Overweight Dog, what food?

Coco2015

Hi, just back from the vet for a 2nd time and my medium sized dog has put on weight, despite me measuring her food, giving her the reduced amount of 175g.
Any suggestions of a good quality reasonably priced dried food that would help? Vet wants me to try their metabolic range but said it’s pricey. Said I’d give it another month before deciding. Thanks

VonVix

What breed and what weight is she currently? Also what brand is she currently eating?

Food most likely needs to be reduced further. Vets often will push people to buy what's on their shelves. Assuming as it's only a weight issue and not health issue related, I wouldn't think food needs to be changed altogether, just the amount given.

cocker5

It’s not really about the food more portion sizes, treats and exercise levels.. what is your currently fed?

What breed and age?

AfterLife

cocker5 wrote: »

It’s not really about the food more portion sizes, treats and exercise levels.. what is your currently fed?

What breed and age?

I'd agree with this but if it is really poor food feeding less might not be a great idea.

Shaunoc

Half

Coco2015

Apologies should have given more information, she’s a 4 year old staffy / shih tzu Cross, she currently weighs 13kg and vet said she should be 10kg, but when I questioned that she was never that weight when fully grown, she looked back at her records and said she should be 12kg. She’s walked everyday and goes running at least once a week with my other half for about 5k so she gets plenty of exercise. I’m feeding her Red Mills Winner and she gets no treats now.

EPAndlee

I had a weight problem with my Jack Russell. He was 10kg. He was put on the royal canin low fat food but wouldn't eat it. So tried their weight control dry food instead and loves that. So now it's a smaller portion of wet food with the weight control dry food, he's under 8kg now. Always had the same amount of exercise. I went with what the vet advised

VonVix

Coco2015 wrote: »

Apologies should have given more information, she’s a 4 year old staffy / shih tzu Cross, she currently weighs 13kg and vet said she should be 10kg, but when I questioned that she was never that weight when fully grown, she looked back at her records and said she should be 12kg. She’s walked everyday and goes running at least once a week with my other half for about 5k so she gets plenty of exercise. I’m feeding her Red Mills Winner and she gets no treats now.

From my experience 175g would be way over how much a dog who should be 10kg should get. I know plenty of Labradors who eat that much.

I have two dogs who weigh around 9.5kg-10kg and they eat 120g (Acana) dry food twice daily, and they lean towards the perfect-to-a-tiny-bit-chubby side of things.

In order to assess a dog's weight, you should be able to feel your dog's ribs without having to dig in. If you can't feel your dog's ribs, they need to lose some weight.

Coco2015

VonVix wrote: »

From my experience 175g would be way over how much a dog who should be 10kg should get. I know plenty of Labradors who eat that much.

I have two dogs who weigh around 9.5kg-10kg and they eat 120g (Acana) dry food twice daily, and they lean towards the perfect-to-a-tiny-bit-chubby side of things.

In order to assess a dog's weight, you should be able to feel your dog's ribs without having to dig in. If you can't feel your dog's ribs, they need to lose some weight.

She gets fed only once a day. You can slightly feel her ribs when you touch her underside. Also based on her build I don’t think she’d ever be 10kg!

muddypaws

So is your vet basing their concerns on the dog's weight, rather than feel?

If you lay your hand flat, palm down, run your fingers of your other hand over the knuckles. Thats how your dog's ribs should feel, with a slight covering of fat. Now clench your fist, and run your fingers over your knuckles again, thats an underweight dog. Turn your hand over and run your fingers over the underneath of your knuckles, thats an overweight dog's ribs. A lot of people get fixated on weight rather than feel, but, especially with a crossbreed, who knows what the correct weight is?

What do the feeding guidelines on the food say a 12kg dog should be on?

LizzeyBenett

Coco2015 wrote: »

Hi, just back from the vet for a 2nd time and my medium sized dog has put on weight, despite me measuring her food, giving her the reduced amount of 175g.
Any suggestions of a good quality reasonably priced dried food that would help? Vet wants me to try their metabolic range but said it’s pricey. Said I’d give it another month before deciding. Thanks

Did the vet not recommend a low fat food they usually carry them as they are a specialised product.

Outkast_IRE

Move onto a food with less grain bulking it out. Orjen is a good quality one . High quality , high protein , less quantity is better for most dogs. I have good success with James weebeloved too it has rice as the only grain I think and decent quality and price

Choc Chip

I can't be the only person who needs to see a pic of a staffy x shih tzu. Please OP?!!

Plus it might help gauge her weight.

Renno123

i found Burns good for reducing weight but changed to Eden dog food now.

Coco2015

Thanks for all the replies, the vet is basing it on her weight and the fact that her ribs are not easily felt by her.
The guidelines for the food I’m feeding her are 200g to 350g for a medium dog baded on wright of 10-15kg so I’m feeding her within those guidelines. I’ll try changing to one of the other foods mentioned and see how we get on.

Coco2015

Choc Chip wrote: »

I can't be the only person who needs to see a pic of a staffy x shih tzu. Please OP?!!

Plus it might help gauge her weight.

