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Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition)/Overweight dog
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Question
I have a 6 year old mixed breed dog (he looks mostly Doberman--possibly hound mix and a little Shephard). When we adopted him from a shelter 4 years ago, he had been abused and was 54 pounds with healed fractured ribs. The vet said to get him up to 85 pounds--that was about 4 years when we "adopted him". I did too good a job and he is now overweight at 115 pounds. Probably because of his background, he is a bit food obsessed re treats, food etc. He loves rawhide treats and filled bones. I took him of Science diet "wet" food in January (he had loved that) and he has been walking with me all along at least 3 miles a day. He has not budged a single pound and in the summer, because of the heat, allergies and his weight, he does not want to walk around or run. The vet says to cut him off cold turkey from everything but I have a hard time doing that 100 per cent because he literally "wails" from Hunger/I have definitely cut back--should I make him all food myself? He loves meaty bones and seems to have an extraordinary need to cheew. Any advice for my "baby"? Thanks!
Betty,
I think it's much easier to get a dog to lose weight at a healthy rate when you make your own food. My Brittany was fiercely overweight at 62 pounds when I switched him to a raw food diet. I fed him two percent of his IDEAL body weight, which was 35 pounds. Within 6 months, he was down to 37 pounds and he's maintained that weight for 6 years.
If your guy loves meaty bones, I would stick with a raw meaty bone diet comprised of 75% meaty bones and 25% cooked veggies. I wouldn't feed any grains at all, as they will tend to keep him from losing weight. Meaty bones and veggies is all he really needs right now.
The ideal amount would be 1-3/4 pounds of food a day, split between two meals, one in the morning and one at night. If he doesn't have any health issues such as an underactive thyroid, this diet is pretty much guaranteed to get him down to his target weight and he'll love it.
Hope this helps.
Laura Murphy
Pets by Nature
www.petsbynature.com
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Answers by Expert:
Laura Murphy
Expertise
Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.
I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.
I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.
Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.
Laura Murphy
Experience
An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.
Education/Credentials
I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.
Past/Present Clients
My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.
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