How can I tell my puppy's "mature" weight? *small update*

VickiE · 08-16-2007, 12:52 PM

How do you know how large a dog is going to be fully grown? Right now Isabelle is about 11 weeks old. She weighs around 11 lbs right now. She grown twice her size already in 4 weeks.

Izzy is a border collie husky mix, but her mom was only about 35 lbs. Mom was the B.C.

This is when we got her...All 6 lbs of her.

This is a picture of her yesterday. 11 lbs...and 4 weeks later.

I've been feeding her about 1 1/2-2 cups of BLUE Life Protection Formula (puppy food:Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe)

I guess I want to make sure she is getting enough food but I'm not sure what her "mature" weight will be! Thanks!

VickiE · 08-16-2007, 12:55 PM

I also have another question! IF I were to change her food to a less pricey brand would the amount of feed be the same? Or would it change.

**QuarterCowGirl** · 08-16-2007, 02:45 PM

To know her mature weight, go by the parents weight. Because she is a girl, go by the mother dog's weight.

As for the food, if you have to change it, gradually wean her off the food you have her on now and slowly introduce the new brand to her. I'd mix the foods to make it easier on her system.

Most dog foods have recommended feeding labels on the bag, so just follow those to be on the safe side.

When you change the food, don't go for the cheapiest thing out there, you'll end up paying for it down the road!

Hope that helps!

VickiE · 08-16-2007, 03:21 PM

Oh I don't plan on going for the cheapest food...but at 15 lbs for $22...

I need something a little more affordable!

I was thinking about this Nutro Natural Choice or this Nutro Ultra Holistic . I'm not really sure which one to use.

Our other dogs eat Nutro Natural and love it. They have no problems with it and it doesn't seem to be the cheapest food out there.

Does anyone use this Nutro Ultra Holistic??

Vicki

wildcat180 · 08-16-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuarterCowGirl

Most dog foods have recommended feeding labels on the bag, so just follow those to be on the safe side.

Oh my! Do NOT go by the feeding instructions on the food bags. Unless, of course, you want an ultra fat dog. Those labels are designed to do one thing. Sell more food. Every dog is an individual and therefore has different requirements. There is no "one size fits all" like the labels like to suggest.

Case in point. I use to feed my dogs Nutro Max Natural Choice. (Until the Nutro company was involved in the pet food recall and refused to take responsibility for their part, but I digress.) I have four dogs in the 36-55 pound range, which the label says to feed them 2 3/4 - 3 2/3 cups each day. I have one dog that's over 55 pounds and the label says I should feed her 3 2/3 - 4 1/2 cups each day. You know how much I fed each of my dogs when feeding this food? Two cups, once a day. If they got any more than that, they gained weight. Even my 75 pound dog. If I fed my 75 pound dog the 4 1/2 cups each day, she'd very quickly be over 100 pounds and that wouldn't be good.

The amount you're currently feeding is fine. As long as she's not gaining or losing weight.

Sorry, but I've already made my comment about the Nutro company. I wouldn't feed it if it were the best stuff on earth. But then, I won't deal with a company that refuses to stand behind what it produces.

VickiE · 08-16-2007, 04:56 PM

Do you have any good puppy food recommendations Jaime?

I'm open to ideas of other foods.

Melissa_PQHorse · 08-16-2007, 05:40 PM

I feed mine 'By Nature'. And I recommend it.

Edited to add...

Siberians usually stay between 35-50lbs. I'd bet your girl will max at about 30-40.

wildcat180 · 08-16-2007, 06:58 PM

Well, I've switched my dogs from Nutro to Diamond Natural Lamb and Rice. Honestly, I felt like I was going to a lesser food, but I don't anymore. My dogs have been thriving on this food...moreso than they ever did on Nutro. The company also stands by their product 100% and performs several checks on their ingredients and final product to avoid any problems that may hurt pets. As an added bonus, I pay $20 for 40lbs.

VickiE · 08-16-2007, 07:44 PM

Thanks for the info! I will look up both types of foods. Price isn't my main objective but if I CAN find a good food for a good price I think I may like that fact about it!

Thanks again!

recklesshoundog · 08-16-2007, 07:46 PM

I have used Nutro and love it!

farmergal · 08-17-2007, 08:28 AM

To many people have different ideas on food so I'm only going to suggest you feed the best food you can afford. For me that means Diamond puppy. I like the results I get from it.

As for her adult weight. A breeders rule of thumb is at 8 weeks you triple the weight and at age 12 weeks you double the weight.

I'm guessing her to be around 15 lbs at 12 weeks of age so her projected adult weight would be 30 lbs. Assuming of course the dog is not obese.

