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weight and height

19 18:00:55

Question
I have a 16 month old golden retriever and he just isnt as big as other dogs his age.I was wondering How big he should be at his age and why isnt he gaining any weight.Is there any type of special dog food i could give him or something else that would boost his weight and height.

Answer
Dogs have a genetically programed size they will level off at around a year old unless very poorly fed.  Can you see that he has grown much in the last 4 months?  Is the knobbiness gone from the bottom of the fore legs showing the growth plates are closed?  If so, you need to accept that he will just be smaller than average.  

You need to concentrate on maintaining a healthy weight.  Goldens typically will eat more than they need and look for more.  Evaluate him using http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  Adjust what you are feeding him as needed.  If he won't eat enough to keep his ribs hidden, better let a vet find out why.  

It does seem to be a secret, but most dogs will thrive on most dog chows and little else.