[Chucktowngoldenmomma]

Hi y’all I am the proud new owner of a 6 (almost 7) week old golden puppy. We took him to the vet and she said that he was underweight. He’s eating about 1-1.5 cups of food per day which I know isn’t enough. He never seems to finish everything that’s in his bowl. Should I try switching his food? The breeder INSISTED to keep him on this one particular type. And does anyone have any good recommendations, cost isn’t a factor I will pay anything to fatten him up. We’ve been using little bits (maybe the size of a quarter) of peanut butter as treats when he goes potty outside, so maybe that is decreasing his appetite? Please help!!!! I’m one worried momma

Thanks!

 

[nolefan]

Well, any breeder that would sell you a 6 week old puppy isn't one I would be taking too much advice from. Call your vet back and ask for advice on how much she thinks the puppy should weigh and how quickly she would like to see him gain, what is a good rule of thumb. Try adding a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or plain kefir to see if that might make the kibble more interesting, maybe even a little warm water.

How much does your puppy weigh? How underweight is she? 8 pounds at this age would not be off the mark.
What are you feeding?

 

[mylissyk]

What food did the breeder feed him? Do you know how long the puppies were eating dog food, old were they when they were weaned? Unless it's a really bad quality, it's best to keep him on the same food for a couple months before changing to something else.

Try putting some warm water in the food, that should increase the aroma and peak his appetite.

 

[davmar77]

we switched from our breeder's recommended food when we thought amber wasn't gaining enough weight. what brand is it that you are currently using? we were using 4 health grain free for puppies by tractor supply. since the switch she's on a good track.

 

[Cpc1972]

That is more then enough food for a puppy that young. A 8 week old puppy will usually eat 1/3 cup three times a day. So what your feeding is just about right. If your feeding 1.5 cups that is to much and is probably why he isn't eating it all. As your pup gets older you will increase is it.

 

[Swampcollie]

OH, where to start.....

Step back for a minute or two, look carefully and see reality for what it is. You think 1 1/2 cups isn't enough for a puppy that isn't even seven weeks old? Really? Just how large do you think that puppies stomach is at this point?

The puppy would have a hard time finding the space to put a half cup of kibble right now. Add a little water and it will be so full it will be hard for it to waddle around. The pup is likely on the thin side because it's littermates pushed it out of the way at meal time.
The pup's food needs will increase soon enough but for now quit trying to force more food into it than it can hold.