Six month old feeding schedule

[Rakaser1]

I have been feeding my babies 4 times a day. They had a rocky beginning and I've babied them tremendously. I've had many food problems with them and their digestive systems are still a little iffy. They are now 6 months old. Can I start feeding them twice or three times a day now? This schedule is killing me, going to bed late and waking up early. The only thing I'm afraid of is their sugar dropping. I'm feeding them Natural Balance Potato & Duck. Bella weighs 3 1/2 lbs, and Gracie weighs about 2 1/2 lbs. The bag recommends 1/2 cup to 1 cup a day for under 10 lbs. I've not been feeding them but maybe a 1/4 cup a day. Maybe this is my problem.

Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!!!

[Britster]

4x a day seems a little excessive since they are now six months old. I would try reducing to 3 meals a day. 1/4 cup may be too little for them at the moment. They are growing puppies... also, I believe a lot of the NB formulas are lower in calories too, plus every pup has a different metabolism, they might just need a bit more food. I would split 1/2 cup per day into three meals to start and see how that goes.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Britster

4x a day seems a little excessive since they are now six months old. I would try reducing to 3 meals a day. 1/4 cup may be too little for them at the moment. They are growing puppies... also, I believe a lot of the NB formulas are lower in calories too, plus every pup has a different metabolism, they might just need a bit more food. I would split 1/2 cup per day into three meals to start and see how that goes.

Your little pupsters may not eat the entire 1/2 cup. You may also try giving them 2-4 pieces of kibble before bedtime -- do tricks and give the kibble as rewards. This is what I do with my younger boy to make sure his tummy is happy overnight. My boys are bigger but still require 3 meals per day.

[Rakaser1]

I actually do give them treats throughout the day. They get treats when they potty & when they do their homework from training class. I'm giving the NB sweet potato/bison treats. I will try 1/2 cup split 3 ways and see what happens. In the morning they get about a tsp. of canned food with their dry so that I can mix in their probiotic. I swear by the probiotic, it has really helped their digestive systems.

Thanks so much for the great tips. I really thought I wasn't feeding them enough, but every time I fed more they would get sick. But, that was with the last food they were on. The NB seems to be more tolerable for them.