Feeding

[pickleweed]

Hi Everyone,

My mini schnauzer is 11 weeks old and I have been feeding him 3 times a day (that's what the breeder recommended). I am feeding him Nutro Max since that's what the breeder had him on. I soak his kibbles in some water so it gets nice and soft. I wanted to know at what age do I stop softening his food? Also, I wanted to know each time I feed him, how much should the amount be? I don't want to over feed the little guy and have him plumped up like a turkey! Right now, I am feeding him a little more than a handful of softened kibbles (they get big after they've been soaked in water). So it's less than half a cup each time. At what age should I start to feeding him 2 times a day? Do I start feeding him 2 times a day when he's 6 months?

Thanks! :)

Shi

[lassie]

well i feed two meals still at 6 mths, dropping down to 1 at 7mths. Most feeds give a guide on the bag. most complete meal can be fed dry. BTW at 10 weeks my pups are still on 4 meals aday.

[basi]

My pupies are on 4 meals a day till they are about 12 weeks, I then cut down to 3 meals a day until they are either leaving a meal or they are about 6 months. I stop soaking their food gradually so by the time they leave for their new homes (8-9 weeks old) they are eating it dry.

[sheplovr]

I Would Feed The Three Times Till Twelve Weeks, Drop To Twice A Day Then. I Still Feed Mine Twice A Day Total Of 4 Cups Two Each Feeding With Water Water Over And Stir, This Lets Gases Escape To Eliminate Bloat. I Will Never Stop Wetting Their Food They Do Not Lke It Dry And It Makes Them Drink Toooo Much At One Time. This Helps With Digestion I Feel Also. Keep It Up. No Problem Honey.

[zjzoggy]

Two problems with any kind of moist food. Number one, it will not help clean the teeth, and can even cause dental problems. Number two (literally), what goes in mushy, comes out mushy.

It's great to soften it as babies, but I honestly always get my dogs on completely dry kibble around 12-14 weeks.

Good Luck!

OH! Forgot the other half. I feed three meals a day until 5 months, then two meals a day forever. It's easier on their digestive track, and it helps keep them at the right weight.

[Bouncy]

Both my puppies went on dry food at 10 weeks. They were fed 3 times a day until 6 months and then twice a day. There is usually advice on amounts on the food packaging, it goes on weight of the dog I think.

[Pitguy67]

I Feed Twice Daily. I Don't Like To Feed Once Per Day, Because It Is Better For Your Dog If You Feed Multiple Small Meals Rather Than One Large Meal.

[pickleweed]

thanks guys! i am going to start him on dry food gradually starting next week. i am going to mix some of the soften food with dry kibbles, and gradually switch him over to dry completely. i hear that a lot of people pour some water with the dry kibbles, but not soak or moisten -- is this good for the dog or not recommended?

[musky hunter]

My puppies get fed 3 times now...i feed Innova Puppy. I feed it dry as when i feed it soaked in water his poo gets runny.

[Pitguy67]

If You Read Earlier, Sheplovr Does It With Her Gsd's. It Is Supposed To Eliminate Bloat, Because The Water Lets The Gases Excape....am I Correct Sheplovr?

[pickleweed]

Thanks guys! Everyone was so informative! Everyone here is so helpful!