8 month old Newf not eating enough

[Deano1]

We have an 8 month old male newf, and I'm worried that he's not gaining weight like he should. He is 87 pounds, is this a normal weight at this age based on anyone's experience? I really expected him to be over 100 at this point.

He is a picky eater, and no matter how much I try there are many days where he eats only a couple cups of food, and some days none, even though I can tell he's hungry. He is totally healthy, and we've taken him to the vet several times. Any tips on how to get him interested in food again? (things to mix in with his food, behavioral approaches, etc)

Thanks!

 

[Jeannie]

As a general rule a newf should weigh 10 lbs for every month of age. So an 8 month old should weigh about 80 lbs. That can vary depending on the bone of the dog. My Adam was always about 8-10 lbs more when Chase was always 10 pounds less.

The more you mix stuff in his food the more picky he will become. No dog will let themselves starve. Just put the food out for 15 minutes at breakfast time. If he does not eat pick it up and do the same that evening. No other treats or food throughout the day. He has to learn to eat his food. Believe me they learn very quickly how to manipulate us into giving them what they want. As long as he has no health problems he should be fine.

 

[wrknnwf]

I agree with Jeannie...10 lbs per month. And your dog will not starve himself. As she suggests, leave food down for a short period and if not eaten, wait till next feeding time. Also, you do NOT want them to put on weight too fast. A slow gain is far better so their joints don't suffer down the road.

When my Newfs were pups, they ate around 4 to 5 cups of food a day. When they reached about 7 months of age, they started getting picky and wanting less. I think it must be a normal stage for them.

As adults, none of mine eat/ate more than 2 cups of kibble a day (1 cup per meal). Please note that they are eating a premium quality kibble so need far less than cheap dog food which has little nutritional value.

And also know that a dog is going to get as big as he is genetically programmed to grow assuming a quality diet. My smallest male was 125 lbs in his prime (lived to 13 3/4), and was very active all his life. The other two males were and are 145 lbs. Both very tall rescues with multiple physical problems. My female was 120 lbs in her prime and healthy until her death at 11 1/2. Each dog is different, so don't get hung up on numbers.

Newfs do not mature fully until around 4 years of age. That is, he will be skinny-ish and awkward for a long while and then really start to fill out closer to maturity. So be patient.

So don't worry about your dog not eating. Two cups a day is not abnormal; it's common at this age. He will grow as big as he is supposed to, so don't rush it. Just make sure you're feeding a really good food.

 

[victoria1140]

So long as he is eating something that's the most important,however l do tend to rotate foods slightly so one day chicken,two days later fish ,few days later lamb so mine don't get bored of foods.

What are his ribs like,my girls are 9 1/2 months old and though they have a layer of fat over their ribs l can still feel them.

Some days they get a topper of fish or tinned meat but the main thing is they eat what l give them.l have cut out their third meal again to see how they go and unless they start bringing up bile again then its two square meals a day.

What do you feed him as quality is sometimes more important than quantity.mine are all fed on grain free foods

 

[Ginny]

Jane's advice about NOT focusing on the numbers is dead on. Too often the Standard is read and those new to the breed, strive to have their dogs reach those weights and quickly. Each dog's genetically programmed weight is different; this is even true of dogs within the same litter. Slow growth is key with giants. If your pup doesn't want to eat, don't force it. Changing foods to entice or frequent topping, is, IMO, a recipe for creating a very picky eater. As has been said, put the food down for about 20 minutes and take up what's not been eaten. He won't allow himself starve!

10 pounds/mo. is a general rule. I've had some that have consistently been below that, some right there, and others consistently over that. Genetics is the deciding factor. You should be able to easily feel the ribs. If they're protruding and the spine and pelvic bones are sticking out, he's too thin. If you have to push to feel the ribs, he's too fat. Being overweight is far more detrimental to his health and adult soundness than being underweight. I, personally, keep mine very thin...