I tend to over feed and my dogs grow larger then expected. Take for example my Maltese. She was expected to grow to eight pounds. She ended up weighing 9 lbs. The little piggy.

GodsGifts · 08-17-2007, 08:41 AM

lol....I wouldn't go with the weight of the parents as a sure weight guesstement.

Our 3yr old Boston Terrier turned out to be a total 35lbs!!! which may I add is TOO BIG for the breed. They should only reach 25lbs and thats supose to be a big Boston. Both his parents were 15lbs-20lbs. So how did he get this big??? I have no clue. He's not obese...actually he's not even fat. We run him about an hour every day playing!! He's in good condition, a great body score, but he's just so BIG!

So just cuz the parents are a certain size does not mean your pup will get to that size.

Another case....I have a chihuahua male. He's 3yrs old as well. Both his parents are about 8-9lbs...he is 5lbs. He's so ity bity

VickiE · 08-23-2007, 12:41 PM

Well, I took Isabelle to the Vet on Monday for her 2nd set of puppy shots. At 12 wks she weighs in at 12.6 lbs. Dr. S (vet) said she SHOULD be at least 30 lbs. He also added that she could make it up to 50 lbs.

I think we've decided to go ahead and switch her over to Diamond. We did already switch our two big dogs over to it as well. Thanks for the recommendation Jaime! They seem to love it the same!

beezwing · 08-23-2007, 12:51 PM

I second the diamond...good food for the price

**gbarmranch** · 08-23-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildcat180

Well, I've switched my dogs from Nutro to Diamond Natural Lamb and Rice. Honestly, I felt like I was going to a lesser food, but I don't anymore. My dogs have been thriving on this food...moreso than they ever did on Nutro. The company also stands by their product 100% and performs several checks on their ingredients and final product to avoid any problems that may hurt pets. As an added bonus, I pay $20 for 40lbs.

We use this, and our older dog has done beautifully on this. Our new beagle puppy is on this also (puppy one).. I won't use anything else anymore.. Love the stuff!

VickiE · 08-23-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beezwing

I second the diamond...good food for the price

I know...I LOVE the price of this stuff! The MIL couldn't believe the price of it either. She also loves the idea of it being natural and having the company stand behind it!

joschrock · 09-06-2007, 10:14 PM

I heard once from a vet that a general rule of thumb in determining the adult weight of puppy is to take the weight of that puppy at 12 wks of age and multiply it by 3. That is a good approximation of what the dog will weigh when full grown.

Has anyone else ever heard of this? In the years I've been a vet tech, I have seen it to be quite true.

VickiE · 09-06-2007, 10:59 PM

I'm not sure. I haven't really heard too much about telling how big a puppy will be. Isabelle goes back the 10th (Monday) for her last set of puppy shots. She is almost 14 weeks old right now. I will give ya'll an update on her weight! The Vet seems to think she can get up to 50 lbs.

VickiE · 09-06-2007, 11:02 PM

Here is the latest picture I have of Isabelle. It isn't very good and is about 2 weeks old.

OSUJillyBean · 09-06-2007, 11:21 PM

Such a cute pup!

Does she like her new food?

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08-16-2007, 12:52 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	How can I tell my puppy's "mature" weight? small update How do you know how large a dog is going to be fully grown? Right now Isabelle is about 11 weeks old. She weighs around 11 lbs right now. She grown twice her size already in 4 weeks. Izzy is a border collie husky mix, but her mom was only about 35 lbs. Mom was the B.C. This is when we got her...All 6 lbs of her. This is a picture of her yesterday. 11 lbs...and 4 weeks later. I've been feeding her about 1 1/2-2 cups of BLUE Life Protection Formula (puppy food:Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe) I guess I want to make sure she is getting enough food but I'm not sure what her "mature" weight will be! Thanks! __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush Last edited by VickiE : 08-23-2007 at 12:42 PM.

08-16-2007, 12:55 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	I also have another question! IF I were to change her food to a less pricey brand would the amount of feed be the same? Or would it change. __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush

08-16-2007, 02:45 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	To know her mature weight, go by the parents weight. Because she is a girl, go by the mother dog's weight. As for the food, if you have to change it, gradually wean her off the food you have her on now and slowly introduce the new brand to her. I'd mix the foods to make it easier on her system. Most dog foods have recommended feeding labels on the bag, so just follow those to be on the safe side. When you change the food, don't go for the cheapiest thing out there, you'll end up paying for it down the road! Hope that helps! __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.

