My large breed puppy eats fast and is always hungry. What to do?

I would recommend feeding3-4 times a day at this age, if his appetite is poor then he will not be able to consume enough nutrition in two large meals. I do not recommend home preparing diets, especially in large and giant breed puppies with a risk of joint and bone disorders developing as they mature due to nutrient deficiencies and or excesses. It is practically impossible to mix some added protein and supplements to a high quality pupy food and expect the diet to become balanced. Consult a specialist nutritionist for specific tailored large breed puppy diets if you wish to cook for Dante

You can try splitting his feedings into smaller more frequent meals. Another idea would be to get a slow feed food bowl to slow his eating down. I would also make sure that you are weighing him regularly and feeding according to the growth chart on the food. I would not recommend leaving the food down for him to eat all he wants. This could cause him bad GI upset or more serious issues like bloat. Hope this helps some. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss nutrition and feeding in more detail I am happy to provide consultation services.

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 !Does Leia eat very quickly ? If so, have you tried feeding her using one of those slow feeding bowls ? It might be an idea. Also she should be on three meals per day at least. If your’re having the same problem with the slow feeder, then maybe consider changing her diet. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

Growing puppies need a lot of calories, and I do recommend feeding at least three times a day at this age. It is normal for them to poop 3 or even 4 or 5 times a day! As long as the stool is solid and well formed, this is perfectly normal. Every dog has a slightly different metabolism. If you are feeding the recommended amount on the bag, that is a good place to start. Over the next month you will want to watch his weight. If he seems to be developing fat rolls over this neck and shoulders, you might want to cut back a little. If he is becoming thin and you can see his ribs or hips, then increase the amount. You may have to increase or decrease his food over time as he continues to grow.

Bravo sounds like a typical Golden Retriever! They can be very food motivated. I would ask your vet about the proper amounts to feed him based on his weight, and they'll be able to tell you if he's growing aappropriately as well. We don't want large breed dogs growing too fast as it can predispose them to joint problems. Best of luck!

Congratulations on your new puppy! You should feed him 3-4 times a day until he is 4-6 months old. Then he can be fed twice a day. The amount of food to feed him depends on the diet you feed him. Every dog food bag will have instructions on the back and this is a loose guide. You and your veterinarian can adjust the food as needed. Bubba MUST eat a large breed puppy food. The diet I recommend is the Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy. This diet will allow an even growth and it is highly digestible. German Shepherds can be very sensitive dogs when it comes to food. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.