Why does my 4 mo old Golden Retriever puppy not eat the recommended amount he should.?

Because the guidelines on the bags are way overdone. Mine get about 2/3 of the manufacturer’s guideline. It is really just a guideline to get you started; you need to see how your dog does and adjust the amount.

You are correct to feed him three times a day at this age. He can be cut back to twice a day when he’s about eight months old. Try measuring out one cup of kibble and adding a small amount of warm water, just a couple tablespoons. Call him over, have him Sit, and then put down his dish. In fifteen minutes pick up his dish. That’s the longest any mealtime should last. Don’t give too many treats or he’ll fill up between meals.

we never use the amount on the bag.. normally its too much for most dogs. I had a 3 mth old german shep. puppy and he never ate the "right" amount of food but he was always happy and healthy.

Every puppy is different. Some eat more than the next, some play more than the next, some sleep more... every puppy is different just like people.

If you do get worried most vet offices will let you call in and ask questions. describe the symptoms and what he is doing and normally they can give free advice or say he needs to come in.

Oh and my puppy was a grazer too. Sometimes their bellies arent big enough to hold all that food at once. Riley (my dog) would eat 2 bites, play, eat a little more. As long as the dog seems healthy and happy everything is fine. :]

I'm shocked that ANY 'breeder' would willingly let a 4 week old puppy leave his mum/litter-mates. What was going on there - had mum died? This is the only reason I could think this would have happened, and even then most reputable breeders would have picked up the pieces and reared the litter to AT LEAST 8 weeks themselves. I'd say take this poor puppy back - however if this breeder allowed him to leave her at this age, obviously he's going to be better staying with you. So, assuming this is a 'for real' question. You need to pick up where she left off. At 4 weeks the puppy will only just have started the weaning process. In other words yes he will be able to take solids, but mushy, and with lots of milky drinks - mum would have still been going into the litter to allow them to suckle - at this point it's called 'comfort suckling' because her milk isn't the only source of food now. She will have cleaned them up still too. Your four week puppy needs a solid meal four times a day - 7.30 Breakfast 12 noon Lunch 4 - 4.30/5 pm Supper 8 - 9 pm Late evening meal Milky drinks (goats milk, or puppy milk formula - NOT cows milk) should be given during the morning, mid-afternoon and last thing (and that will replace the solid late meal by 6 weeks). If he's eating something, that's good. You will need to hold him on your lap and put his food in a shallow bowl and encourage him to eat. He won't take that much food at this age. And you may need to help him pooh and pee like mum does, although again this should be coming naturally now. Just watch he is 'going'. He needs warmth - although again by this age he can regulate his own heat - just make sure he doesn't get chilled. The chewing won't affect his appetite, provided he doesn't actually swallow this sort of thing which will cause a blockage internally, and will need surgery!! So remove all things he shouldn't have - that's living with puppies, and Labs and Retrievers are well known for chewing - anything!! And it goes without saying that you should keep him well away from all other dogs (even vaccinated ones because they can still carry infection, even if they are not sick) until he's been fully vaccinated. Only let him in your garden, provided it's properly fenced to keep strange dogs out. I'm still extremely concerned about what went on here - what happened to the other puppies and WHY on earth this breeder allowed them (yours) to go home. It's not illegal to sell under-age puppies in the UK, but I understand it is in the States - and on that basis, she should be reported. So sad. ps Don't forget to leave a supply of fresh water, now he's on solids.

Just like humans, all dogs have different metabolisms and food intake needs. Is he underweight? Lethargic? How does his coat look? If he looks perfectly healthy, then there's no need to worry about how much he eats.

If he is a grazer, it's fine to leave a bowl of kibble out all day. Just keep an eye on it: once he starts gobbling it all up in one sitting, then switch back to a feeding schedule to keep him from getting tubby.

Definitely consider switching to a higher quality food though, for his sake. Some suggestions:

-Acana (very affordable)

-Orijen

-Go!

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

Instead of worrying about what the bag of food says, go by how the dog acts and looks. Does your vet think he is a good weight, not too skinny? Does he have energy, not lethargic, good coat quality etc? Then he is eating the amount that's right for him. It's just a general guideline on the food bag, not a mandatory amount.

Are you feeding him people food?

The recommended amount is just a number. Eating as much as he wants is fine.

Are you feeding 2 cups in the morning and 2 in the early evening?

just like humans, they eat how much they need to eat. the amounts on there are recommendations, and when he is growing, he might not be hungry or need as much food on some days. when my human kids go through growth spurts, some times my 6 year old son will eat like a 16 year old and other times he wont be hungry at all. as long as he is gaining weight and drinking water he will be just fine.

It's probably no big deal. He might not like his food, or her may just have less of an appetite than other pups his size.

it's normal for a dog to eat less so dont wrry