Hi! We have an awesome new 8.5 week Old CKC registered black lab puppy named Gunner! The breeder said he was eating 2 times per day 1/2 a cup Of kibble. He is doing fine on that but when do we feed him More?? We need guidance about feeding habits!! Thanks!
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy Hi and welcome Pups of that age need to be on 4 small meals a day. I would check the packaging as to amounts (I've only ever fed 80-85% of the recommended weight) and split into 4 meals. What food is he on? I've never heard of a breeder feeding pups twice a day........they have small sensitive tummies that need time to develop.
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy He is on Shure Gain all natural food. We received a sample bag from the breeder and he is doing great on it but we will increase his amount. I'd hate to change and mess up his tummy!! He just seems to want more!! We don't want h to be hungry. We put up his water after 7pm and he sleeps with no crying in his crate from 11-6pm! How should we increase him ??
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy Two meals a day isn't unheard of - that is exactly what Pongo was on when we had him from the breeder (at 9.5 weeks), he has always had two meals and done well on it. I do know that most people start with three or four meals a day, but it may make sense to stick with what he is used to from the breeder - see what other, more expert people on this forum suggest. What I would say is that labradors are ALWAYS hungry! So don't let that 'please feed me I'm starving' look fool you. As a rule of thumb, our breeder told us that we should feed the puppy roughly the size of his own head per day (kibble before soaking). Not very scientific, though. I haven't heard of Shure-Gain (I don't think they operate in the UK) - are there no guidelines on the packet? Welcome!
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy thanks!! Our breeder is top of the line and I am happy to hear others have Done the 2 meals and stuck to it! We are in Canada and Shure Gain is an all natural food Bought in specialty pet stores!! He is doing so well and the sample from the breeder was not in the original Package as she had a 50lb bag for the litter so I don't have the original pkg. I'll have it Tuesday after I get to The pet store!! It's Canadian Thanksgiving here!! I won't give in to the feed me puppy eyes!! Lol thanks so much!!!
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy Just wanted to say 'welcome to the forum' Sounds like you are really enjoying your pup and I'm sure he is gorgeous.
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy Hi and welcome. There should be feeding guidelines on the packet or on the makers website. We fed 4 times a day and are still on 3 times at 6 months. I NEVER take water up; it's available all through the night (right from 8 weeks). This was on the advice of the breeders who are very experienced. From 8 weeks, I weighed my pup each week and followed the recommended increases and decreases on the food packaging (eukanuba). There are lots of debates about feeding. Lots of luck and fun times with your puppy
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy I have just looked up their website, which is still under construction but there is a Contact Us link, so you could email and ask for feeding guidance.
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy What is your pup's name? And remember we are always very greedy for puppy photos on this forum - see if you can post one for us! Have fun and enjoy your bundle of fun (and get ready for the crocodog phase.... : ) Rosie (and Pongo)
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy I have always fed my pups four times a day, then three and then finally two meals a day at 6 months. The pups tend to give up the midday meal on their own. It is important that you feed the pup adequately, so I would have thought three meals a day would be better, although this would be the same amount of food you would be giving in the two meals. To feed the correct amount, either weigh it out is Jane Martin recommends as the puppy grows, or feed to how the pup looks, if Gunner looks a bit skinny then increase. I would also do as Jane Martin does and that is not to take the water up at 7pm. A dog should have access to water at all times, except of course overnight in the crate!
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy I leave water down in the crate 24 hours a day. Had no problems with it. I use a heavy earthenware water dish that is too heavy to tip over. Not everyone does this
Re: Feeding our 8.5 week old Black lab puppy His name is Gunner and he is currently asleep on my shoulder!! We are adjusting the feeding as he grows and will speak to the breeder about how they suggest we increase! He loves his peanut butter flavoured puppy treats that are basically kibble with peanut butter that go in his puppy Kong!! We have changed the water plan after reading the replies. He is doing very well and we do love him!! I'm sure there will be trying times like there were with our golden retriever years ago and our Shih Tzu. How do I add a pictures?? I weighed him tonight and he weighs around 3.7kg and he is 8.5 weeks old. From what I have read on other posts on this site about weights that is within normal. He is from a strong bloodline of field champions so not the bigger show dogs. Thanks everyone.
