Feeding your Lab...

Good

Not So Good

Been getting a lot of questions regarding feeding a new Lab puppy.

1.  Choose a quality feed. We have been round and round with this. Currently using Purina Pro Plan Sport. 30% protein and 20% fat. Use it for all dogs all ages. We have used successfully Purina Pro Plan Focus Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice 26% protein and 16% fat. I like the PP Focus for pups. Not as hot a food. The PP Sport is hot hot. Use less higher calorie count. Less expensive in the long run.

Problem--the high fat can cause really hard poops. Hard poops can equal straining.

We feed a lot of dogs so cost is a factor.

We have tried the cheap foods too. To keep weight on the dogs it took 3 times the food. Huge soft messy poops. Not worth it.

2.  So how much food. Follow the instructions on the bag, but let the dog's condition dictate. You should not be able to see ribs or back bones. If you can see them outlined clearly--pup is too thin. On the other side if pup has no waste and when you feel his side you push through heavy layer to feel ribs, pup too heavy.

I continually adjust rations in accordance with dog condition. You should too.

3.  How often to feed? 8-16 weeks three times per day. Divide up the ration total off the food bag. Two times per day to one year. Then you can shift to once a day. Some folks like to feed more often. This too is fine. Just watch pups condition. Look at him. Handle him.

Great dog owners keep their dogs in top shape. Not too fat. Not too skinny. Just right.

4.  Lastly since we are talking about Labs let's talk about eating like they have not been fed in a year. Never free fed a Lab. They will not self regulate and will over eat, get fat, or bloat.

Bloating. Gulping air as they inhale food. Not good. You simply must stop this. How? Feed smaller meals more often. 4 times a day if necessary. Wet dry food. Volume of total food does not change. Buy a maze dish with bumps in it. Pup has to slow down and work for it. Buy these at www.gundogsupply.com.  If your pup is throwing up after eating most probably he is gulping air with food. Correct this behavior as outlined above quick. Bloat will kill a Lab pup or adult quick. If a Lab goes off his food it's a sign....get to your vet.

Buy food at www.chewy.com.  Delivered to your door no charge. Best prices. Fresh food.

Stay in touch folks. Send pics. I have two beautiful Big Sky Lab male pups available. Nyx/Ace litter. 1-weeks. What a pair!  Lincoln and Dillon.  Will give a discount if someone keeps the brothers together. We also offer $50 gift certificate to PetSmart or Petco if you refer a puppy buyer to us.  Thanks for passing the word.  See this dynamic duo at our web site under the  "Pups" tab.