Doggie Diet food

[wyopapergirl]

I am the mom of a wonderful, gentle 8-10 year old Lab mix male rescue that is seriously overweight. I have had him for only a short time and after he had to go on Pred he gained a ton of weight - I wasn't warned. Even before the weight gain he was not an active dog - won't run and chase, won't fetch anything and his exercise is limited to three half mile walks everyday. I have limited his food intake but am not seeing any change in weight (4+ weeks now) - fact at his last check up he GAINED weight. The vet wants me to put him on OM dog food but I have heard terrible things about the nutritional value of this food. Does anybody have any suggestions or ideas about this food and if it really works. He is currently on Blackwood 5000 catfish and potato (recommended by my groomer for his allergies) - 1.5 cup a day mixed with a small amount of canned food. He does receive treats but I am trying to reduce those significantly - but am having a hard time doing it sucessfully - I know - BAD MOM!. I am trying to up his daily exercise but the current heat wave is putting a real damper on that. Any advice is sooooooo welcome. I love this dog more than anything but I am afraid I am "Loving" him to death!

[StarWhisper]

The first thing I alway do with an overweight (or underweight) dog is to have full blood work done to rule out any potential medical problems.

Have you checked your dogs thyroid?

I would also consider checking to be sure your dog is not dysplastic or arthritic, his lack of interest in activity may be health related.

Once all potential medical problems are ruled out then adjustments have to be made.

Dogs take to exercise much better than we do, the simplest thing, get out there and walk him, take plenty of water for both you and him.

If there is a clean lake or river nearby make use of it, your dog will get some exercise swimming and the coolness of the water will probably feel pretty darn good.

Treats...until your dogs weight is under control there is no need for him to get treats, find a suitible reward to subsitute that will get your dog just as happy. My mixed breed will turn down any treat if you show a ball to him...Find what works for and motivates your dog and use it..

If you absolutely must give treats stick with something healthy...baby carrots are a good choice.

[crestie_rsq]

A great, healthy diet is Dr. Dodd's liver cleansing diet.

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/liver_cleansing_diet.htm

[wyopapergirl]

I have had his blood tested and his thyroid came back normal. The vet would like to test again in the future but wants to hold on to see if the Purina OM will work. My concern is about the negative comments I have heard about the nutritional content of this dog food. I, of course, want him to lose the extra weight but I don't him to suffer with a bad diet. Maybe I am over thinking this but with his allergies and the weight issues I am having a hard time coming up with a reasonable, healthy diet. He had a very hard life before coming to his forever home with me and I guess I spoil him too much and just want him to age being happy and content.

[StarWhisper]

I have had his blood tested and his thyroid came back normal. The vet would like to test again in the future but wants to hold on to see if the Purina OM will work. My concern is about the negative comments I have heard about the nutritional content of this dog food. I, of course, want him to lose the extra weight but I don't him to suffer with a bad diet. Maybe I am over thinking this but with his allergies and the weight issues I am having a hard time coming up with a reasonable, healthy diet. He had a very hard life before coming to his forever home with me and I guess I spoil him too much and just want him to age being happy and content.

I personally wouldn't risk the Purina OM..too many chemicals and preservatives for my taste.

Innova, Canidae, Flint River Ranch, California Natural...ect..are all excellent brands of kibble that are much better and healthier options for your dog.

There are also alternative routes...Have you considered home cooked or even a raw diet?

Good nutrition is very important in the health of our pets, and I don't believe your pets health can be at its optimal best on a poor quality diet.

Vets know little about nutrition, if you are looking to make decisions regarding your pets nutritional health then your best bet is really to contact a vet that specializes in animal nutrition.

[HerbNurse]

My 3 yr old sheltie (17" high) had a weight issue too. My husband and I made him fat by keeping his bowl full and giving him fatty treats.....walnuts, butter popcorn, etc.

He topped the scales at 50 lbs. I started him on a weight management program when we bought our puppy 5 months ago. I switched both dogs to holistic food "Blue Buffalo".

Puppy food for little one and lite for the overweight one. It has taken 5 months of feeding the overweight dog 2/3 cups twice a day but he has dropped 8 lbs. and is now 42lbs. You have to be patient with the weight loss. Dogs are no different then humans....their body has to lose it slowly.

They both get only fresh veggies for treats.....baby carrots, broccoli, snap peas, green beans, etc. I walk both dogs 1 mile twice a day (morning and evening) and play frisbee (weather permitting) in between every day. Now that the overweight dog is more of a normal weight he can outrun the puppy and has better stamina. When he was overweight he use to get up slowly and limp after we played frisbee....now you can't stop him.

I would start out just walking your dog and give him small meals twice a day to keep his metabolism going. I know some people who only feed their dogs a little once a day if they are overweight but that seems cruel to me. Allow the weight some time to decline it is healthier.

Good luck with your dog.

HN

[wyopapergirl]

Those are all very good suggestions. I have decided against the OM and went with the organic Blackwood 4000 for senior/overweight dogs. I have also replaced all of his previous treats with healthy low fat treats and promised myself I will use sparingly. I will also increase the length of our 3x a day walks and just remember to be patient. I just wish I could find something that would excite this dog. No sticks, frisbees, balls, rope toys, stuffed toys....nothing makes this dog want to play. The only thing he gets excited about are car rides and walks. I think we have finally had a heat wave break so it will be easier to get him outside and moving.

[HerbNurse]

wyopapergirl

That's great to hear about your dog liking the walk. Mine do too.....not more then frisbee but a close second. Just this evening I was out with the boys for an hour. It's not real strenuous walking but it is some sort of movement.

Be patient...the weight will come off without starving your dog.

HN:D