labs~rule
11-19-2005, 01:20 PM
Boozer always seem hungrey and with the help of the vet we have up his food to 4 1/2 cups a day, he is around 35 pounds right now. He is not an agressive eater but seems to eat even faster when we are standing by him. The vet suggested that we hand feed more again because he should not feel threaten when we are around. He does not even chew the food when we hand feed him, he just sucks it up like a vacuum. Is this normal or good for him. I know that he is a lab and I don't want to over feed him but what should I do. Does he eat like this because he is hungry or because he is threaten by us....Any suggestions??
Dad of Jes
11-19-2005, 01:34 PM
What kibble are you feeding? I ask because there may be some foods that are still suitable for a Lab puppy but have a few more calories so that you don't have to feed 4 1/2 cups/day (although that doesn't sound that high for a puppy)
RAVEN7720
11-19-2005, 01:35 PM
Hey there,
My male lab did that only while in the company of my other dog which he was fed around since he was 6 weeks old. The other dogs never bothered him he just got a complex and did the same vacuum technique that you talked about. This caused alot of upset stomachs and numerous vomitting sessions. I agree with your vet as I hand fed him for some time and he learned to acquaint me and the other dogs I guess as non threatning to his meal time. I would take the advice of the vet and give it a whirl and see how it goes. Hope it helps!
labs~rule
11-19-2005, 01:45 PM
He is on nutrience lb puppy right now. Although he inhales his food he has never has any problems with throwing up or anything like that. We have hand feed many times before but slacked off for a while because he was doing ok. :nono:
Dad of Jes
11-19-2005, 01:49 PM
In all honesty, that sounds normal. Most puppies of all breeds inhale their food at that age. Jes slowed down tremendously (although still eats fast relative to other dogs we've had) after about 7-8 months of age.
Louie Legend
11-19-2005, 03:25 PM
When we first brought Louie home at 7 weeks, it seemed like it took him 20 minutes or more to eat half a cup. Now at 5 mos he can down 2 cups in less than 2 minutes. He's never really had a problem with it. 4 1/2 cups doesn't sound too bad. That's about what Louie eats now. I think he was closer to 3 1/2 cups at 35lbs, but it all depends on the food.