Took Roxy to the Vet the other day for her first boosters at 9.5 weeks. She weighs 14lbs. I told the Vet that Roxy eats all her meals within a couple of minutes. The vet told me to increase her food amount.

"Feed her no more than she can eat in 15 minutes"

After hearing this, I thought....she is not a fish. She said it will curb her tenacious desire to eat and also aid in her growing. Well, that's obvious but i do not want her to be over weight and then cause joint stress. i currently feed her 3 cups per day.

Should i increase the amount of food?

If I had tried this method, my inhaler of a puppy would have eaten until she bloated or barfed.

My pup was about the same weight at 10 weeks and I don't think that I ever fed her more than 3 cups/day.

How much you should feed depends on how she looks. Also, whether you feed a food high or low in calories -- some foods can provide down to 250kcal/cup whereas others are up around 500kcal/cup.

Perhaps the Vet meant to feed you dog its ration of food and pick it up after 15 minutes if any is uneatten as opposed to keep adding food to the dogs dish for 15 minutes..

it depends on the food you are feeding. are there any indications on the bag?
i too wouldnt have taken the vet's instructions as mine would inhale enough in 15 min to be at the emergency vet.

Are your puppy's ribs showing? If not, find a new vet. One that is familiar with Labs and understands the dangers of overweight.

There was an extensive discussion of weight in a recent newsletter from a service dog school.

''Obesity is the number one nutritional disease affecting dogs. It's estimated that 25-45% of dogs in the US are obese. Studies have shown that joint and locomotive problems increase by 57%, circulatory problems by 74%, respiratory problems by 52%, skin problems by 40% and cancer by 50% in animals that are overweight.

Large breed dogs that are overweight also are more prone to developing hip dysplasia. Obesity is especially dangerous for young puppies, as their underdeveloped frame cannot support the extra poundage that it must carry.''

While some may say Labs aren't large breeds, the newsletter was directed to those raising mostly Labs and similar sized breeds.


It is typical of Labs to eat very rapidly. There are not one, but 2 easy, tested, effective ways to control rapid eating. You can spread the food out on a cookie sheet or something. Some of my friends just throw it on the floor of the crate. You can put large rocks in the food dish, much to big to swallow. Either way, the dog can't gulp down one big mouthful after another.

If you share the service dog school's goal of a long, active life, you will determine how much to feed by the puppy's body condition. Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

I had a vet tell me to feed a puppy all he would eat in 15 minutes as well. We found a new vet :brow:

I had a vet tell me to feed a puppy all he would eat in 15 minutes as well. We found a new vet :brow:

Oh good lord! My Hamish could have an entire bag of kibble devoured in 15 minutes! *LOL*