[trlockard13]

I have a 5 month old lab/chow mix who is 40 lbs. I currently feed him Iams active puppy for large breeds. He loved it for a while and about a month ago his appetite decreased. He used to eat his entire meal within a half hour and now when I go to feed him his dinner he still has his morning food left. He is being fed twice a day and 3 cups a meal (following the guidelines on the bag). I thought it was because he wasn't being exercised enough but I have picked that up and still no change. At the start of his decrease in eating I believe it was due to him teething really bad, so I watered down his food. It helped a little, but not a lot.

I don't know if it is just a stage he is in, and that 3 cups is a lot to adapt to. Or if I need to change to Purina. Exercise him more.

Any advice would be appreciated!! Thank you!

[Dakota Spirit]

6 cups of food a day is A LOT of food for a 5 month old puppy. I know some adult dogs that don't even eat that much...

You may also want to call your vet and see what they have to say. It could be a health problem and they would be the best ones to advise you on whether or not you need to come in. I'd bet they will tell you you are feeding to much...but it's always best to be sure.

[RawFedDogs]

Originally Posted by trlockard13

He used to eat his entire meal within a half hour and now when I go to feed him his dinner he still has his morning food left. He is being fed twice a day and 3 cups a meal (following the guidelines on the bag).

The amount he eats or doesn't eat is of absolutely no importance. His build is what is important. As long as he's not getting too thin, don't worry about the amount he is eating. You should be able to see his last 2 ribs or so, see a definate waist line behind his rib cage, and not see hip bone or spine. If that is the case, don't worry about how much he is eating.

The manufacturers are notorious for putting too much volume on their suggested feeding guidelines. This is to make you feed more thus buy more of their product.

[Willowy]

My adult male Rottweiler (about 125 pounds) only eats 4 cups a day....I really think you're feeding him too much. I don't think he could fit that all inside of him. The amount on the bag is usually too much for most pet dogs anyway. Are you sure it says he should be getting 6 cups a day? The amount listed is the daily amount, not the per-meal amount.

[GreatDaneMom]

wow. my danes dont even eat that much.

[trlockard13]

I'm not too sure what I've was looking at BUT I couldn't find the feeding guidelines on Iams' page again so I looked at Purinas ProPlan (which I am considering switching to) and he should be fed 2 1/3 cups daily. He is not fat, he looks to be a healthy weight to me. I'm glad I realized my mistake. He knew what he was doing all along!!