Amount of food

Kodiak

New member
When switching over to large breed adult food from the large breed puppy, does one still feed the same amount? We were feeding Ko 5 cups kibble + 1 Pedigree can per day split into two feedings. The directions on the adult food is drastically cut down. Do I follow these directions, or keep feeding him the same amount as before. He always finishes his food.
 

Diane

Inactive Member
We feed both Willie and Amy in the AM and PM - usually about a cup and a half each time. Enough to cover the bottom of their bowl. I throw in a bit more for Willie because he's still growing. This amount of food seems to keep them both lean.
 

HeatherL

New member
Oh my, now you have me worried, your newfs only eat 3 cups of food a day. How old are they? We feed Kaysie who is 1 about 6-8 cups a day. The vet recommeded 6-7, should she be getting less?

Heather
 

Annie Milliron

Alpha Goddess
Hi everyone...

Cora (our slightly overweight 4 year old newf) is getting 1.5 cups of Nutro's Natural Choice Large Breed Weight Management twice a day.

Kira (our hyperactive-tail chasing 18 month old) is getting 2 cups Nutro's Natural Choice Lamb Meal & Rice Formula for Adult Dogs twice a day.

When we got Sadie (now at the bridge) she was 50 lbs overweight. At the time she was surrendered to rescue, she was being fed 10 cups of Kibble & Bits PLUS 2 cans of ALPO a day!!! The vet put her on Science Diet's prescription weight loss food- she only was allowed 2 cups twice a day. The poor baby was frantic. She lost weight though!

I think the amount you feed your Newf depends on the food -AND- the amount of corn in the food. I think that dog foods containing alot of corn should be fed in larger quantities because they create more waste.

I believe there are some websites that have valuable info... I'll find out which one, and post a link here.

Annie
 

Maggiesmom

New member
Annie, A link to a website with info on feeding would be GREAT!! There are so many of us "newbie newfie" owners. And I know I've been searching the web alot and keep finding a lot of sites that have info but not nearly as often as what I'm really looking for.

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Shawn
 

Kodiak

New member
Vet visit last night. Ko is now 7 months and 90 lbs. Asked the vet's opinion on the amount, and she said to follow the bag instructions and since he is still lean, I should keep offering him the same amounts of food and that it's not unusual for a Newfie to put on an average of 10 lbs a month. Has anyone heard of this theory? I just don't want him becoming fat.
 

Diane

Inactive Member
I'd go by what the vet suggests and then just watch your dog...Amy has a tendency to put on weight, for example, and we just cut back a bit on her snacks until she gets a bit leaner. It's usually pretty easy to see the weight gain - plus, both of our Newfs are under the impression that they are lap dogs. It's really easy to feel the weight gain!
 

Lynne

New member
Guys, I'd talk to your breeder about how much to feed, and what they've found works well for their dogs. A lot of vets aren't that familiar with giant breeds, and the bags, as far as I've seen suggest feeding WAY too much. There really isn't a right amount. Just watch YOUR dog's weight. You should always be able to feel their ribs and they should have a waist. My 4 mo old pups are gaining about 5 lbs a week, and that's normal. When they hit 12-18 mos, that rapid growth stage ends and you'll actually have to cut back on their food. That's why it's important to check their weight every time you pet or groom them. You can adjust the amount up or down by a small handful if you notice a change. How much you feed your Newf should be determined by that dog's activity level and metabolism. That's why there are no firm rules. Feed the kind of food and amount that meets the needs of YOUR pup.
Lynne
 

Kootch

New member
Interesting debate...

I just got back from our vet for our 'new puppy checkup' and the vet suggested going to a 'Giant Breed' puppy food. She indicated that our current 'Nutro Large Breed Puppy' food was formulated for Labs, sheppards, dalmations, etc.

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Angus, born Nov 4 2001
 

Miyax

Inactive Member
Just my two cents:

Ese just turned 7 months old and weighs almost 90lbs.

I followed the exact same routine Annie described in the "9 Week Old Not Eating" post and Ese would hardly eat anything, ESPECIALLY if I wasn't nearby. And he'd often 'skip' a meal - not eating at all. Vet said he was fine and to continue the routine.

In the past month and a half he started eating "regularly" and is up to atleast 3 cups per feeding (6 per day) and is still quite slim but again the vet says he's fine. He just has an enormous frame. I've met two newfs at the park - one 11 months old and one is over a year - Ese is taller than both of them by an inch or so. (Which probably only compounds his CHD - will update y'all on that soon if ya care to know what the specialist thinks.)

By the way he gained an average of 12lbs a month.

So I agree, check with the breeder and keep close tabs on their weight, but each dog has different eating habits and like toddlers tend to regulate themselves for the most part.

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"beauty without vanity
strength without insolence
courage without ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices"
- Lord Byron, 1808
 

Kootch

New member
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by newby:
What is a good dog food for a Newf..Eukanuba...Bill-Jac? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I had a lot of people suggest Nutro, which is what our breeder uses as well. I went with the suggestion and it seems pretty decent - Nutro puppy food for Large Breeds to be exact.

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http://members.rogers.com/angusnewf
Angus, born Nov 4, 2001
 

Kanela

Inactive Member
I can personally vouch for Nutro. I feed it to all my animals - dogs and kittens alike. Every single one of them love it and there have been zero allergies.

My 11 week old Newfy, Nani, also gets Nutro Large Breed Puppy and I mix it with a little of the Nutro canned food along with some brown rice. I also supplement her (and the other "kids'"
) diet with fresh veggies, organ meats and some fruits for treats and snacks. They positively glow!


Kanela


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"To err is human.
To forgive, canine."

[This message has been edited by Kanela (edited 01-30-2002).]
 
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