Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I'm Leslie and I have a new puppy. Her name is Sadie and she is a Shihpoo. She's almost nine weeks old and right now weighs 3 lbs. She's a sweet little thing and seems to be very smart.
I am a little concerned that she might not be eating enough. The vet said I could add a little baby food chicken and rice and that entices her a bit, but I'd say all day she doesn't eat more than a quarter cup or so of food. Any ideas? Does this sound normal for a puppy this age and size? Thanks

I don't have much experience with that tiny of pups, but I'd find a great premium brand food that tastes better instead of using people food to get calories into her. It's not that I'm opposed to dogs eating people food, but she needs a balanced diet and a dog that tiny can be thrown off easily.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Right now I am mixing the baby food in with Nutro puppy food, which is what the breeder was giving the pups. I thought that was a pretty good name brand, right? Thanks for your input.

1/4 - 1/2 cup should do fine for your pup, I'd skip the human food though, if she prefers her food soft you can soak the kibble in some warm water for about 15 minutes.

>>Right now I am mixing the baby food in with Nutro puppy food, which is what the breeder was giving the pups. I thought that was a pretty good name brand, right? Thanks for your input.

Hi Leslie,
I have a twelve year old Shih Tzu who has had Nutro almost all her life. She's done very well on it. She's now on the Nutro Natural Choice Ultra Senior. Good luck with Sadie and hope we'll be hearing more about her and perhaps seeing many picures of her.
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Mary Lou & Katie

Thanks, guys. I guess I am just used to seeing the amount of food my big dog eats and this seems like so little. Sadie does not want to eat the dry food and wouldn't eat it moistened with water either which is why the vet told me to try the baby food.

She seems to be doing fine. She's very playful and fearless-trying to play with big Karelian Bear Dog, Nikita.