Finally my girl is gaining weight - Page 1

I have always given my girl premium holistic kibble and she would eat, but burned it all off. Her ribs have always shown, same with hip bones. I tried free freeding, mixing in other food, raw. Food just didn't seem to outweigh activity. I took her to the vet 2 1/2 weeks ago and she was almost 60 pounds. WG Showline-14 mos old. He was worried she was just too thin. So, I tried a food called Azmira and can't believe the difference. She's gained almost four pounds, her coat is amazing and she doesn't smell the least bit "doggy". Her shedding has also decreased noticably(sp?). Vet had wanted to do EPI test but I don't know if I still need to or not. She's always had firm stools and good coat. Advice please? Also, if she keeps gaining, when should I scale back the amount so she doesn't get too heavy? I'm so relieved. I'm a horrible worrywart about the kids and the dogs. I know you must all be sick to death of amatuers asking food questions but I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks, dawg PS-If it helps, her parents are in the database Packo vom fuermelder and Indira zellwaldrand. Don't know if that is an indicator of what weight should be.

Weight depends on bone and musculature. Any dog should be dry and firm. 64 pounds is above average for a medium size female, but that varies too. You should be able to feel ribs but not see them. Same for spine. Go easy on the extra food, as gains and losses put stress on her.

Jdh, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I am really tryng to understand how to judge her weight. Before I go further with my questions let me say I am not trying to undermine your answer or be argumentative. I'm just trying to understand. So, here's my question: anywhere I look up weight for GSD it gives me the same height/weight chart. On this chart it goes up to 12 mos and says a female should be 64 pounds. Is this figuring a kind of baby fat quotient like with kids. And then puberty slims them down some? Or is this more of a working line/ showline/american line specific chart, maybe? I mean, honestly, at 60 pounds you could count every rib from across the room and her spine was like a tentpole. But now I can't see any rib even after she's been in the pool and is wet. But I don't know where to stop the weightgain. She does have "good bone" I've been told, yet I have no idea how to apply that to what her weight should be. I really worry about this. Whoever said ignorance was bliss? Couldn't prove it by me! :) Anyway, if I can get a picture posted can you or anyone look at it and give me input? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, dawg