How much to feed the puppy?

[Jethro]

Hello,
My puppy is just over 4 months and weighs 23 pounds. He continues to gain weight. He was 15 pounds 6 weeks ago. He looks like skin and bones. Rib bones are very prominent. I feed him in the morning and late afternoon. Presently he gets 1 1/2 cups per meal. That is 3 cups per day. I have a 65 pound 7 month old Doberman puppy that is gaining weight eating 4 cups per day. I feed Canidae brand dog food. How many cups per day would you feed a 23 pound 18 week old Boxer puppy?
Thank you
P.S. He is happy, energetic, and playful.

Moderator note: thread moved from the Boxer ring forum to the Puppy feeding forum.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

According to their feeding guidlines you should be feeding around 2 cups for your pup's age and weight so if you're giving 3 I wouldn't be concerned. Boxer pups are known for being very lean and not filling out until 2-3 years of age. May want to give 3 meals a day instead of 2 since he/she is only 4 months old (typically you switch to 2 meals at 6 months old), feed 1 cup 3 times a day and that may make some difference. You could also add in some fresh meat such as ground beef or boiled chicken or a high quality canned.

But overall I wouldn't be too concerned. Has your vet said anything negative about your pup's weight? If he/she is eating, drinking, active, healthy, then they may just be a skinny pup (which again many have issues with) and may also be on the smaller side full grown. You're feeding a good quality food and more than the feeding guides say so if your vet is okay with their weight and they're still active and gaining then you're probably just fine.

 

[jdogg]

For what it's worth:

Sadie is just over 4 months (by 4 days) and she currently weighs 26lbs. I went through the same ordeal as you as thinking she was too skinny but I also was under-feeding her somewhat. I gradually increased her food over a month/month and a half (or so) and she is now eating 3 cups/day. She gets 1 cup at breakfast, half a cup at lunch, half a cup in the afternoon (3:15-3:30) and then 1 cup at supper which is anywhere between 6-7pm.

I have always been feeding her 4 times a day so I think my problem was just under feeding by a small amount. Anyways, her ribs have filled out to only showing the last 2 sets like they're supposed to.

I also am in the last stages of transition her from Blue Buffalo Puppy to Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream. I give her very little treats unless we are training and I praise her. Because of the transition her feeding requirements have actually increased with the TOTW food but I have not increased to the recommended amount just yet and will not until I take her off the Blue completely.

I even made a similar post that I would recommend that you read because of the replies to that post from users on this board.

On another note, I remember you saying you were from B-town(sorry, had to)... have you been to the new Jackson/Jennings Co-op in 'S-town'? This is where I buy my TOTW. I'm not sure if they have Canidae but they have Kong toys, leashes, bully sticks... you name it. It's been great for me in that I don't have to make a trip to Columbus anymore and the prices are right compared to Petco. I also just recently purchased a large crate for Sadie there and was quite a bit cheaper than Petco's. However, if I were still feeding Sadie Blue Buffalo I would have to go to Petco as I didn't find anyone in town who sold it. I work in Columbus though so it wouldn't be too big of an issue.

 

[jdogg]

Whoops! I just realized that you are not the Jethro that I was talking about. That is another user with 'Jethro' in their name. Sorry!