Feeding Your Welcome Acres Labradoodle
Welcome Acres Suggested Feeding Guidelines
How much should you feed your Welcome Acres puppy?
Suggested daily amounts are based on the use of a standard 8oz. measuring cup which holds 4.2 oz of this food.
| Up to 6 weeks | 4 times per day |
| 7 weeks to 4 months | 3 times per day |
| 5 months and up | 2 times per day |
Suggested Daily Amount (in Cups)
| Approx. body weight (lbs) | Puppy less than 6 months | Puppy more than 6 months | Adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 lbs. | 1/4 – 2/3 | 1/4 – 1/2 | |
| 4-10 lbs. | 2/3 – 1 1/2 | 1/2 – 1 | 1/4 – 2/3 |
| 11-20 lbs. | 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 | 1 – 1 3/4 | 2/3 – 1 |
| 21-30 lbs. | 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 | 1 3/4 – 2 1/3 | 1 – 1 1/2 |
| 31-40 lbs. | 3 1/2 – 4 1/3 | 2 1/3 – 3 | 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 |
| 41-60 lbs. | 4 1/3 – 5 1/2 | 3 – 4 | 1 3/4 – 2 1/2 |
| 61-80 lbs. | 4 – 5 | 2 1/2 – 3 | |
| 81-100 lbs. | 5 – 5 1/2 | 3 – 3 1/2 | |
| over 100 lbs. | 3 1/2 – 1/3* |
*for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs.
Feeding Instructions for Puppies
Starting Solid Foods
When your Australian Labradoodle puppy is ready to transition to solid food, begin with moistened kibble. Puppies can “free feed” until they are fully weaned, usually between 6 and 8 weeks of age. After weaning, switch to dry kibble and follow the feeding chart based on your puppy’s weight and age. Keep in mind that food needs may vary for each individual puppy.
Individual Meal Feeding
From 8 weeks to 6 months, divide the recommended daily amount into two to three meals within a 24-hour period. After 6 months of age, reduce to two meals a day. This routine helps regulate digestion and establishes healthy eating habits.
Free Feeding
Another option is free feeding. In this method, measure the entire daily amount into a dish and allow your puppy to eat throughout the day. However, use this approach with caution. Because Labradoodles enjoy food, free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity.
Feeding Instructions for Adult Labradoodles
Suggested Daily Amounts
Begin with the “Suggested Daily Amount” for adults listed in the feeding chart above. Use this chart as a guideline rather than a strict rule, since individual needs can vary.
Adjusting Portions
Monitor your Labradoodle’s weight and body condition regularly. If your dog is too lean, increase the daily amount slightly. If weight gain becomes an issue, reduce the portion. Small adjustments help maintain a healthy weight and energy level.
Feeding Methods
You can divide the daily amount into two meals served at regular times each day. This routine supports healthy digestion and reduces begging behavior. Alternatively, you may choose free feeding by placing the full daily portion in a dish. However, free feeding often encourages overeating and can lead to obesity.
Feeding Instructions for Pregnant or Nursing Dogs
During early pregnancy, start with the “Suggested Daily Amount” for adults as shown in the chart above. Needs will likely increase by as much as 50% in late pregnancy, and may as much as triple during heavy nursing periods. Keep
food available for nursing dogs at all times.
How To Change Your Dog’s Food
Food changes can be life changing for your dog. If there is a new food being introduced to your dog you do not want to make the changes quick and sudden, but gradually introduce the new food and taking away the old food over a period of time.
This guide can help you make these changes that will be best suited for the dogs’ stomach. To begin the transition, mix your dog’s current food with the new food. Gradually decrease the amount of the current food while increasing the amount of new food. Continue to do this over a 7-day period.
Although many dogs will readily eat a new food when it’s offered the first time, they may still experience side effects like vomiting, loose stool and flatulence (gas). Some dogs are finicky eaters and may be reluctant to try something new, especially when it’s offered suddenly.
All cup sizes are based on an 8 oz. cup.
Questions? Get in touch with us today!
