Bull is now 19 weeks and 2 days old. He is on Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy. He weighs about 45 lbs. I saw on the Petsmart site I should be feeding 7 cups per Iams Large Breed, but since I'm doing Nutro, that may not work. I hope I worded this understandable, it's still early for me. Any suggestions I would appreciate. Oh, right now he's getting 1.5 coffee cups of kibble in the morning and 3 at night (about 5 or 6 pm)

Can you feel his ribs? Are his ribs showing? If your lab puppy has visible ribs, then he/she is probably too skinny and needs to gain weight. Slowly increase the amount of food you feed him/her. Keep checking whether the ribs are visible or not. I also would split the food evenly between morning and evening.

I'd rather have a lab on the lean side than a lab that is overweight. Especially a puppy!

Scott

You can check the bag of Nutro for the recommended amount, though I think *most* dog food manufacturers overstate the amount, but it's a reasonable place to start.

I'd also split the portions equally between meals.

Bull's ribs are in no danger of showing. To me he looks beautiful, not too chunky or skinny. So that would mean he is getting enough, right? He gets a walk everyday, and if there's time in the evenings, he gets to run free at my mom's yard for awhile. He will get more excercise in May when my schedule becomes more managable. I will feed him the same amounts in the morning and evening. I guess maybe 2.5 coffee cups in the morn, and 2.5 in the evening.

How big are your coffee cups? It might be a good idea to check them with a regular measuring cup... I think keeping him at a weight where you can EASILY feel (but not see) his ribs and backbone is reasonable. If you can see the last rib or two on a lab puppy it's probably not a bad thing in the long run. Lean is the operative word!

Here's a visual:

http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292

From that site, I will say I feel Bull is in the "Ideal" range.

I don't know if its the same for puppies, but I now measure the food by calories?

My advice is to get a Measurer cup and foolow the recommendation by the company !

I don't know if its the same for puppies, but I now measure the food by calories?

That's the easiest way for me as well. That way, even if you change foods, you know exactly how much to feed.