Adjusting Feeding Schedule

Q: Our Morkie puppie is almost 11 weeks old. We have had her for 2 weeks now. Per the instructions from the breeder, we leave food out so that she has it available all the time due to her small size and need for adjustment to our home. Is it too early to transition to a regular feeding schedule? How often and how much food at a time?

A: If she has been with you 2 weeks and her attitude and appetite are good then you can start scheduled feedings. I would go with 4 per day for about a week and then go to 3 and after about a month you could go with 2 per day. Here is some information on the amount to feed: There are a few guidelines of adequate consumption that are just as important as the actual volume of food eaten. During the transition to a new home it is extremely important that your puppy eats frequently, you should offer food at least each 1-2 hours during the day and each 4 hours overnight. Allow your puppy to eat whatever it wants in about 5 minutes or so. Keep in mind your puppy's appetite will vary during the day, and day to day, just like us. Leaving dry food available as nibble food is a good idea unless you have other pets that might take advantage too often. Once you are confident your puppy is eating regularly you can begin reduce the number of feedings. By the end of the second week shoot for about 4 feedings per day. Your puppy's attitude will generally tell you if he is eating enough: if he eats regularly, eliminates normally, plays energetically for a while and then sleeps things can't be to bad. If you feel there are changes to this pattern let me know as it could be a signal that something is up.