Expert: Delores Beck - 1/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 7 month old cocker spaniel. He weighs 32 lbs. We feed him 2 cups of dry food a day and 2 little raw meat patties, which we cook! He seems to be always hungry, how can I tell if we are feeding him enough?

ANSWER: I doubt he weighs 32 lbs. at 7 months.  Did you mean 23 lbs?
Even 23 lbs at 7 months is big.

Can you tell me what you're feeding?  Cockers don't do well on kibble in the long run because it has too many carbs.
If it's "supermarket kibble" it's no wonder he's always hungry.

How many times a day are you feeding?

And don't fry the meat patties - simmer them in water 'till done. On a premium food, I wouldn't add these.

I'd definitely advise changing to a premium food and at least half his diet should be canned.  And feed 3x daily if possible.  Twice at least.

Here's a list of foods:
Canidae (go to Canidae.com and locate a dealer)
AvoDerm (PetSmart)
Innova
Eagle Pack Holistic
Merrick
Solid Gold
(Anyone who sells Canidae will sell the rest)

The feeding guidelines for any food are just that..guidelines..some dogs need more, some less.
At 7 months he's still growing so would come under the "more" category.

You'll find with a good food, you'll feed less.
Do write with any other questions.
Delores


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Actually he is 32 lbs. At his last vet visit in early December the vet said he thinks he will get to around 34 lbs. He eats 1 cup of Canidae in the am and one cup in the pm with one patty(about size of half dollar) which we cook in microwave with a bit of water. His belly seems big though, just not sure if we should make appt with vet.

ANSWER: Well..my gosh...this is the biggest cocker I've ever heard of :)

Canidae is excellent but I'd cut out the extra protein and use at least half canned Canidae.  As I said, cockers are prone to skin issues and the heavy carb load in kibble exacerbates that.

If his tummy seems "big"...take a stool sample to the vet.
He could have worms.  No need for an exam at this point - just drop off a stool sample and rule that out.

Are you sure he's not overweight?  Honestly, I've never seen a 7 month old weigh this much.  Is he getting a lot of exercise (minimum is 2 half-hour walks a day)?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much, he does not get alot with winter here but he runs around the house non-stop and goes to puppy daycare 3 mornings a week and goes non-stop there.

Answer
When you look down on him...can you see a "tuck" between his ribs and hindquarters?

The other thing you can do is add some fresh, pulped (in food processor) veggies to his meals.  1/2 cup of pulped green beans is good for him and will help fill him up too.

I am concerned about you adding meat to Canidae since it's a very nutrient dense, high calorie food and a few hundred extra daily calories for a not too active dog can equal one pudgy little cocker.  Not good!
Delores