We have a JRT who is 7yo, and we just agreed to adopt 2 new puppies into our family as they were going to be put down etc...They are pretty much mutts as the mom is a border collie / australian shepherd mix and the father was a mastiff / great dane mix...these dogs are definitely going to outsize my little JRT, and I was wondering about the best way to feed them...our JRT has a continuous feeder that allows her free choice of food and water 24/7 and we've never had any weight issues with her...however these new pups are going to get big, and fast, and I don't want them to overeat or undereat...will it be ok to allow them free choice as well? (after they outgrow puppy food, of course)
Hi there. There seems to be a stron consensus that free feeding is not a good idea, thouh I admit I used to allow my older rescue to do so. From a practical point of view, you are going to have to manage the situation while the pups are pups - e.g. how are you going to stop them from eating your JRT's food? So if you are not going to free feed them as pups, to me it would make more sense to continue with structured meals. As for over/under feeding them, you will get the hang of how much food they need and will be able to adjust accordingly. Good luck with you new pups.
Congratulations on your new puppies As these pups will grow very quickly, you'll be better off feeding them an adult food with less protein (22-24%).. This will make them grow at a slower rate, and prevent bone problems... Meassure out 10% of their weight in food, and feed this in 3-4 meals per day.. Please don't free feed these pups.
This is exactly what I was wondering about...I read on a vet web site that I should check with my vet/breeder for my specific breed etc, but due to the fact that my new pups won't be a specific registered breed I wanted to get more than one opinion etc The dog food we currently free feed to my little JRT is adult dog food and is within the protein guideline Lene recommended, so rather than change all their diets it might be best to stick with the same food... My question about Lene's advice is, should I feed 10% of their weight X 3-4 meals or 10% total spread out across 3-4 meals per day...I know it may sound stupid to ask, but I'd rather sound stupid than cause any problems for my new babies Thanks again for all your advice
I would feed a puppy food specifically for arge breed pups... you wil then make sure they have the correct nutrition.Feeding an adult food may result in the lack of certain nutrients You will need to feed 2,3 or 4 times a day dependant on the pups age.
For Giant puppies, feed 10% daily of their current weight... Kipple less than 23% protein... DON'T feed puppy food... It has too much protein for these fast growing dogs... Measure their food by weight, not by cup. In the morning, measure out 10% of food per weight of puppy.. If puppy weighs 10kg.. you measure out 1 kg of food, and divide it into 3-4 portions for the puppy to have during the day... When your puppies are older.. like 7+ months... feed them 2-3% of their projected weight per day.. Twice a day for these large breeds... Puppies will eat more than the adult dog...
