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Puppy Losing Weight

3K views 25 replies 9 participants last post by  Gypsiemouse 
#1 ·
Hi all,

Echo has lost about 3 pounds since being switched from BB large breed puppy to Earthborn Holistics Primitive Naturals. She was being fed 3 cups a day of BB and I continued the amount when I switched even though the bag suggested 2 1/3rd cups for her weight. In the last month she has lost enough weight for her hip bones to show and all of her ribs. I didn't notice the slow weight loss but my dad did so I brought her to the vet to be weighed. She really couldn't afford to lose any weight. I had also increased the amount of her food, as per the breeder, to 4 cups of food a day at the beginning of October.

What should I look for to help her put on weight without increasing her food. I am willing to try any of the EBH foods for a total switch. Or what can I add to her food? Canned food and decrease the kibble? Or try half EBH and half puppy?

I just switched them to this food about a month ago and they are doing well, especially Tyson. They love the food and it has had a lot of benefits, with the exception of this weight loss. I cannot afford Acana for both so that is not an option. I also cannot do raw for a number of reasons.
 
#4 ·
Be careful adding the canned food you may get some some poops - does she like peanut butter? Does it agree with her? It's got lots of protein and calories, so it could used as a treat in a kong to add some extra to her diet and maybe some weight eventually.
 
#5 ·
I wonder why this is happening with switching to Eartborn. I am going to start Darla on Earthborn Meadow Feast real lamb next month. I currently feed her 3 cups a day also. Darla's rib have always shown but not to the extent of where you can say "they dont feed her enough", or "they are not feeding her at all". I hope this doesnt happen to Darla because right now the protein of her dog food is 29% and the Earthborn will have 26%. I hope you can fix that situation you are going through.
 
#9 ·
Was the original food grain inclusive? Grain free kibble tends to keep them leaner, IMO. However, I have to feed Jackson more of the TOTW Pacific Stream (grain free) than the bag calls for.

Are Echo's poos still good, or is she pooing a lot and it's loose? If so, you may actually be overfeeding and she's putting out more than she's keeping in, causing her to lose weight, if that makes any sense. If her poos are frequent and loose, I'd cut back. If they're good, I'd increase her food.

I'm leery of giving satin balls, as they're extremely high in fat. With boxers tending to have tummy troubles anyway, I'd be nervous about feeding them.
 
#10 ·
The food she was on was grain free as well. My boy is allergic so I keep her off as well. Her poop is actually perfect. I've been keeping an eye on it after adding the puppy food back.

The BB protein was at 28.

I was also just told that the woman my friend adopted a cat from wants to report me for animal cruelty. She thinks I am starving her. My friend has stuck up for me and showed her Tyson and my cat (my cat is actually overweight so I am working on him losing weight). She also showed the butt ton of food I have and their vet files. Hopefully the woman will talk to me first.
 
#12 ·
I agree with joannb. My boxer looks a bit on the slim side, but she eats at least twice a day, if not three times and doesn't gain weight. She's been vet checked and is completely healthy so I wouldn't worry about that as long as she sees a vet and she is healthy! :)
 
#16 ·
I also want to chime in that you are doing a great job and perhaps need to increase the amount you are feeding her; also our Boxers don't really fill out till about 18 months; I too did the peanut butter in Kong
 
#19 ·
Echo loves peanut butter. But I would have to do one for the big guy as well...because ya know...you have to be fair. I would have to get the all nautural stuff because I am not messing up their diet with the cheap stuff lol I guess I will just have to shop around. Peanut butter is so expensive. And I know I have at least one Kong. I have to find it and buy another. It will at least help with her separation anxiety when I leave for work.
 
#26 ·
Boxers have a tendency to be on the lean side and they don't fill out until they mature.
Mongo didn't start filling out until he was 18 months and maggie didn't fill out until she turned 2.
If they are eating and healthy don't worry too much. If they are losing weight - feed a bit more. Somewhere on the forum there is a recipe for "satin balls" - just do a search for it - that can help put a bit of weight on.

:)
 
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