Willow is having some weight issues...Still. (Wall of text!)

JLWillow · 09-29-2009, 10:18 PM

Her fur seems normal but like I said before, her skin's a little dry. Her activity level is, in my opinion, normal for her temperament. I adopted her because she is a calm, laid back dog, and she still is. She has a decent amount of energy. She does want to play a couple times a day, but besides that, she just likes to sit or lay next to you. I am going to try the food reduction first, but on top of the food change, because I hate feeding her Pedigree and I want to get her a better food anyway. I don't know if they tested her blood at the HS, but about a couple weeks after adopting her, I brought her to the vet myself and they did blood tests and fecal tests. They didn't say anything about her thyroid, and said that she was fine.

Kathyy · 09-30-2009, 12:05 PM

If she loves the mix of wet and dry why not simply use less wet and add in some water? Good quality canned is better for the dog than dry anyway.

I always fed to the dog's condition. They got fluffy, feed less, ribby, feed more. Hands on the dog. Max's fluff hid 10 pounds very nicely. I NEED that digital scale, I have no eye for amounts of food!

If you are concerned about the fatty acids, try fish oil capsules or really spoil her by using canned sardines, salmon or mackerel. Packed in water without salt would be best of course. One ounce provides 40-52 calories and 350-473 mg of Omega 3, about the same as one regular strength fish oil capsule. Mix in well with water, my dogs would even eat it and they turn down EVO kibble. If you use actual fish the kibble needs to be reduced in amount by that 50 calories!

I used kibble for training for years and years. Eating bit by bit helps satisfy the appetite better. I would put down about half the food though.

I always fed kibble two times a day. Max only lost weight when he ate his raw diet once a day. A full tummy once a day is more natural than a half full tummy twice a day, dogs aren't grazing humans. I don't know if kibble would work this way or not. Maybe do the mix in in the evening and the morning is left plain and gradually make the evening meal the larger but keep a bit of kibble for the morning feed. 3/4 to 1/4 maybe.

JLWillow · 09-30-2009, 11:36 PM

She doesn't really love the mix of wet and dry, really. I just did that because that's what I was recommended to do. I've tried the adding water thing before, and she wouldn't eat it, and I ended up wasting food. I'll have to look into the whole fish oil thing, but only if the new food I bought her doesn't help with her coat. I'm proud to say I bought a decent sized bag of Diamond Natural's Lamb and Rice. I was told to stop giving EVO to Willow, should I start again? I know dogs aren't like humans, but I'm inclined to believe that feeding twice a day is better, especially since the majority say to do that, and Victoria Stilwell says it's better for a doggy's digestion.

If she still doesn't lose weight with the two day meal thing, then I'll go to the one meal a day thing, but I honestly don't think I'll have to.

poodleholic · 10-01-2009, 05:12 AM

A high protein, low carb kibble fed twice a day, or even three times/day is going to be more effective in weight loss than feeding once per day. Luc (Shih Tzu) was a tub of lard when I got him, and ALWAYS hungry. I put him on EVO twice a day, and his snacks/treats were Sardines, green beans, 1/2 of a hard boiled egg, or poached chicken breast meat. No cheese, other than finely grated Parmesean over the green beans to entice him to eat them. I'm glad to say that he's in great shape, and cuter than ever without that belly and the fat rolls.

Maddy (Standard Poodle) was always very lean, until she was spayed (she gained 6 lbs.). She's fed the same food (EVO or TOTW), given the same amount, and provided with high protein snacks (mentioned above) 2-3 x/day. She lost the added weight and has maintained her current weight (50 lbs.). It was too hot here in FL to up the outdoor exercise, so it was the diet itself that worked.

JLWillow · 10-01-2009, 02:35 PM

Those are good ideas for healthy treats. I'll try to get baby carrots as well. :3 What Kibble would you reccommend for such a diet? If EVO doesn't stand for extra virgin olive oil (yeah, I'm a cooker...) then I totally misunderstood what it meant. XD

Willowy · 10-01-2009, 06:14 PM

EVOO is olive oil.....EVO is a grain-free, high-protein dog food brand. A little olive oil should be OK, but don't go overboard. You don't want to unbalance her fat levels.

JLWillow · 10-01-2009, 06:24 PM

Yeah, I just kinda realized that now. Boy, do I feel stupid!

I'm really reluctant to stop giving her the wet food since my parents bought a ton of it and they'd be upset if I didn't use it. I told them that we could donate the food to a shelter, but they didn't seem to pleased about that idea... So is it really necessary to cut out the wet food completely?

Willowy · 10-01-2009, 06:58 PM

No, it's fine to give her some canned food. If you don't mind her getting used to it. She may not eat dry food by itself in the future. Just remember to cut back some of the dry food when you add canned food. You need to adjust for the calories.

JLWillow · 10-01-2009, 10:17 PM

Well, that's what I've been doing all this time is giving her some wet food, so I'm sure she's already used to it. I'll have to look at the calorie intake on the food, but I should be able to adjust it appropriately. I'll just have to give her less kibble, is all. Thanks everyone for helping me out with this.

JLWillow · 10-03-2009, 12:31 AM

I have looked on the can, on the box the cans came in, and on the website, and I've found absolutely nothing about how many calories are in whatever amount of the canned food. I guess I'll just have to experiment...

humpfreyshope · 10-04-2009, 11:56 AM

If she has not been to a good vet / hospital. Do not screw around...have Willow screened for cancer. For you & willow, go to K9 imunnity site "www.dogcancer.net" & read cancer & extremely important cancer & diet info. Every dog owner owes it to their k9 companion to understand the important info. Please understand that when your dog begins to seem sick & losing appetite, it is often too late! Unfortunately, I have been telling my vet there is something wrong in humpfreys gut for 2 months & they did not check it out but treated him for kennel cough. That vital time was his window for starting chemo. now too late. Good luck.

JLWillow · 10-04-2009, 08:42 PM

I wish I could have Willow screened for cancer, but like I said before, my family doesn't have much money now. If it was my money, I'd put any money aside for Willow, but my parents won't. My dog does not seem sick, nor is she losing her appetite...And she's already starting to look a little thinner only after a week. I don't know where I said anything about Willow being sick.