how much should I feed my 18 week bluetick?

[ol' pottski]

I've had my bluetick since he was 8 Weeks and fed him about a cup twice a day. Now he's 18 Weeks and considerably larger, so I know its time to up the amount of food. I've read that blueticks are susceptible to hip dysplasia and that is almost a direct result of their diet for the first 9mths to 1yr, being overweight and getting too much calcium before the joints can mature. But what I cant find is a chart or any diagram that would explain how much food is enough. Does anyone have a good idea how much he should be getting? He's 31lbs. At 18Weeks and looks good, he's a lil thin, but all in all he looks good....

Thanks for reading,
pottski

[007pennpal]

They stretch out at this age. Its pretty hard to feed them too much. If they seem a little fat for a couple days, next thing you know they poop and start looking skinny. The growth is so fast that they use everything they eat. I'd say that it is important to feed some quality chow. Overfeeding at this age is not much of an issue in most cases.

[Spokerider]

Dogs, hounds included, grow up to be healthier and with less risk of bone / joint disorders if they are kept on the lean side for the first year. Keeping them lean will not affect thier final height and weight, it means that they are likely to achieve this predetermined genetic size at 1 year old instead of at 9 or 10 months old.

Puppeies rquire the most calories [ food ] between 3 to 6 months old. After 6 months, you can feed a little less, and after 1 year, less food yet is required, as final growth size has been achieved.

You need to be able to see the dogs waist. You should *just* get a hint of ribs through the coat when the light is just right on their side. Ribs are easily felt. You should NOT be able to see the spine or scapula sticking up, or protruding pelvic features.......a dog such as that would be considered to be emaciated.

[ol' pottski]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the insight