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How to feed a growing puppy who's gaining weight and picky?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

This is Kyro, my 1st dog I've had for 7 months. In 7 months he went from 75lbs to 85. Was feeding 2 cups twice daily of "Diamond All Natural Beef Meal & Rice" with piece of Roast Beef with a teaspoon of some kind of gravy & 1 Milkbone, 1 bully stick, 2 Grain fee treats daily. I cut back to 1 cup with Roast beef twice daily. I don't want to starve him but I want to keep his defined stomach. He won't eat unless the Roast beef & gravy is in his food. Bag of food says 4 cups daily. Any suggestions?

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2018

Kyro is very handsome! I would feed him according to the package instructions on the bag. He is a puppy and is still growing, so it's not recommended to restrict his food. I would cut of the treats though, including the Milkbone, bully stick, and grain free treats. Treats should only be given occasionally not daily, and too many treats can lead to weight again. As for the roast beef and gravy, he really doesn't need that on his food, he should only be getting dog food. Try gradually cutting back on the amount of roast beef and gravy you add to his food until he is eating the dog food only. I hope this helps!

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