how much to feed my puppy

Question
Hi I hope you can help!! I have a 7 wk old male lab and not sure how much to feed him. My puppy food instructions go on average adult weight, I have asked lots of dog owners advice but am geting lots of different answers! I am feeding him approx 110g dried food soaked in hot water and cooled a day and spreading it over 3 meals which is what the previous owner was feeding him. Im not sure this is enough and dont want to give anymore without advice as I have heard that they are prone to being over weight. Please help!!

Answer
That may not quite be enough and even if OK for now, will not be for long.  You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

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

At that age you don't need to soften in water any longer.  Like any food change, do it slowly, adding less and less water until after a week it is all dry.

Yes many Labs are too fat.  I really came to understand them one night at the zoo.  I was looking at seals and thinking how much they looked and sounded like chocolate Labs.  Eureka!  Labs want the body of a seal to swim in cold water.  They will live longer if kept lean.