I REALLY enjoy it. Thanks for everyones feedback so far!

[KJohnson]

Westin gets 1/2 cup three times a day (now that he's 7.5 months, we are about to switch it to 3/4 cup twice a day) depending on the brand of food you use they usually print a guideline of how much to feed on the back according to weight. I'm not saying this is absolute (because honestly, why wouldn't they want you to feed more so you have to buy more) but it is generally a good outline as to how much protein and fat your puppy is getting/needs. I know there is a link somewhere around here on the forums that does a formula/guide for how much to feed... probably try to look around the old posts and see if you can find it!
good luck, and remember that no one knows whats better for your puppy than you and your instinct.

[MyPemCharlie]

One cup a day doesn't sound like much for a puppy. Charlie ate 2 cups a day until a couple months ago when I switched him to a higher calorie all-life-stages food, then I only cut him to 1.5 cups and he's looking a little lanky like he could stand to eat more.

Anyway, I would start with what the Iam's food bag says, and weigh him at least once a week. He should grow approximately one pound a week until 20 weeks. If you can see his ribs, he needs more food. If he starts looking like an overfilled water balloon or gaining much more than a pound a week, cut back a little.

[Michael Romanos]

If you are feeding your pup with super premium or premium, AAFCO-approved puppy-specific dry food, the packaging details spell out the guideline for feeding quantities. If you also feed some supplements and treats to your pup, these should be taken into account in regard to total daily quaintity. A pup should have a full meal divided into three-four small meals per day.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by MyPemCharlie

Anyway, I would start with what the Iam's food bag says, and weigh him at least once a week. He should grow approximately one pound a week until 20 weeks. If you can see his ribs, he needs more food. If he starts looking like an overfilled water balloon or gaining much more than a pound a week, cut back a little.

Chris has good advice. Use the food bag recommendations as a guideline and adjust what your puppy eats from there.

A good rule of thumb is as much as he wants to eat in 20 min. If he eats all you give him in 20 min. next time give a bit more. If he's leaving food you're giving too much.

How old is your puppy?

Peggy

[rme147]

He is 7 weeks old. This morning I actually gave him 2/3 cup and he walked away from in after about 10 min, then went back and finished a few minutes later. Thank you for the 20 minute tip though. I'll start doing that.

[Michael Romanos]

Don't give your pup a full meal at the one time - divide it into three or four during the day between 8am and 5pm.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by rme147

He is 7 weeks old. This morning I actually gave him 2/3 cup and he walked away from in after about 10 min, then went back and finished a few minutes later. Thank you for the 20 minute tip though. I'll start doing that.

At 7 weeks he should be eating 4 times a day. I'd try a 1/2 cup 4 times a day and see how he does on that. At this age I still soak the food some.

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

Yes. When Taylor was a puppy, I always put a little warm water with the dry food just before giving it to him and allowed the little water to soak in for 10 minutes.
But I must say that all the premium dry food Taylor has had in his 5 years, none have been too hard for a puppy to successfully consume which would be adverse for the lining in his tummy or in producing too hard stools - that's never been a problem.