Overweight doxie

boobz · 03-07-2007, 05:52 PM

I just started fostering an 8 year old doxie, about 10 lbs overweight. Can anybody recommend food that would help him slim down? I know exercise is important, but I think he was abused because he won't wear a collar, much less walk on a leash....I don't have a backyard for him to play in. Even if I did, he is super-timid and barely comes out of his crate. Very sad, I know. So while I'm working on getting him happy and mentally healthy, the best thing I can do for his weight is pick a good food. Any suggestions? I know you are supposed to make a gradual change, but the lady I got him from was not sure what food she was feeding him.

Thanks!

Curbside Prophet · 03-07-2007, 07:04 PM

What's your target price range? Or does that even matter? I feed Eagle Pack Super Premium Pet Foods.

RonE · 03-07-2007, 07:14 PM

What's with people abusing dachshunds? My first dog was a dachshund and that really makes me mad!

I think a premium food would be helpful, in order to provide the nutrition without the volume, but cutting back on the volume will also help. A sedentary dacshund isn't going to need a lot of calories though, as a hound, he'll try to convince you that he's starving.

If he's hungry, think about food as reward for short walks. He needs to get those little legs moving. Ten extra pounds on a dachshund is especially serious because they are prone to back problems.

all4thedogs · 03-07-2007, 08:00 PM

First off, lower the amount of food he eats (lower calories). If he acts like he is starving, add green beans to his dinner, they are very filling, and very low in calories. Be sure to get frozen or no salt canned. He doesnt need the extra salt!

Cassie Nova · 03-07-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

First off, lower the amount of food he eats (lower calories). If he acts like he is starving, add green beans to his dinner, they are very filling, and very low in calories. Be sure to get frozen or no salt canned. He doesnt need the extra salt!

I've heard this before, but I can't seem to get any dog to eat green beans! I don't blame them, either, lol! Another thing is feeding plain pumpkin (no pie-filling).

Maybe to get him out of his crate, you can leave a trail of kibble outside of his crate, leading up to his food bowl at meal time. The gradually make the trail longer and longer...maybe he'll realize being out of the crate is fun!

boobz · 03-07-2007, 10:25 PM

Nah, I don't really have a price range, I just want to do right by him.....he is a little more social tonight, we got him out of the crate with food and he sat on the couch with me a little bit. I'm going to try these suggestions and try to get him to exercise a little. I found out he hates snow!

RonE · 03-08-2007, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boobz

I found out he hates snow!

Well, sure, his poor belly is probably dragging in it.

We used to make elaborate trails through the snow with a snowblower for our dachshund. If we didn't, she looked like a dolphin trying to get through the snow until her little feet got cold and then she'd just roll over onto her back and somebody would have to go out and rescue her.

briteday · 03-08-2007, 06:29 PM

I think any premium food in small quantities would be your best bet. I have a papillon that tends to be overweight, she should stay around 10 pounds. I am feeding her Natural Balance (but any good food would do) and she gets 1/4 cup 2x/day. It's important with small breeds especially to feed 2x/day. The little guys tend to get low blood sugar if too long between meals.

And I would put the food outside the crate as mentioned.