I have a nearly 8 month old female GSD, and I was wondering about feeding her. We’ve been using California Natural Puppy Food since we got her at about 12 weeks. My question is on serving size. On the back of the bag, since she was 40 lbs., is 2 and 1/4 cups/day, but we’ve been giving her that much per meal (2 meals per day). She recently hit about 50 lbs., so it should be about 2 and 3/4 cups/day now.

I know the bag says that the serving sizes are approximate and to pay attention if your dog needs more or less, but doubling? I might add that she’s “ideal” in terms of age/weight ratio (at least according to the bag). You can feel her bone structures, though you can’t see them, her waist is defined from above, and when viewed from the side, her waist slopes up from her chest.

Obviously she’s still growing, and I know she’ll bounce back quickly if she gains too much weight, but I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience with the food. : ) Just trying to do everything relatively correctly.

Thanks so much!
To Wonder:

She doesn’t “woo” me into more food, and I am being responsible. You make it sound like I’m a complete idiot. I mentioned that she has healthy proportions for her size in my post, and also called up my vet who says she’s about the right weight. I also know a breeder of GSDs who says she’s a good weight/height for her age. Both agree that she’s progressing normally.

I was more looking for potential advice about how to adjust her diet when she’s older because I don’t know many people who use California Natural. To the future posters, please note these things. Opinions to be considered when her growing slows, please.

After learning what is in Iams Low Residue dog food, we decided to change her diet to California Natural chicken and rice. She loves the food, but has had a loose stool ever since we left the Low Residue behind and made the change, with the blessing of our Vet. He is puzzled and so are we. Didn’t think this would/could happen with this natural and wholesome food. Now we don’t know what to do. She has had plenty of time (3 months) to adjust to the change. Anyone have any advice? In helping her make the change, vet. prescribed forti flora and then metronitazole. Nothing is helping to firm her up, but she seems to feel fine. His present method of treatment is to keep her on the California N., with nothing else and hope for things to turn around. This has been going on for way too long. And her stool is like pudding. We’re thinking we need to put her back on the Low Residue no matter what is in it.