I've read several times lately that my 13 week old GSD should not get too fat, but that I should keep him thin. The only way I know to do that is to limit his food intake, right? If I do that, how will it effect his size and weight as an adult. I mean, will it not stunt his growth? There are many subjects I'm quite well versed in, but puppies are among them, so if I get to wear the "stupid" card, it's not that I'm not trying to learn. I have grown to love this dog a great deal in the short time I've had him, (5 weeks) and I want to do the best I can for him. Thanks guys...John
I too as concerned with the "thin" advise but each and every time I took my GSD in for a weight check; I was assured over and over that the dog was at acceptable poundage per frame/structure and the worse thing I could do was have the dog too heavy during this important growth period.
I use a measuring cup and feed the same amount per feeding. I allow a reasonable time (30 minutes)for the dog to eat and then pick up the bowl. 99% of the time; the pup consumed every bite (if I thought the dog was getting just really too thin during this growing time I added more to the measure.)
Dallas (now almost a year old) is faithfull 100% of the time of finishing her food bowl and I'm now beginning to cut back on her measured amounts because of weight gain and beginning to appear a bit too heavy. Decreased excersize has also played an important role with the weather not being too favorable lately.
Although there are no published breed growth curves to serve as guidelines, a slow growth rate is preferable to a fast growth rate. Weight gains should be closely monitored (weekly), and feeding recommendations adjusted such that the puppy gains a small amount of weight each week.
When growing large-breed puppies were fed 50-70% of their littermate"s ad lib intake, adult height, length, and bone or muscle mass were not stunted; only total body fat was affected. It is difficult to stunt the growth of a puppy being fed a complete and balanced growth diet (approved by AAFCO feeding trial) for 2-5 min 2-3 times/day.
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There is a lot of good information available for free at that link.
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