She a strange mix alright, I’m only a new user so not sure how to post photos!

Brian201888

Have you considered feeding raw? No grain filler that does little to nothing for the dog anyway

Coco2015

Eoghan_2 wrote: »

Have you considered feeding raw? No grain filler that does little to nothing for the dog anyway

Must investigate that more as might be an option. Here’s a photo

muddypaws

OMG she is so cute

DBB

She is FAB
I'm a complete sucker for anything with even a whisper of Shih Tsu in them

x Purple Pawprints x

Please don't start feeding a raw diet unless you do complete research and are willing to put the time and effort into sourcing good quality food. You can't just feed what your local butcher gives you, it's not that simple. At least talk to a veterinary professional about it before you consider a raw diet. It's really not as easy as just feeding raw meat.

Brian201888

Some good completes available in the market now that offer delivery if you have the freezer space, doesn't work out hugely expensive and difference in my guy since we started it last year is fantastic.

muddypaws

x Purple Pawprints x wrote: »

Please don't start feeding a raw diet unless you do complete research and are willing to put the time and effort into sourcing good quality food. You can't just feed what your local butcher gives you, it's not that simple. At least talk to a veterinary professional about it before you consider a raw diet. It's really not as easy as just feeding raw meat.

There are complete raw foods available now

x Purple Pawprints x

I'm a vet nurse, I'm aware of that, but the public don't seem to be. Which is why I said to do research before actually introducing it if that's what the OP wishes. This would be the case for any food in fact. Don't just change it suddenly, it needs to be done slowly or you'll end up with a dog with a very upset tummy.

cocker5

To be honest OP I’ve yet to meet a vet who recommends raw I’m sure there are some out there but I’m not aware or they are far and few in between.. feeding raw isn’t difficult at all, google some bits and pieces and buy the compete there are at least 5 places in Ireland selling complete raw and they deliver frozen - couldn't be easier to be honest .. if your interested I’m
Sure sure if raw feeders will post up some links for you. I moved to raw when my guy was around 8 ish .. personally wouldn’t go back (unless he wouldn’t eat it etc)

best of luck

boomerang

Burns High Oats is terrific. Failing that, Hills' Metabolic does work, but it's more expensive.

my3cents

From those pictures I'd ignore the vet.

tk123

x Purple Pawprints x wrote: »

I'm a vet nurse, I'm aware of that, but the public don't seem to be. Which is why I said to do research before actually introducing it if that's what the OP wishes. This would be the case for any food in fact. Don't just change it suddenly, it needs to be done slowly or you'll end up with a dog with a very upset tummy.

I'd disagree...Everyone has FB these days and there's countless raw feeding groups or there's forums like boards with raw feeding groups. As others have mentioned there's tons of completes too for people to get started on or stay on

It's quite normal to just change to raw - there's no need to transition over a few weeks like dry food and you can have tons of variety.

Choc Chip

She's like a teeny tiny panda-teddy bear!!!

I love her!

I feel your pain for what its worth- I've a terrier who would live on fresh air and we have to constantly restrict his food. Veg works well for us to bulk out his food without adding too many calories. Maybe try her with some carrots? Mine love them.

tk123

Ah she's lovely . But is she medium - could that be the problem that you're feeding for medium ie too much? Or am I just sizing her up to my two and counting her as small lol? They're fed a good bit less that guidelines to allow for the few treats they get during the day. It's costing me €22 a week to raw feed 2 x retrievers - I made a spread sheet for a few weeks out of interest because people always ask how much I spend . I've gotten very lazy in my old age too lol and tend to buy completes and bagged carcass/necks/wing tips instead of 15kgs blocks and break them up myself. I also got lovely new stones laid last year in the garden so no way am I risking them by dropping frozen stuff on them to break it up!! :pac:

BudEliJackson

Coco2015 wrote: »

Hi, just back from the vet for a 2nd time and my medium sized dog has put on weight, despite me measuring her food, giving her the reduced amount of 175g.
Any suggestions of a good quality reasonably priced dried food that would help? Vet wants me to try their metabolic range but said it’s pricey. Said I’d give it another month before deciding. Thanks

I have half lab , he would do anything for any food, always struggled with his weight, went through different food, then started cooking, then I went vegan and all my three dogs are nearly vegan now and finally I noticed he finally lost weight and is doing fantastic, PM me for more info if you are interested in this topic, I know there is loads of people out there who think feeding vegan diet to dogs is even cruel, I did research into this topic and my dogs are absolutely healthy happy and I am happy too

AfterLife

BudEliJackson wrote: »

I have half lab , he would do anything for any food, always struggled with his weight, went through different food, then started cooking, then I went vegan and all my three dogs are nearly vegan now and finally I noticed he finally lost weight and is doing fantastic, PM me for more info if you are interested in this topic, I know there is loads of people out there who think feeding vegan diet to dogs is even cruel, I did research into this topic and my dogs are absolutely healthy happy and I am happy too

Don't do this op.

BudEliJackson

AfterLife wrote: »

Don't do this op.

