Dog Community

Small Eater...Problem?

Posted : 1/29/2007 8:47:39 AM

Hello,

Just want some input. I have a 2 year old Havanese who is about 16 lbs. He recently (9 days ago) switched to Natural Balance allergy food due to some rampant allergies. He was getting regular meat (chicken/ livers/turkey etc w/ veggies). I am AMAZED at the difference in him in 1 week! He has soooo much more energy, he is pooping well and allergies are all but gone. Andy is like a different dog. He must not have felt not for a while and as an inexperienced pet owner I didn't know.

Anyway, my question is this. Natural Balance says he should eat about 1 1/2 cans of dog food per day. That is about 18ozs. He doesn't eat anywhere near that. (that is like 10% of his body weight!). He is eating about 3/4 of a can (maybe a bit less). He seems to be comfortable with that and not showing signs of hunger. I also give him about 1oz of lamb roll and about 2-3 dry lamb treats per day. Do you think this is a problem or do other people have dogs that eat less than the recommended portions?

Any info , advice or opinions appreciated.

Vickie

probe1957

Posted : 1/29/2007 9:01:24 AM

It isn't unusual to feed less than the feeding guidelines recommend. In fact, I think it is quite common.

tzu_mom

Posted : 1/29/2007 9:17:41 AM

Do you happen to know what the calorie count is for the food he is eating. I can't find it on NB's website.
At any rate, what you feed is directly related to how active your pup is. A moderately active dog should consume about 2% of his body weight per day--which in your case would be approximately 320 kcals/day. If he is more active, 2.5%-3% of his body weight--less active, 1.5% of his body weight.

I usually find that the food companies tend to recommend a bit on the high side. If your pup is comfortable, and maintaining his weight---you are doing just fine.

sallya

Posted : 1/29/2007 7:26:40 PM

I have never followed the directions on a bag or can. I give treats and fresh food also, so directions mean nothing to me. If the doggie is a good weight, it is fine.

My Trudy also eats Nat. Balance, Salmon and Sweet potato. I am thankful to have this food!!!

So glad your dog is doing so well. Keep track of the weight and ask the vet next visit if she is a good weight. Then you can know where to keep her weight.

beth82

Posted : 1/29/2007 7:37:15 PM

Most pet food companies' feeding recommendations are too high for the average spayed/neutered housepet. Personally, I just feed the amount that keeps my dogs at a healthy weight, which is usually 1/2 to 3/4 of what the label says they should eat.

grab01

Posted : 1/29/2007 7:41:14 PM

I never feed the amount on the bag. If I did I'd have two sausage dogs[&:]

chelsea_b

Posted : 1/29/2007 8:46:51 PM

Seriously. I just bought a bag of Pinnacle duck and potato for Cherokee. The bag says feed a 60 pound dog, are you ready? FIVE cups a day! The food has almost 400 calories per cup! Good gracious! My dog would be dead from obesity in a month if I fed her that much! I'm planning on half that. I usually figure about 1000 calories for her, maybe a bit less.