Recently rescued puppy

Question
QUESTION: I just adopted a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy, today in fact, and I want to know what the best diet would be for her. She is 3 months, spayed and weighs around 24lbs. You can see her hips bones, spine and ribs. I want to put weight on her safely while also being cautious about her gaining too much. I'm overwhelmed with the choices and the advice that everyone seems to have for me. Thank you for all the help you can give.

ANSWER:  Hello Samantha,

Due to computer problems I have been delayed in answering this. I'm just checking on here - have you found a diet yet, or are you still looking for help? I can send you information on large breed puppy diets if you're still interested.
My apologies, I have been offline more than on this past week.
Catherine

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QUESTION: I understand the delay; times are busy. I still need any advice you can give. I have started feeding her a large breed dog food mixed with a puppy wet food. I want to know what I should be feeding her to keep her healthy and strong as she grows. She is going to be around 130 to 140lbs full grown so I want her to have strong bones, joints, and muscles. Any advice would help. I've been inundated with advice on what I should and should not feed her and it is all contradictory. Thank you for any help you can give.

Samantha

ANSWER:  Hi Samantha,

Oh, I understand the dilemma about information! It boggles my mind the things I read about canine nutrition on the internet, believe me.
I do this for a living so you can rely on what I'm going to tell you.

HOWEVER:

I still need several things.
1) WHAT BRAND of food do you use? This is so I can ascertain the caloric content.

2) EXACTLY how much are you feeding?

At 24 pounds (she's probably more by now) her energy requirement per day will be about 1500 calories, spread over several meals.  I can't start to guess how much she's actually eating unless I have the info above. I'll be happy to keep helping if you provide me with this.
All the best, Catherine


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Her food is called Premium Edge large breed puppy formula. She gets 2 cups three times and day plus a cup of Pedigree wet food for puppies mixed in each meal. She is 30lbs as of Friday. I feel like I need to feed her a little extra because she was around 15 to 20 lbs under weight when I rescued her. Her mom was a fighter and she was mistreated so I'm trying to make up the nutrition that she missed getting.

Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Samantha,

Well, Premium Edge is not a bad food, I like a few others more, but this is not a standard Purina or IAMs type food,, and you are most definitely feeding enough of it! I would switch the can of Pedigree though to a better product, I REALLY dislike Pedigree. Look into canned foods by Innova, Merrick's, California Natural, Natural Balance, Spot's Stew, Wellness. But with the amount youre feeding (well over 2000 with the can)  you may be growing her too quickly. That can be a major concern with large and giant breed dogs; is she looking plumpish now?  I would try to stick to her caloric requirements as she grows UP to about 7 months for a Neo and then taper off till youre feeding adult amounts at about 14 months.

So at 30 pounds, aim for no more than 2200 IF she is still underweight and 2000 if she's not. And please contact me privately if you need ongoing recommendations, or join the yahoogroup where e have this sort of information on File.

Best of luck with your puppy, I bet she's adorable. :)

Catherine