Needing help on trimming down... - Page 1

I have a 2 1/2 year old GSD female who is a bit overweight. I have been feeding 4Health Salmon and Potato for some time now as she gets loose stool on pretty much anything else. So I've been decreasing her food intake and we're down to 3/4 cup twice a day. She's still not trim. We live in the country and she runs a lot. Constantly after wildlife, etc and is very active. I hesitate to reduce her feed even more but not sure what to do at this point. I took her in to the vet and they said for her measurements she needs to lose approx 12 lbs. Because of her age they didn't feel it necessary to check her thyroid at this point.

Any suggestions on helping with weight loss?

Your dog is young and obese. I would demand a thyroid test first, then if it's normal you really need to assess how much your dog is really eating, including treats. The amount you say she's eating isn't all that much and doesn't explain the obesity when you say she's pretty active. I'm guessing there's some disconnect there somewhere. You are either actually feeding a lot more or she's a lot less active, if the thyroid is normal.

If this is truly the only food option for her, then you need to cut back more, cut out all treats, and increase activity. The only way to lose weight is fewer calories in and more calories burned. Maybe that brand has a diet option?

I'll check into a diet option for her food today. If that doesn't show results in a couple of weeks I will get pushy about the thyroid test. I know what she's eating because I use a measuring cup. And I don't give treats. Unless she's killing rabbits and squirrels, which I know she can. Not having seen her do it recently doesn't mean she's not.

I agree the only way to lose weight is decrease calories and increase workout. But if I kennel her to keep her from killing and eating anything other than what I'm feeding I am also limiting her activity. I don't think I can exercise her in the evening when I get home as much as she's getting all day. I know she's active as I watch her when I'm home on the weekends and evenings. She goes for a run through the pasture with us when we go on our daily walks too. She has no interest in chasing a ball, frisby, etc or playing with a flirt pole; I've tried for years off and on with zero success. If it's not alive she's not going to chase it.

It is probably the potato in her food. Can you go with something that does not have potato; I do not think Petcurean "GO" line has potato especially the LID formulas; their NOW formula has potato added and my friends dogs were fighting weight issues.

YES, I would also ask or demand a thyroid evaluation, check with Dr. Jean Dodds website and find out how to check thyroid and what levels you want to achieve for your girl. I also had great luck when I fed raw diet for weight issues, seems to trim them down promptly. Might be an option for you. Good luck Nan

 

PS:  I would also find something without potato and grains that would work for her.   More meat less kibble...

Are you able to fix a step counter on your dog for a couple of days?
Most often dogs, when they are on their own, don´t move at all, but wait and sleep.
When you are at home dynamics change...

Kmh whats here height /weight?
is she larger boned?
is she muscular ( remember that per unit weight protein is heavier than fat )
Can you put up this info and ped?

Are you the only one giving food? Is there a secret snack feeder, sabotaging your efforts? My younger dog started to put on weight until I finally realized the kid was filling up his feed bowl to the top! He's back to a healthy trim physique, now.

I would feed your dog the cup of kibble for one meal and then give raw chicken for the next meal. There are usually always sales on chicken, especially when the sell by dates get close. Get to know these times, and it will save you money. NO SNACKS in between. Or, if the dog likes carrots, some say this is a good lo-calorie treat. One dog I had, loved them, my current dogs would look at me like I am crazy, if I tried to give them raw carrot. In a stew, they'd gobble 'em all up!

My dogs do well on Blue Buffalo, one of the grain free products, too. It is medium priced and there are many choices for proteins, etc. No itchy skin or stinky ears. Been feeding it for years.

@Susie... hahaha for the step counter! The secret lives of dogs! That would be really funny to find out, if they only chase squirrels when the master is around. I am sure Mojo would do that. Beau, nah.... he'll chase whatever and moreso— if Mojo gives the sound off.

I think we've figured out why she's not losing weight.

She's a smaller frame and a month ago weighed 63lbs. Vet says she needs to lose 12lbs. I know she's lost a few since I started reducing her feed but it's been a month and not that significant a change. I'll have to check her tomorrow for height. Her name is Dani Vom Hall Haus.

I did get her a weight management food, still the 4Health brand but grain free and no potato. I'm in the backwoods of east Texas and my choices for food here is pretty limited. I don't know that I can jury rig a step counter but I did take extra time this evening to get her moving more than the usual walk. And I'm going to start taking her to the school to the track with me. I try to do 30 minutes 5 days a week minimum so no matter what she's doing her activity will increase by that much either way.

And the kick in the teeth here... I was telling my parents of my issues trying to get Dani to lose weight. My Mom (we share the end of a dirt road and they have the house across from us) said she's pretty sure Dani has been coming to eat eggs out of her hen house for the last several weeks. So while no one here feeds but me, she's cheating and going to my parents for extra's. Since Mom isn't happy feeding Dani all her eggs she's going to be keeping the gate to the chicken yard locked from now on. So I think it's safe to say that's what's keeping her from losing the weight. She's got a gorgeous, shiny coat tho. :( I sure wish she'd told me before today that's what was going on.

Thanks for the suggestions you guys. I will still look up the info regarding thyroid but will hold off on getting it checked until we see if the changes we're making has an impact. If not I'll run her in to the vet to have it checked.

I feel rather silly at this point for asking the question without having all the info. Altho, had I not posted it here I may not have had the conversation with my parents and figured out she was "visiting". Thanks everyone.

Chewy.com ships  worldwide. door to door.  great prices also.  good luck  Nan