Mugen came home eating about 2.5 cups of pro plan a day. I've upped that to 3 a couple weeks ago, and I'm concerned that this isn't enough. Is there a good rule of thumb for when to increase the amount you feed? How do you know when it's time to take it up a notch, so to speak?

Thanks!

When you first start to see the ribs increase the portions. You should be able to easily feel the ribs but not see them - nor feel the hip bones/spine. If you get to the point that you can no longer easily feel the ribs, decrease the portions some. For my Molly, if I know she is going to have a really active day (ie over the weekend) she gets an extra 1/4 cup in the morning and sometimes that evening.

Thank you LB! I use a rubbermaid container to keep dog food in and throw out the bag, so I didn't have it to use as a reference. I know that his breeder said he'd be up to about 8 cups of puppy food a day before I switched him over to adult diet... (OMG! 8 cups?! Geez this seems like a lot!)

8 cups!! OMG! I've NEVER been comfortable feeding more than 2 cups of dog food at any meal....and I only feed twice a day. If a dog needs 8 cups of food, then the answer, for me, is to feed a meat based dog food that has higher calories, not more! (for example, California Natural puppy has well at least 535 calories per cup!) I'd be way too concerned about gastric torsion and other stomach issues - not to mention how much poo that would create.

8 cups!! OMG! I've NEVER been comfortable feeding more than 2 cups of dog food at any meal....and I only feed twice a day. If a dog needs 8 cups of food, then the answer, for me, is to feed a meat based dog food that has higher calories, not more! (for example, California Natural puppy has well at least 535 calories per cup!) I'd be way too concerned about gastric torsion and other stomach issues - not to mention how much poo that would create.

You know... if that number sounds that off to you... let me double check it, because I'll bet you that I had a brain fart and said it was 8, when she probably wrote something else entirely in her document. LOL!

Right now, I feed Mugen 3 times daily, one cup at each meal. He eats meals after I eat meals. Since I'm home with the kid all day long I can afford to break it up a bit more if I have to. I don't like having him on purina, I dislike giving my money to the company on principal so he will eventually be switched over to a food I am more comfortable with feeding. I'm researching some other foods now, but don't plan to switch him over for a bit longer because... 1. he's a puppy and 2. he had giardia and I'm waiting for the latest fecal test result to make sure he's clear of it before I go messing around with his diet, unless my vet tells me to do it asap.