My 13-week Lab puppy acts starving. How much should I feed him?

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!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! 3/8 of a cup twice daily for a growing labrador sounds a little under the calories he should be getting daily. He should be consuming closer to 2 cups of the royal canin maxi food daily. Chicken stew and rice are not good sources of nutrients for a growing dog and should not replace eating his regular puppy food and should be discontinued. Just feeding more of his puppy food will help him grow and put on healthy weight. Thanks again for posting!

Start by looking at the bag of food. There is usually a feeding recommendation on the back based on current puppy weight or on expected adult weight. If you find this information and need help calculating an amount, take a picture and post a new question! It will also help us if you have a current weight on the puppy.

Puppies, and Labradors especially, tend to be food motives and some of them can be food obsessed. May sure your puppy is not too thin, if he is then increase the food. Purina 1 is a good diet but if you are looking to change, Royal Canin makes a diet specifically for Labs and it addresses their healthy appetites! They make a puppy and an adult formula and the pets tend to do really well on this diet. Adding canned veggies can also help him to feel full. Get the no salt added variety and watch for any diarrhea as it increases his fiber. Stick to peas, carrots or green beans. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would be sure he is on a good quality large breed puppy food. I like Purina Proplan or the Royal Canin or Hill's Science diet puppy foods. Feed him more than the recommended amount on the bag. At 11 weeks old he should be seeing your Vet for vaccinations. Be sure he has had his stool tested for intestinal parasites and has been dewormed a few times. Parasites are a huge issues in all puppies. Good luck!

A Labrador puppy should be on a large breed puppy food until 15months. A starter food can be used from 2-8weeks as it can be easier to soften and can be fed slightly warm. Be sure to keep up to date with deworming medication and offer additional meals of scrambled egg, canned puppy food or boiled chicken to increase energy intake until stronger

I would feeding him according to the instructions on the label (each food has a different daily allotment). Divide the daily recommendation into three equal portions to feed him three times a day (morning, noon, evening). Once he is six months old, he can be fed twice a day (morning and evening).