3 month old boxer mix puppy

Question
Hi- we just got a 75% boxer 25% pit bull puppy from my mom. She is about 14 inches tall and about 20 lbs. She appears very healthy, but eats everything in sight and is always begging for food. My mom was feeding her 2 cups per day of dry dog food. Anything I feed her-she eats- What should she be getting fed everyday?? I dont want to overfeed her, but she acts so hungry.You can barely make out the outline of her ribs when she walks, so I know she isnt overweight -yet :) thanks

Answer
Hi Heather,

Overall, your puppy sounds fine.  A healthy appetite is normal and very good for a growing pup.  Though there is no ideal weight because every dog is different, about 20 pounds seems pretty normal for her age.

If you're concerned, there are some things you could try.  How many times a day do you feed her?  At her age it would be better to feed her three meals a day.  It might help to curb her hunger.  I would give her 1 to 1.5 cups of dry food during each feeding.  I would also recommend not feeding her any table food or scraps.  Treats are fine as a reward, but random food throughout the day will only teach her to be a beggar.  Not every dog begs for food, but its hard to find a dog who won't take some when offered!  And if she is constantly offered food than she will always be looking for it cause she knows she can get it.

Another important thing is what you are feeding her.  A growing puppy needs a nutritious and good quality dog food.  You don't need to get anything outrageously expensive, but cheap quality dog food is just full of fillers and junk, and not only is that not good for your dog it has no nutrients in it and does not satisfy their hunger, and it also causes unnecessary weight gain.  If she is eating a cheap brand of food she could just be hungry because the food is not doing anything for her appetite.

At only three months old she most likely is not done with her puppy shots, so next time you go to the vet, and she should be taken regularly, just ask your vets opinion as well.