i have a standurd purebreed dachshund that i think is overweight (he weighs about 28-9 lbs.) . he already eats once a day and has plenty of exercise (i think). how else can i improve his diet?
2006-07-13 18:03:07 · 11 answers · asked by androm 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The best advise is the same that we people are given every time we buy a exercise machine or some diet medication: consult your Veterinarian before beginning any new regiment. What you think is fat might be standard for a dog of its age or build. So just give the vet you use a ring and discuss it with them prior to a diet. Their might be other underlying causes for your pups paunch.
2006-07-13 18:20:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can tell if your dog is overweight by putting your thumbs on his spine between his shoulder blades and your fingers on either side of him. Run your thumbs down the spine toward his tail while pressing gently on his ribs with your fingers. You should fairly easily feel each vertebrae and his ribs. Most dogs should have an obvious tuck when looked at from the side, and a narrowing at the waist when seen from above.
So now that you know he's overweight, you can change (very slowly, of course) the type of food your feeding, cut down on the portions, and/or add filler, like the green beans someone else recommended, or canned pumpkin. Just like with humans, it appears that multiple smaller meals help with weight loss, and I prefer to feed dogs twice a day (barkfast and din din).
Be sure to feed a high quality food (see Sources), really watch the snacks (many are high fat), and keep going with the exercise. And don't believe the feeding recommendations on the dog food bag - I've never seen one yet that wouldn't lead to fat dogs and high profits for the manufacturer due to all the food you're buying. Just change the volume a little at and time, and then make adjustments as necessary. The quantity that a dogs needs changes with activity, environment, physical condition and age, so you'll be tweaking it all the time anyway. - g^2
2006-07-13 20:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by ex-geek now trains dogs 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he is way overweight at that poundage. animals are supposed to eat once a day and depending on the breed and size they are supposed to be and not what they are at. thats the amount you put in their bowl. many people look at the current weight and over feed the animal more. they need to run a few miles a day to stay in shape. they may be getting into the trash or munching on things outside. you give them snacks and they nab up what hits the ground during dinner. they will munch on grass and plants and its not always because they want to vomit. have you checked for tape worms. get a full checkup and what the weight should be a feed based on that and not current weight. dogs can literally eat themselves into death.
2006-07-13 18:13:34 · answer #3 · answered by hollywood71@verizon.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the vet considers him overweight you can divide his food total into two feedings, while lowering the amount of food, but adding no salt green beans to make sure he is filled up. This is common practice for chubby dogs who love to eat! :-) And it works! There are also lots of weight management dog foods out there. Good luck!
2006-07-13 18:08:18 · answer #4 · answered by coffeepleasenosugar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dachshund has a thyroid problem that tends to make her gain weight. You might want to get your vet to do some blood work.
2006-07-14 00:49:03 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ HeySexy ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's standArd & pureBRED.
(IS it?)
Diet for a dog is SO EASY!! Why do folks have such a hard time figuring it out? Dogs CAN'T open the frig! *YOU* control the amount,so...FEED LESS!!! NO snacks!
Simple,eh?
Weight loss won't happen overnight. The GAIN didn't ,right?
2006-07-14 00:06:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to have the vet check to see if he has a thyroid problem. That can cause a dog to be overweight.
2006-07-13 18:33:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
feed smaller amounts and feed twice a day - feed a better quality food - grocery store and wal mart foods are ALL crap loaded with fillers and often higher in fat because these foods know if you are buying them you do not know alot about dog nutrition so they put extra fat into the food to give your dog a shiney coat so you think its on good food...
2006-07-13 18:06:38 · answer #8 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a low calorie food or ask your vet
2006-07-13 18:08:27 · answer #9 · answered by moosenose1981 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they have special diet food for fatt doggys.......i think science diet has one, purina has one......
2006-07-13 18:09:33 · answer #10 · answered by goatlady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