doggie diet

Question
Dear Doc,

       I would like to spruce up my puppy's meals. He is a nine month old mle yellow Lab. Like most dogs he acts hungry all the time and cannot have enough of anything to eat; but he too seems bored sometimes. We feed him with boiled lamb & chicken, eggs, whole wheat bread & broken wheat with milk, fruits and dog food. He gets his dose of his favorite doggie biscuits too. What else can we feed him? Also, can we add some salt and sugar to his food?  

Answer
He would be much better off being eating a dry, commercial dog food and nothing more except perhaps some dog treats.  It s very difficult to meet a dog's nutritional needs any other way.  Sugar and salt are even worse for dogs than us.  This is not just my opinion.  See  http://www.avma.org/press/releases/070404_homemade_diets.asp

It is quite normal for Labs to eat like that.  I hope you haven't let him convince you to feed him too much,  Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx