Feeding times for thirteen weeks old puppy

[Sandie1]

My mini pup is now 13 weeks old and being fed a raw diet, Nutriment. I have only just changed her onto 3 meals per day rather than 4. Her feeding times previously were 7AM, 11AM, 3PM, 7PM.

Does anyone have any advice re: the best times to feed now that she is on 3 meals? Particularly the last meal of the day. Should this now be made earlier in the afternoon/evening? What have other owners found works best for their puppies? She usually sleeps through until 6.30-7AM in the morning (and is of course starving when she gets up!)

[zeta1454]

Hi Rachel,
With our puppies of that age who get up at about 6.30, we feed after they have been outside to toilet, at about 7 a.m. then at about 12.30 to 1 p.m. and then the last meal at 6.30 - 7p.m. The adult dogs are fed at 6.30 to 7 in the morning and at 6-6.30 in the evening so it is just a case of gradually moving towards the times you would want to eventually feed your pup with a meal somewhere in the middle just for now as she is on 3 meals.

Although a 12 hour gap through the night sounds a long time for a puppy, it should be fine as she will be sleeping. There are those who believe it is beneficial for dogs (and humans) to have a good gap every day without food to allow the digestive system a rest and to promote good health overall (as long as there is no underlying health issue of course).

[Sandie1]

Thanks Leigh,
That has put my mind at rest, I am currently doing 7ish AM, 1ish PM and 7ishPM, so similar to yours.