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Dog Food Forum Dog Food Forums - Come here to talk about what type of dog foods different people recommend for their dogs. Find tips and tricks about what certain dogs may enjoy eating.
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Old 11-20-2009, 12:04 PM   #1
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How do I know if my puppy likes his food?

I'm a new puppy owner so I'm not sure how to read their mind yet. I'm feeding my puppy Parker Natural Balance Potato and Duck formula. How do I know if he likes it? The first night he was on it, he dug right in and ate super fast. Maybe he was just hungry. But now it seems like he eats a bowl a day (Isn't the recommended amount usually 1 cup, twice a day?) He'll eat a few bites and be done until later. Does he not like it and only eat when he's really hungry? He was on Purina Pro Plan Chicken for about a week after I brought him home and he seemed to like that. Maybe I should change him to the Sweet Potato and Chicken formula?
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Old 11-20-2009, 12:12 PM   #2
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Re: How do I know if my puppy likes his food?

I wouldn't worry about what he likes or doesn't like too much. Buy a food that has good ingredients, that he does well on (good stool, nice coat, good energy, etc) and just offer that to him. As long as he's eating it, then it's perfectly fine.

If you try to find something that he likes, he will just get pickier and pickier thinking you'll give him better food. First you buy a different dog food, then you'll have to add canned or he won't eat, then he will only eat human food and it's just a never ending terrible cycle.

Pick one food, stick to it and offer it to him during the day. If he decides not to eat it, then take it away and don't feed him until next meal. If he doesn't eat the next meal, take it away again. He will learn to eat what you give and what's good for him.

If you're free feeding, most puppies know how much to eat to fill themselves up and I wouldn't worry about it at all.

As for how much to feed...it depends on how old your puppy is and how much he weighs as well as how much energy he uses a day!

On the food bag, there should be a feeding chart based on age, weight and activity. It tells you the recommended amount. However, if he eats a little less than the recommended, it's normal because often bags recommend a bit more than they need.
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Old 11-20-2009, 12:36 PM   #3
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Re: How do I know if my puppy likes his food?

Puppies often come too fat. Over feeding causes no end of problems including picky eating. The package is only a place to start. If he is otherwise doing OK, I wouldn't risk making more changes in food.

Many dogs will snarf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.
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Old 11-20-2009, 12:42 PM   #4
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Re: How do I know if my puppy likes his food?

Ohhh, just like a kid! That makes sense. Silly puppy. Thanks!
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