skinny new baby

[gmac]

Hi y'all. I finally brought home my new Dane baby. She's 8-1/2 weeks, and the breeder told me that she was a finicky eater and was too thin because of it. Due to circumstances, she was free-feeding with a morning and evening meal with extra "yummies" added. Should my baby's ribs be showing? Her hip bones do not. I have been feeding her Nutro Lamb and Rice - 3 times per day (3/4 - 1 cup)which she seems to be eating just fine. She doesn't seem hungry and isn't getting any extra snacks (at least not until the picky-eater problem goes away). Seems to have plenty of energy, has been wormed, and is a total snuggle-bug. How do I know when to increase her food, other than when she's gobbling up what she is getting. How long do I need to be feeding her three times per day? Thanks for the input!

[Carol]

No, her ribs shouldn't be showing. If she's eating everything you give her 3 meals a day increase the amount by maybe 1/4 cup each meal. When she plays with the noon meal instead of really eating it drop it and only feed twice daily.

[gmac]

Thanks Carol! I've actually been giving her 1 cup at each feeding, and she's leaving a little. Should I add a little cooked pasta or something to get her weight up?

[Carol]

No, if she's not eating the cup then you don't need to be feeding her more. You might add some hamburger raw but if that doesn't appeal to you cook it slightly. Still just make it 1 cup total for now.

[gmac]

Just a quick "thanks" to Carol. I've been mixing 1cup Nutro with about 1/4 cup raw 90% lean hamburger 2 x daily, then 1 cup Nutro with a little water only at noon. Maggie is licking the bowl, looking a litter more "peppy" (which may also be just getting used to us) and her stools are much firmer too. Maybe I ought to be eating a little bit of the "raw-balls" too on my spaghetti!! (insert a tongue-sticking-out face here!).
Thanks again for the advice.

[gmac]

Oops! S/B "little". And in re-reading, I don't have any digestive irregularities :-) but a little more pep couldn't hurt!