Ares' Lack of Growth

by Nikhilesh Jha
(Janakpur, Nepal)

Ares is my 10 Week puppy. I got him from a breeder. There are very few breeders in Nepal and baring one every one of them is out there for money. My dog is supposed to be a purebred GSD but I am not really sure any more. My GSD weighs 4 kgs or about 9 pounds. He is 44 cm from Head to butt.

We fed him dog lactogen initially. Then kibble of Pedigree but after reading scary reports of Pedigree fed dogs dying we stopped. Actually, I had got two GSDs but one died due to vomiting and diarrhea. We don't even have highly qualified vets here.

Now very scared that branded kibble might harm my puppy we feed him Cow's milk diluted with water along with rice.
We feed him Chicken soup with small pieces of chicken every two days.

His appetite is healthy but he eats dirt every-time he goes outside. We have dewormed him and feed him Iron syrup regularly but he has continued to eat dirt.

He has received canine distemper and Leptospira vaccine at 9 weeks.

I have started taking him for 15 minutes walk. Apart that I play with him for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.

I would love it if anyone would tall me if his growth is all right or too less. Also, is there anything that can be done to stop his dirt eating habit?