Grain free and weight loss - Page 1

Hi everyone

My 2.5 year old girl German Shepherd eats 3 cups of Go Natural Chicken. It's a 5-star food rated by DogFoodAnalysis.com and I'm a big fan of this brand. It's both complete nutritionally and palatable for my fairly picky girl.

However I've switched her to Go Natural Grain Free Endurance because it's a 6-star food and I've learned that grains are not that nutritious to dogs. I though know that grain-free is not no carb as carb sources are still in place like potatoes and other vegetables.

She is maintained by the same Calories as her old food but I noticed she lost about 4 kilos in a bit over a month with this food. I'm thinking is this normal for grainfree? I'd think yes because it has a lower carb content which, like a person, is like going through South Beach or Atkins.

Hoping for your feedback. My girl has a hard time gaining weight in general, which I think is pretty common for GSDs, so I want to get her to her very very nice 27kg. 

Thanks.

How's her poop??

Well I would probably check out the protein source in the grain free, possibly she is not assimilating it like the chicken;  I would probably add some sort of meat also.  JMO,  Nan

And by the way for dogs the carb's are used differently than people, if you are talking sweet potato/potato or grains they are also assimilated differently in dogs.  BOL  Nan

If you are in Canada, I would try Acana Ranchlands formula.  She may be sensitive to chicken.  Some dogs are. the Acana Ranchlands is working very well for my GSDs.

Her poop is normal.

The food says it's 70% meat. And guaranteed analysis is 38% protein.
It even smells super meaty.

So I doubt I need to add more meat. Beyond 38% protein I think would be too much for any dog. She's not particularly a worker here, just a pet that runs about and plays.

I have my dog on Back to Basics.  She is a great weight and loves it.  Made with organ meats, what a dog needs to eat. 

I would think a loss of 4 kg is a lot...unless she was a bit chunky to begin with.

Mike

Please see my comment under "your opinion on this food please" so this makes sense to you.


If your dog is being fed a high quality grain free food and losing weight it could be one of two reasons.

1. It needs to be fed more food as it is expending more calories than it is being fed

2. it is not digesting its food properly. I would supplement with vitamin b-12. Also, you can  buy either on line or at a dog food store digestive enzymes to help with digestion.  The brand name for these supplemental enzymes is Prozyme. Soaking the kibble in warm water first then adding the Prozyme and mixing well then let it sit for about 10 minutes then feed. 

I believe after trying one of these two things, or both, you will notice an incredible difference with your dogs appearance, weight gain and energy level.

Note:  German shepherds are notorious for digestive issues.  Learning about canine nutrition will help you tremendously with the health and vitality of your dog.

Lynn

I would check pancreatic function.