Feeding Questions 2x vs 1 feeding?

[nicasoares]

Hello,

First I'd like to say my best buddy Chelya is ablout to turn two and this webpage has been very helpful since day one.

Just got beck from the vet and he suggested that we cut her feeding in half. She was 117 pounds and we had been feeding her 2cups of Large Breed Nutro dry dog food in morning in and evening. The vet suggested we cut it to one 2cup serving in the morning. My concern is that now that the weather is wonderful Cheyla has been getting a long 2-3 mile walk each night.

Is she getting enough food? Should I do two feedings? Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,
Michael

[spidey]

I would just divide the new lower amount into two meals. I see no good reason whatsoever to go to once a day, but since she needs to lose weight, just feed her one cup twice a day. You might also consider switching to a higher quality food than Nutro Large Breed.

[nicasoares]

What are some high quality brands that you might suggest. I live in CT and I'm a few miles from a Petco.

Thanks,
Michael

[sweetlee]

I would feed 2x per day. I have never seen any other recommendation for any dog.
Nutro isn't a great food. Lots of grains.
Alot of people here use Canidae, Wellness, Evo.
I have found Canidae to be the best priced premium food, but I don't think Petco carries it.
Check at feed supply or farm supply stores. Or the smaller mom and pop type pet stores. I have a lady who orders mine in for me from her regular supplier and she doesn't charge me any more than anyone else is paying.
You can feed less of the premium brand foods than you do the others so price per bag doesn't really cost more.
There are alot more calories in the better foods and you can use less.
If your dog seems extremely hungry,and who wouldn't with the food being cut in half, maybe you could add some vegetables to her food. No salt added green beans, shredded zucchini are good choices, they add bulk with few calories.
I would look at the calorie content in the Nutro per cup and compare to the calorie content in the better foods. If your dog is getting more excersise now that the weather has changed, maybe cutting in half isn't really necessary, as the long walks will burn off more calories also, just don't make the dog lose too much too fast,especially if you have upped the activity level just recently.
Good luck,and let us know how your girl does.

Sharon

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by nicasoares

What are some high quality brands that you might suggest.

Dog food has been discussed repeatedly in this forum. Half an hour of your time spent reading thru postings here will give you lots of valuable info about food and why we like some foods and not others.

[Nishasmom]

I think Petco sells Solid Gold

[Terri Lambert]

Definitely feed twice a day it is better mentally and physically for the dog. Also if for some reason your dog doesn't feel well you will no sooner, if he doesn't eat. So many people have the wrong ideal of feeding twice a day versus once, how would you feel if you had 24 hours between a meal. It is the amount of food not how many times a day and actually dogs and people lose weight by eating multiple small meals as everytime you eat your metabolism kicks in.