How much to feed?

[zd262]

I know this is a tough question to answer, but I figured I would ask anyway.

Lately Bubba has seemed extra starving, even whining and barking more often than he used to. He is 50 pounds, and a week shy of 6 months. I feed him 4 cups a day of ProPlan adult sensitive stomach formula. His vet seemed really surprised when I said I fed that much, as in I should feed less, but his weight looks great, he's actually very slender (much more of a field lab build than an english lab). His dad was 85 pounds and the breeder projected he would be around that as well, but I think he's looking a little runty for a 6 month old so I'm not sure if he's going to hit that.

Should I feed him more?

[zd262]

He gets 2-3 hours of HARD exercise per day, running & playing with other dogs or playing fetch. Very little casual walking

[Laura]

I would adjust his portions according to proper body condition, maybe leaning very slightly on the plump side as he grows. I wouldn't want to see ribs, but I would want to be able to feel them. It's not unusual for Labs to act like they are starving though.

[ZoeysMommy]

Labs act like they starving, thats pretty normal. If his ribs arent showing and hes thriving then you are feeding enough. You should be able to easily feel his ribs with slight pressure but not see the ribs. Food amounts are based on body condition. 4 cups a day isnt out of the ordinary for a 6 month old lab pup, thats the same amount that my female ate at that age. That amount will decrease probably after hes about 1 or so

And its always best to stay on the slender side, its easier on the joints and much healthier in the long run

[zd262]

Thanks Laura and ZoeysMommy! Since he is slender and still growing like a weed, I think I might start giving him an extra 1/4 or 1/2 cup and see how his form changes.

[Meeps83]

When we got Maverick, our breeder asked us to keep him on the thin side while he was growing. If your guy looks ok, I'd just let it go. If you think he's too thin, just increase a small amount. since he's getting hard play, he may just be burning thru the calories. He also may have a high metabolism.

[Maxx&Emma]

At this age it is not uncommon for them to need an increase in food, especially when they are as busy as Bubba. I would increase up to 1/2 cup and just keep a good eye on his body condition and stools. As long as you can feel ribs and stools remain firm you are not over feeding. I can't remember the exact amount Maxx was eating at that age but he did get up to 5 cups daily. (Not on Pro Plan but on a food with a comparable calorie protein and carb content.) I do remember I started backing down his food amount around 15-16 months. You are the best judge on the amount you feed and all puppies are different in the amount they need while they are growing.

[JenC]

I would add more food. Half a cup a meal and see how he does. Soft poops and cut back.

[lovemylabby]

I would also feed him a little more...you don't want a starving Lab...especially a puppy.