Hungry Puppy

[kaesacks]

My boxer puppy Tucker just turned 13 weeks on wednesday. I have been feeding him 1cup of grain-free source simply nourish 3 times a day. His weight and body condition look perfect but he seems hungry to me. I do not want to over feed him or under feed him. The guides say 2-4 cups a day so should I increase to 4 cups or is that too much? He is always looking in every ones food bowls for more food. I am also going to be switching him to Earthborn starting this week- the Coastal Catch, hoping that it will help with his itchiness. He bites his back legs and scratches quiet a bit but only at night for some reason. I am switching to see if it is related to food considering his skin looks perfectly healthy otherwise. TIA

 

[brodieboxer]

You could try increasing his food a little bit - maybe 1/4 c. more per feeding. Back off if he gets loose poo or starts getting pudgy. He may be going through a big growth spurt right now. If you switch foods, make sure you do it gradually so as not to cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea. I've had dogs who could switch in just a few days, but with boxers, I've found that most need a gradual switch - at least 10 days, some up to a month.

Interesting that he only itches at night. That makes me suspect something environmental, rather than his food. Does he sleep in/on something that he only uses at night (bedding)? I'm thinking laundry detergent, softener, dust mites, etc. - very common allergens.

 

[kaesacks]

That's a great idea... Never thought about him being allergic to something environmental. He actually sleeps in our bed so maybe I will put his bed in our room at night and see if he improves somewhere else. I will increase his food tomorrow and see how he does. Thanks do much!