Chesapeake puppies tummies can be sensitive to food changes so we suggest you keep your pup on the same food. If you decide to change his/her food it needs to be done very gradually.
Set a feeding schedule…
We highly suggest setting a feeding schedule for your puppy — and keeping to it — which will aide in housebreaking.Your Chessie puppy has been eating three times a day at approximately 6:30 a.m. (breakfast), 12:00 p.m. (lunch), and 6:00 p.m. (dinner). This schedule is not cast in stone and can fluctuate slightly. However, we recommend the final feeding be no later that 7:00 p.m. This will allow enough time for the puppy to go outside a few times before bedtime.
Your puppy’s breakfast should be given after he/she has gone potty outside and had a little play session. Lunch should be given approximately halfway between the breakfast and dinner feedings. At first, give your puppy about 3/4 cup of food. Let the pup have access to the food for about 15 minutes. If there is any food left in the bowl after 15 minutes, then pick up what hasn’t been eaten. Do not give him/her more food until the next feeding time. At that time, give the puppy its normal allotted food amount. Continue this through his/her scheduled feedings
As Chessie puppies grow, so do their appetites. If your puppy consistently finishes all of the food offered, and he/she isn’t overweight, then you can increase the amount foodd, 1/4 cup at a time. Many Chessie puppies eat a lot, and will act famished even if they aren’t. Be careful not to overfeed. It is important that your puppy not become overweight. You should be able to feel the ribs quite readily when your pup is standing.
We do NOT recommend free feeding your Chessie.
Three feedings to two …
By six months of age, we recommend a twice a day feeding schedule. At this time take the same amount of food you have been feeding in a day and divide it into two feedings. At one year you may switch to feeding once a day.
Switching foods …
Typically, adult female Chessies eat between 1 and 3 cups per day, while males eat between 3 and 5 cups per day. Food consumption varies from dog to dog based on individual metabolism and activity level. It is not recommended to feed the amount on the packaging – instead, feed according to your dogs needs. If your dog looks a little plump, then cut him/her back 1/4 cup. If your pup looks thin, then increase his/her food.
If you feel you need to switch foods. Please do so gradually to help avoid stomach upset. Below is a general guideline on how to switch foods:
Day 1 & 2: feed 3/4 old food and 1/4 new food (mixed together)
Day 3 & 4: feed 1/2 old food and 1/2 new food (mixed together)
Day 5 & 6: feed 3/4 new food and 1/4 old food (mixed together)
Day 7: feed 100% new food