How much water, food, and safe treats for my 8-week lab puppy?

I recommend a good quality food like Hills puppy food for large breed dogs. That has all the nutrition he needs without giving him too much nutrients which can make him fat and cause bone problems from growing too fast. I don’t feed dogs wet food, it’s not necessary. You can moisten the dry for a week or two until he can chew it well. Personally I do not let puppies be around other unvaccinated dogs until they have completed their series of vaccinations at fourteen weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Blueberry.

Exercise: as much as Murphy wants! At this age, I don't push them if they seem tired, but offer several small activities throughout the day to help burn off the excess puppy energy. Water: free choice. Leave a bowl out and let Murphy drink when he is thirsty. If he is outside for a while, water should also be available outside. Food: it depends on the food you are feeding and the current weight of the puppy. Hill's large breed puppy is a good choice. There are feeding guidelines on the bag. For 15 pounds and under 4 months of age, Murphy should get 2 cups per day (or 1 cup morning and night). Go to this link and scroll down to "Feeding Guide" and then look at the chart, as it will change as he grows and ages. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-food/sd-canine-puppy-large-breed-dry NO RAWHIDES! As an emergency vet, I see so many issues with rawhides, it just isn't worth it. Look for toys designed for puppies and their very sharp teeth. I like Starmark toys/treats. Treats should always be given when Murphy is supervised to avoid any disasters. If you haven't already taken Murphy to the vet, now is a good time. He should have already received his first vaccination, and the vet will often discuss health and feeding and behaviors at this first appointment.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!! It sounds like you are doing the right thing nutritionally with Buddy. I would make sure that the puppy Pedigree you are feeding is for larger breed dogs since he is a Lab. Boiled eggs are a great protein source and good fat source but I don't think you need to give that everyday. Maybe decrease the frequency of that to allow him to grow a slower rate like the larger breed puppy foods account for. Puppies get dirty and need to be bathed. It's ok to bathe him but just keep him warm and dry him off good once you are done. Use a good oatmeal shampoo, preferably one without soap or detergent especially if you are using topical flea and tick products. Soap/detergent shampoos will strip some of those products off, lessening their duration and effectiveness. Cooked chicken without the skin is a good treat or addition to a dogs diet. Just remember we don't want him to grow too fast so don't feed a lot at one time and spread out the frequency of giving extra protein to him. Good luck with Buddy. I hope this helps you provide the best life for him.

I would recommend giving her only dog specific treats, no bones (cooked or uncooked), or rawhides. There's a wide variety of dog treats available, but I personally like dental treats, such as Greenies or Denta Chews. Do not give her any human foods, as many are toxic to dogs. I will link a website that lists human foods she can never have: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/

At eight weeks of age, I wouldn't give treats just yet unless you are training Blueberry. I like Beggin Strips. As for food, he should be fed three times a day, once in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Each food has a different daily requirement, so look at the instructions on his bag of food, and divide the daily requirement into three equal portions. Best of luck.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like this is a repeat question, but in case you didn't see the previous answer, I'll re-post it here: At Maverick's young age, it's best to do 3-4 smaller feedings a day rather than one or two big meals. Every dog will be a little bit different in terms of nutritional demands, based on their metabolism and activity level, and every food is a little different in its calorie content. So, start with what the bag recommends for his size, and adjust it as needed according to what his body shape is doing. You want to be able to easily feel his ribs without seeing them. I would anticipate with Maverick's age and size he should be getting somewhere around 1.5 cups daily total, divided into 3-4 small meals (so, about 3 meals of 1/2 cup each could be a good starting point - but make sure this sounds consistent with the feeding instructions on that bag, since as discussed every food is a little different). Maverick should be getting his puppy vaccines every 3-4 weeks now until hes 16 weeks old, so your vet can help you evaluate his feeding amount next time they see him. It is normal for many dogs (especially labs!) to be very enthusiastic about food and to scarf it down very quickly. Left to their own devices, many dogs will eat themselves to sickness, so you cannot take is enthusiasm for eating as a sign that he needs more. Rather, adjust his food based on how his body shape is responding to his current feeding regimen. Make sure you're feeding him a high quality puppy food (it should be labeled for puppies, not "all life stages" or adults). Hope this helps!

In minimal quantity it could be fine, but be aware they may cause diarrhoea and stomach upset. It would be best to getting him used to carrots and similar healthy treats which can be then used for training as well.