First visit to the vet!..but now I'm curious of what the vet told me..

[Mrstattedup]

I just took my 6 1/2 week old rott to the vet..but I'm curious?..I was only feeding my pups twice a day..he told me to feed them three times a day..I said kewl..I, too thought maybe they weren't getting enough food..cuz they still looked hungry after every feeding..but he told me to feed him for ten minutes straight..of course till they get full..and then take it away from them after the time is up..does this sound right?..I did take his advice..but now they look like blimps..when they're full and done eating..It's hilarious just looking at them..they look so funny!..but..is this healthy for my rotti?

[frontierrots]

yes they can eat 3 times a day but if you let them eat all they want for 10 whole minutes you will get: fat pups, diarrhea and possibly vomiting!

a 7-8 week old rott usually eats about 2-3 cups total a day (you would split that amount by the number of meals per day) a 3 month old Lab mix usually eats about 3-4 cups total a day (split between the number of meals a day)

Gosh! the things vets come up with, of course they looked like blimps! My first rott (16 years ago) got out of her enclosure at 3 months old and she ate all she wanted in 4 hours- 7 1/2 lbs!!! What a mess for the next few days. :( Puppies RARELY will properly regulate food amounts, especially at this young age.

[WorkinDogz]

I think there is some misunderstanding about the "10 minute rule".

The bowl should be left down for 10 mins...if the pups finish before then..great...but the BOWL should be down and kibble available to be eaten for 10 mins...but that DOESN'T mean "unlimited kibble".

(Same as changing a "free fed" dog to regular feeding times...bowl down for 10 mins..if he doesn't eat; he doesn't see the bowl until the next scheduled feeding time.)

I don't believe your vet meant you should continue to FILL THE BOWL if the puppy finishes his alloted portion in 7 mins.

The main reason puppies are fed 3 times daily is because they have a difficult time controlling their blood glucose level. The younger the puppy; the more meals they need to keep the blood sugar at an appropriate level.

The daily amount of food is split up between these meals; it's not a "free for all buffet".

I think you might have misunderstood your Vet Mrs. ;)

[Mrstattedup]

LMAO!..Yes I did misunderstood there for a while..but I eventuall got it..and it is also why I am here..when I don't understand something exactly..I ask you guys my q'..and I am definitely greatful for the reasonable answers!..
I set her food down for 10-15 min.
if she does not finish..she will get it at her next scheduled time..she is being fed 3x a day..3/4 and is doing great..she's always at the kitchen cabinet at her scheduled time..its seems like she has her food regulated already..she doesn't always eat it all..but its awesome how she is so smart! :)

[rottmommie]

yeah i agree with workingdogz analogy about the feeding.....
i did the same...whether he ate it all or not.
then i took him out to potty. worked like a charm!!