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Post by greyandred on Jun 3, 2014 21:19:32 GMT -5
Hi, I've had Owen home now for about 10 days, he's doing great, but always seems hungry. I've been feeding him 2 cups of dry kibble twice a day, and he eats every little bit. He eats quickly, almost as though he's not sure when he will get his next meal. Heather had told me he was eating about 4 cups a day at the kennel, so maybe I should increase his food, I just don't want to overdo it. I didn't want to give him too much at first since I was worried he'd have tummy issues being on new food and the stress of being in a new home etc. He was 70 pounds when I picked him up, he goes to the vet tomorrow, I think he's actually lost weight since he's been here. He's currently eating Iams adult food, maybe that needs to change. Does this issue sound familiar to anyone? Thanks.
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whovian
Junior Grey Lover
River (a.k.a Iruska Cool Chic) has claimed me as her "friendbeast"
Posts: 171
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Post by whovian on Jun 4, 2014 5:31:40 GMT -5
Yes! This does sound familiar Does the kibble bag give you an indication by the dog's weight of how much you should feed? I would go by that as every kibble is different. Your vet should also be able to help. You may eventually want to switch to a higher protein kibble - that's what I had to do to stave off the hunger. I also wouldn't worry too much about whether your pup has lost weight so soon. He's been under a lot of stress! If he's lost weight at the end of the month, I'd consider making changes to kibble brand. They will lose some muscle mass, meaning they will lose a little weight as muscle is heavier than fat. I try to keep my pup at race weight, or maybe a pound over. Sounds like everything is going well. Good luck! And congratulations!
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whovian
Junior Grey Lover
River (a.k.a Iruska Cool Chic) has claimed me as her "friendbeast"
Posts: 171
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Post by whovian on Jun 4, 2014 6:31:27 GMT -5
Let me rephrase - I wouldn't worry if he's lost *a little* weight this week. 5 or 6 pounds in a week could mean there's a problem. But just like with people, scales are easily fooled by a dog's hydration level, time since last meal etc. Nevermind the fact that it's hard to weigh a dog and get them to stand still on a scale! Until I got to know how my dog felt, I took pictures of her every week for a while when I was changing food, and compared them to see if she was losing weight. She was hungry all the time like yours - used to wake me up in the middle of the night because she was starving. And we were on the kibble recommended by the vet! Every dog has different nutritional needs it seems. There's lots of info on here about what a good weight looks like. Just do a quick search if you're unsure. Sent from my SGH-I747M using proboards
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Post by mustlovedogs on Jun 4, 2014 7:46:55 GMT -5
I completely agree with the above advice. Teia lost some weight too when she first came home, and when she started to settle in was very hungry all the time as well. It took about 2 months or so to stabilize feeding schedule, and for her to realize my other pups weren't going to steal her food, lol! She's still on the 'thinner' side in my opinion, but I'm used to looking at two 'robust' cairns, and the vet says she's a healthy weight so we're in good shape. I also agree with looking into a higher protein food, there are some great recommendations on the forum about specific brands etc. I'm feeding TLC right now - it's made locally and they deliver right to our house free of charge. It was recommended by our vet. Congrats again!
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aeiou
Grey Puppy
Posts: 82
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Post by aeiou on Jun 6, 2014 10:26:34 GMT -5
Few things that I routinely do with my newbs... Check for worms or just give a dewormer as a prophylactic. Even if they were dewormed at the track or at GRA, the next cycle (ie: the eggs that are now developing) could be just around the corner. Voracious appetite + weight loss can often mean a few extra buddies on board. He may lose a bit of weight at first with his new exercise regime. They burn up a lot of calories on those walks and it's also something new. They tend to pace and be a bit more anxious for the first while in a home and that burns calories too. Check the bag of food you have him on... what do they recommend for a dog his weight. With Iams, I'm willing to bet they'll say around 5 cups a day instead of 4. Usually, I'll feed for a couple of weeks before deciding to make any changes, just so that way he can settle into the routine. If you decide to change foods, make sure you transition over a couple of days to reduce any tummy upset. My preference is to give Slippery Elm (available at Health Food Stores) to aid with the food flip (it's like natural Pepto Bismol). In terms of food type, pick one that works with him. I'm not going to tout one over another because I think it's silliness to buy expensive food that just pours out their rear just because it's expensive or supposed to be the best. Feed what is within your means and that provides a "solid result"... if you know what I mean. I think if all checked out at the vet, then just give him some time to adjust. My new guy dropped a couple of pounds after coming home to me in January and he's still voracious when he eats... to be honest, I love that he eats so well. I spent several years with my pack of five who were picky (the pack leader was picky so they all followed suit; this had my vet team completely stumped) and that meant hand feeding and coaxing, begging and pleading, warming and adding goodies to get them to eat... especially those teenagers who needed the calories!
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Post by greyandred on Jun 6, 2014 20:21:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the great advice. Sure enough Owen has lost 4 pounds - the vet wasn't too concerned, he gave me the same possible reasons for weight loss that you all have stated, but we'd like to see him gain a few pounds back. I've switched to a higher protein food and we will see how that goes. Also did a check for worms, that was all clear. I will give it some time and see how he does.
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Post by greyandred on Jun 20, 2014 17:34:20 GMT -5
I think the new food is agreeing with Owen. I haven't had a chance to have him weighed again yet, but he looks like he's gained a bit back. He still eats as though he has been starving, I don't even think he chews. But once his bowl is empty, he's content, he's not appearing so hungry anymore. Hopefully with a little more time he will relax and enjoy his meals.
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