Switching to Wellness...

[SFRose]

Hello All,

I beginning to switch my boxer from a Science Diet dry food to the Wellness. (Lamb) I've heard so many wonderful things on the forums about it. My question is about portions. The recommended feeding amount differs approx 1 & 1/2 cups less of the Wellness than the SD. I have a petie little girl, (only 51 lbs) and she normally eats almost 2 cups am and pm of the SD but the Wellness recommends only 2&2/3 to 3 cups a day. (and tha'ts on the high end of the weight scale)

Is this simply because of differences in ingredients? Lola would eat 20 cups if I put them in fornt of her (she has no shut-off valve!) ....I just don't want her to loose any wieght, she can't afford it. (she was almost emaiciated when I got her as a rescue 8 months ago) I will watch her and she if she's maintinng or loosing after the full switch. How much are others feeding of the Wellness? What does your 'baby' weigh?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[gmacleod]

It's quite normal to feed a lesser amount of super-premium kibbles, yes. Partly it's because the food contains less fillers, but it's also because of higher quality, more 'useable' ingredients. The dog gets more out of his food, so doesn't need to eat as much to get the same benefit.

With that said, what's on the bag is only a guide I'd be inclined to start at the high end of their recommendation and if she starts to lose weight, then increase her food a little. LOL - it's possible you might find she gains and you have to cut her food back too

 

[Lael]

SFRose, I switched Lael to Wellness last year, and I noticed the same thing about the portions. My husband would get so upset with me, because he'd look at how little food I gave her and then accuse me of starving my own baby! (I didn't react to that very well.) Anyhow, Lael gained quite a bit of weight when her 'daddy' started feeding her ... and daddy learned that mommy was right. (I love it when that happens.)

ANYWAYS, the point of my post is just to reassure you that with Wellness, your baby is getting all of the nutrients she needs. Gmacloed's reccommendation of starting high and adjusting as necessary is what we did (we had to decrease a bit), and it worked great.

Good Luck.