Expert: Jannie Balliett - 4/13/2010

Question
I got my beautiful boxer when he was 8 wks old. When I first received him the breeder told me to keep him on puppy food until 16 weeks then feed him adult food for the protein count. I kept him on the puppy chow she was feeding him then after 16 weeks switched over to Nutro Adult Lamb & rice after many stomach problems with him I then switched him over to Nutro Adult Venison meal & brown rice. He does good with the food he is 6 1/2 months now and I "free-feed" him keeping fresh water and food in his bowls all day.The problem is that he looks really skinny, people stop and ask if I'm feeding him. Because he is still a puppy is he getting the right nutrition eating adult food? and am I feeding him the right/good food? I feel so bad he looks so fragile, I want him to look and be healthy. Thank you for your time.

Answer
No, he is not getting the right nutrition on adult food. He is too young and needs a high protein puppy food-- without corn and without glutens.

Personally I recommend Dick Van Patten's (the actor) Natural Balance

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/

He needs high protein puppy food until he is 1 year old.

Add whole, plain yogurt (no flavors, and store generic brand alright) to his food once a day for a healthy digestive tract.
They love it.

You can also buy a dog food "gravy" in a squirt bottle, to squirt on his puppy chow to entice him to eat. Make sure he is eating even though you self-feed.

If he doesn't gain weight in 3 weeks, take him to your vet. Check for everything- but also check him for a thyroid disorder.

Let me know.