08-16-2007, 03:21 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	Oh I don't plan on going for the cheapest food...but at 15 lbs for $22... I need something a little more affordable! I was thinking about this Nutro Natural Choice or this Nutro Ultra Holistic . I'm not really sure which one to use. Our other dogs eat Nutro Natural and love it. They have no problems with it and it doesn't seem to be the cheapest food out there. Does anyone use this Nutro Ultra Holistic?? Vicki __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush

08-16-2007, 04:56 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	Do you have any good puppy food recommendations Jaime? I'm open to ideas of other foods. __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush

08-16-2007, 05:40 PM
Melissa_PQHorse Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 803	I feed mine 'By Nature'. And I recommend it. Edited to add... Siberians usually stay between 35-50lbs. I'd bet your girl will max at about 30-40.

08-16-2007, 06:58 PM
wildcat180 Seasoned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,130	Well, I've switched my dogs from Nutro to Diamond Natural Lamb and Rice. Honestly, I felt like I was going to a lesser food, but I don't anymore. My dogs have been thriving on this food...moreso than they ever did on Nutro. The company also stands by their product 100% and performs several checks on their ingredients and final product to avoid any problems that may hurt pets. As an added bonus, I pay $20 for 40lbs. __________________ My manner of thinking, so you say, cannot be approved. Do you suppose I care? A poor fool indeed is he who adopts a manner of thinking for others!-Marquis de Sade

08-16-2007, 07:44 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	Thanks for the info! I will look up both types of foods. Price isn't my main objective but if I CAN find a good food for a good price I think I may like that fact about it! Thanks again! __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush

08-16-2007, 07:46 PM
recklesshoundog Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 2,549	I have used Nutro and love it!

08-17-2007, 08:28 AM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,926	To many people have different ideas on food so I'm only going to suggest you feed the best food you can afford. For me that means Diamond puppy. I like the results I get from it. As for her adult weight. A breeders rule of thumb is at 8 weeks you triple the weight and at age 12 weeks you double the weight. I'm guessing her to be around 15 lbs at 12 weeks of age so her projected adult weight would be 30 lbs. Assuming of course the dog is not obese. I tend to over feed and my dogs grow larger then expected. Take for example my Maltese. She was expected to grow to eight pounds. She ended up weighing 9 lbs. The little piggy. __________________

08-23-2007, 12:51 PM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,856	I second the diamond...good food for the price __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

09-06-2007, 11:21 PM
OSUJillyBean Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,121	Such a cute pup! Does she like her new food? __________________ "And speaking of Italy and sports cars that I stole there, you still owe me a yellow Porsche." — Alice Cullen

08-17-2007, 08:41 AM
GodsGifts Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 296	lol....I wouldn't go with the weight of the parents as a sure weight guesstement. Our 3yr old Boston Terrier turned out to be a total 35lbs!!! which may I add is TOO BIG for the breed. They should only reach 25lbs and thats supose to be a big Boston. Both his parents were 15lbs-20lbs. So how did he get this big??? I have no clue. He's not obese...actually he's not even fat. We run him about an hour every day playing!! He's in good condition, a great body score, but he's just so BIG! So just cuz the parents are a certain size does not mean your pup will get to that size. Another case....I have a chihuahua male. He's 3yrs old as well. Both his parents are about 8-9lbs...he is 5lbs. He's so ity bity __________________ Animals Are Family We Choose For Ourselves

08-23-2007, 12:41 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	Well, I took Isabelle to the Vet on Monday for her 2nd set of puppy shots. At 12 wks she weighs in at 12.6 lbs. Dr. S (vet) said she SHOULD be at least 30 lbs. He also added that she could make it up to 50 lbs. I think we've decided to go ahead and switch her over to Diamond. We did already switch our two big dogs over to it as well. Thanks for the recommendation Jaime! They seem to love it the same! __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush

09-06-2007, 10:14 PM
joschrock Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bradley, Illinois Posts: 223	I heard once from a vet that a general rule of thumb in determining the adult weight of puppy is to take the weight of that puppy at 12 wks of age and multiply it by 3. That is a good approximation of what the dog will weigh when full grown. Has anyone else ever heard of this? In the years I've been a vet tech, I have seen it to be quite true. __________________ "In Deep Water? Turn to the One who Walked on It"

09-06-2007, 10:59 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	I'm not sure. I haven't really heard too much about telling how big a puppy will be. Isabelle goes back the 10th (Monday) for her last set of puppy shots. She is almost 14 weeks old right now. I will give ya'll an update on her weight! The Vet seems to think she can get up to 50 lbs. __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush

09-06-2007, 11:02 PM
VickiE Conformation Clinic / Product Reviews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,143	Here is the latest picture I have of Isabelle. It isn't very good and is about 2 weeks old. __________________ It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it. George W. Bush