When and How Much to Feed
Puppies need to eat more because their bodies are growing at an astounding rate. This doesn't just translate into quantity of food, however. Their active systems require more frequent meals, not just larger meals. As outlined in earlier chapters of this book, a young puppy's schedule includes about four feedings — one in the early morning, one around midday, one in the late afternoon, and one in the evening.
The quantity of food your pup should receive will vary depending on several factors. One is, obviously, the size of your puppy. In general, the larger the dog, the more food it will need. Adding to the complexity is individual need: Two puppies from the same litter may eat completely different amounts. One may seem to gobble up food while another barely touches it. Just like people, dogs are unique creatures.
Your pup's breeder should have given you a guideline for getting started relative to how much to feed your pup. For the first few days, his excitement and nerves may cause him to lose his appetite. Start off feeding about half of what your breeder recommended so that you aren't wasting food. If your pup eats it all, give a little more.
Here is the recommended timeline for cutting back on the number of meals you feed your puppy during the day:
Age one to six months, four times a day
Age six to eleven months, three times a day
Eleven months and older, two times a day
What if my pup doesn't finish his food?
If this happens within the first few days of coming to your home, and everything else appears normal, then you might attribute a lack of appetite to nerves. If your pup is eating all of his food and then stops for some reason, suspect a medical condition. If he's cleared by the veterinarian and still doesn't finish, he may be trying to tell you he doesn't like the food.
One of the reasons you should feed a certain amount at certain times of the day is so you can monitor your pup's health. For most dogs, food is a primary motivator, and they are enthusiastic about meal times. Wanting the food and finishing the food in a certain period (ten to fifteen minutes), indicates that the pup's appetite and energy level are normal. If a pup is typically enthusiastic about food and suddenly declines a meal, you can be sure something is bothering him. Take the food away and keep a close eye on him, ready to call the vet if his condition doesn't change or you notice anything else unusual.
This French Bulldog puppy has a healthy appetite and is eager to eat his food. Discourage fussy eating, and if your pup refuses food, suspect that there is a health issue.
