Is it normal for her to be this big? - Page 3

Thank you very much Jimmy (:

For what it's worth, my female weighed the same at 5 months. At 9 months she weighed 84 lbs., so I figured for sure (at the rate she was growing) she would top 90 lbs by a year old. I was wrong. Had her weighed at 13 months and she had actually lost a pound. She weighed 83 lbs when she had her hips/elbows done last month. She still has a healthy appetite, just stopped growing or at least gaining weight. She's very active, always, always, always moving. (She's outside rearranging the lawn furniture right now. LOL) Vet says she's all muscle  Anyway, tough to predict how much they will weigh when they mature.

Thanks for sharing that Trio! 83 pounds is big! I would love for Anna to get that big, but we shall see! (:

Here is a great article from Leerburg.  Ed is a former handler for state patrol and long time breeder of GSD's.

http://leerburg.com/pano.htm

I agree with schtalk that a more natural diet will eliminate the process foods issue.  I substitute kibble with hamburger and rice from time to time.  I cook the hamburger although a lot of purists will say freeze and feed it raw.  My vet, a 30 year guy, advises me to cook the meat.  Food for thought, no pun intended.

8 - 10 pounds over weight? Wow. I'll have to take that into concideration.

It is the feeding.

Franquie,

Just thought I'd share...Echo weighed 70.6 at the Vet's yesterday.  13 pounds less than triodegir's pup.  As big as my Echo is I can't imagine how big her girl must be.  You'll have to let us know what Anna weighs at 9mo so we can compare.  I would be happy if Echo didn't get any bigger.  I'd like to stay within the standard.  Our old girl, Airin weighed on average, 55 pounds.  Her heaviest was one winter she hit 65 and she was fat so we cut her back.  I really don't like to see ribs but I don't want to see a roll over their hips when they sit down either.  Keep those photos coming.  We like to see puppies growing up.

Deb 

I know it's sometimes hard to see the ribs. As long as it's notice with natural movement. The first two ribs should be somewhat visible. Think about a healthy human kid or adult. We notice the ribs all the time. Lean body mass is good for humans as much as it is for dogs. Now I better go work on my lean body mass

Try this and I guaranteed she will be at her ideal weight in 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.

2 twice a day
1 1/4 cup of Taste of the Wild or any grain free food.
2 Swedish meatball size ground turkey (raw)
1-2 tbs of cottage cheese
1/2 of small carrot grated

Only you will be able to tell how it's working out for your dog and how much to increase or decrease.

Add variety and have fun with different option. A lot of people say to introduce different foods slowly. Give your dog ground turkey no reaction move on to something new. In the course of 1 week I'll feed my dog beef liver, venison, bison, eggs, broccoli, sweet potato, olive and salmon oil, ground turkey/chicken, chicken necks, gizzards, hearts etc.

I ask my butcher to grind it up with the bone. Saves me time at home and no need to worry about bones if your uncomfortable with feeding it. But bones are essential to the dogs health. I don't feed strictly raw, not yet anyway. I mix it in with Taste of the Wild. I've had success with the food and you can't beat the price.

At the end of the day whatever works for you and your pup.

Good Luck!!
JD

Debi, how old is Echo?

And thanks for that recipe, JD. I will definitly try it!