How much to feed 9 month old puppy

[kazie]

Luna is 9 now months old and weighs about 18 pounds. She is very active and goes to doggie day care two or three times a week where she runs and plays with other dogs for most of the day. She absolutely LOVES it! The staff there say "Nobody has more fun than Luna." At home, we also spend a lot of time training and running in my yard which is about 3 acres. I've been feeding her 1/2 Cup of Wellness Puppy food twice a day as well as using some of her kibble as rewards during training. I can easily feel her ribs. Of course, since she's a Sheltie, she always acts like she's starving. I wonder if I should be feeding her more? I'm pretty sure she shouldn't get less. Suggestions?

 

[Ann]

I would definitely increase her food. Usually, 1/2 cup twice a day would be fine, but as active as she is and still growing, it sounds like she needs more. I'd either increase her to 3/4 cup or consider putting her back on puppy food until she's a year old. You could always give her 3/4 cup for one feeding and 1/2 for the other if she gets too chunky.

Remember, how much you feed should be based on your individual dog's needs ... if she's too thin, don't hesitate to increase what you give her and just monitor her weight.

 

[Sharon7]

Yep, I had to increase Faith's food a bit (she's 6) when Eli came because the two of them were tearing around a lot and she was burning off more calories. Just monitor! It is so unhealthy for them to be overweight. And she is still growing.

 

[corbinam]

At that age I sort of just use a test and see. Up her food for a few weeks and see if you like how she looks better. If she gets a bit thick, cut back.

 

[Piper's mom]

Yep, I had to increase Faith's food a bit (she's 6) when Eli came because the two of them were tearing around a lot and she was burning off more calories. Just monitor! It is so unhealthy for them to be overweight. And she is still growing.

I wish Piper had lost weight since I got Finnie! With Piper being neutered and our coldddd winters AND my 90 year old mother feeding him treats when I'm working he's gained weight! Oh well, spring is FINALLY here so lots of walking (3 1/2 miles this morning)! I'll probably have to up Finnie's food though, he's nice and trim as it is.