pomeranian owners - advice please

[AnotherLoad]

my pom is 9wks on wednesday, im currently feeding her what the breeder had her on - purina (if thats spelt right) dry food that i need to put a little water on to soften with boiled chicken (tiny bits) mixed in. he said he gave it to her twice a day.

I had planned to cook home food for her but having spoken to the neighbours (most of who have dogs) say that a good quality dog food should be good enough and only feed chicken, rice, fish etc when ill. even pets at home said it when i was picking her up a few chew toys??

so now im lost with whats best - because when researching pom info most said home cooked is best!

I didnt think twice a day was good enough for a puppy so i have been offering her just the softened dry food at lunch without the chicken but she doesnt eat it. pets at home also said to slowly wean her off the water on the dry food.

so i would appreciate any advice or what your currently feeding your pom?
really want to give her the best wether its shop bought or cooked. plus how much to feed too please

thanks for your time :)

She should be on 4 little meals a day - one at 7ish, one at 1ish, another at about 5 and one at about 10. Do you know how much she weighs? I'd drop her off to 3 meals at about 12 weeks. I also always moisten food with a splash of hot water - it makes it smell a bit more appetising somehow.

There is no immediate need to change her food; let her settle in for another week or so and then tackle it. I would get her off the chicken though; IMO it's the start of a fussy dog and interferes with the balance of a compete dog food.

The brands I'd look at are burns, fish4dogs, lilys kitchen, barking heads, Symply. All are good foods without too much crap in. I hope one of them appeals and suits your budget. Breed specific food is a sales gimmick and an absolute con.

thanks daisy :)

she normally starts crying/whining around 6am, i get up (dc's are up not long after) have a coffee then give her breakfast around 6.30am - so should i make her wait abit longer? im not feeding her a soon as she see's me or i know i'd make a ''rod for me own back'' spoilt dog situation!

lunch normally between 12- half past. but this is usaully left un eaten. as you said its like a fussy dog strike :(

thanks for the brands, will have a look. I wasnt going to change her food in a rush until i knew what i was doing is right. will slowly add what im changing her to taking out bit of breeder food.

is it right they should be on dry? no wet meat. ive read they are prone to tooth loss. i will forget the home cook then.... and the chicken!!

so i should give her any thing different in between? or just stick to the same every day? sorry bout all the silly questions, just that ive been told so many things i just need some one to put me straight.

I dont think she will eat it without the chicken then i'd be worried she aint eating... will do my best
any other tips like treats when training etc??? :)

thanks for your help :)