I expected some negative comments but I guess for people without compassion who aren't vegans themselves feeding vegan diet to their dogs looks crazy, please do the research into topic before you suggest to do it or not to do it, thanks

Bandana boy

BudEliJackson wrote: »

I have half lab , he would do anything for any food, always struggled with his weight, went through different food, then started cooking, then I went vegan and all my three dogs are nearly vegan now and finally I noticed he finally lost weight and is doing fantastic, PM me for more info if you are interested in this topic, I know there is loads of people out there who think feeding vegan diet to dogs is even cruel, I did research into this topic and my dogs are absolutely healthy happy and I am happy too

Your poor Dogs
Don't enforce your values on a pet

As for non vegans have no compassion ! the ego on you

AfterLife

BudEliJackson wrote: »

I expected some negative comments but I guess for people without compassion who aren't vegans themselves feeding vegan diet to their dogs looks crazy, please do the research into topic before you suggest to do it or not to do it, thanks

I know plenty about dog nutrition. I was a vegetarian for a decade. Anyone forcing a dog, child or anything else that doesn't have free will to be a vegan needs to take a look at themselves.

DBB

BudEliJackson wrote: »

I expected some negative comments but I guess for people without compassion who aren't vegans themselves feeding vegan diet to their dogs looks crazy, please do the research into topic before you suggest to do it or not to do it, thanks

BudEliJackson, don't even think about drawing the compassion of the users of this forum into question again.
The chances of you convincing people that the diet you feed your dogs is acceptable just crumbles to the floor when you take this holier-than-thou attitude with them.
If you can't be civil, don't post here again. Also, take great care not to soapbox.
Thanks,
DBB

BudEliJackson

DBB wrote: »

BudEliJackson, don't even think about drawing the compassion of the users of this forum into question again.
The chances of you convincing people that the diet you feed your dogs is acceptable just crumbles to the floor when you take this holier-than-thou attitude with them.
If you can't be civil, don't post here again. Also, take great care not to soapbox.
Thanks,
DBB

Thanks, thought this is open forum where people can post what they think, that must be wrong, I wrote what I do, what works for my dogs and suggested OP to send me pm , that was all, straight got attacked by 3 different people including yourself- moderator so not sure how this works in here but I should probably delete my boards account as people cannot accept anybody else's views or comments without being civil.

Part when you are saying about convincing anybody- I didn't say anything about convincing anybody on here, so not sure where that came from, I posted fact about people who are not vegans surely will find feeding vegan diet to dogs crazy and I was right- see the reaction. if you cannot be fair you shouldn't be moderator- my own view - again you will hammer me for it (usual people cannot accept other opinions) but I am OK with that.

Wishing you lovely day!

BudEliJackson

Bandana boy wrote: »

Your poor Dogs
Don't enforce your values on a pet

As for non vegans have no compassion ! the ego on you

I am glad you met my dogs and can state they are poor, there is no ego, it is just a fact, see reaction of people on here, I was absolutely civil with what I posted, and got hammered for it not not civil way at all, so that's for my post. But I'm glad you met my dogs

Bandana boy

BudEliJackson wrote: »

I am glad you met my dogs and can state they are poor, there is no ego, it is just a fact, see reaction of people on here, I was absolutely civil with what I posted, and got hammered for it not not civil way at all, so that's for my post. But I'm glad you met my dogs

your take on what is civil and uncivil and getting hammered shows your inability to be objective on this topic .

With that in mind I don't think you can possibly be objective on what it is doing to your dogs.

Have you taken them to a vet recently and explained that you are inflicting your beliefs on your Dogs and can they verify they are as healthy as they would be otherwise ?

BudEliJackson

Bandana boy wrote: »

your take on what is civil and uncivil and getting hammered shows your inability to be objective on this topic .

With that in mind I don't think you can possibly be objective on what it is doing to your dogs.

Have you taken them to a vet recently and explained that you are inflicting your beliefs on your Dogs and can they verify they are as healthy as they would be otherwise ?

Thanks, to answer your question we go to vet frequently for check up etc, every time I am there I mention vegan diet and it is different vets that might see me as practise is big, yes, I had blood tests done on my big boy and everything was absolutely fine , so yes, vets checked them and can't see anything wrong with inflicting my views on my dogs thanks

AfterLife

BudEliJackson wrote: »

can't see anything wrong with inflicting my views on my dogs thanks

inflict
ɪnˈflɪkt/
verb
gerund or present participle: inflicting
cause (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something

DBB

BudEliJackson,
You have received a yellow card for discussing a mod action on thread. This breaches the site-wide rule of not arguing with mod actions on thread.
You are also in breach of the forum rule to post with respect towards other posters. Making sweeping generalisations about people's opinions falls under this category. For instance, you have no clue whatsoever what my opinion on feeding vegan food to dogs is, you have conflated that assumption with my duty to ensure that rules are not breached in this forum. You have breached several. My actioning of these breaches bears no relation to my personal opinion. Please don't conflate the two.
Finally, I should not have to say this... If you want to discuss this mod action any further, either take it to pm, or contact on of the Category Mods to seek their advice on how to interpret the forum charter.
Thanks,
DBB

pawdee

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to put your dog down......she's too heavy"