I know there are a lot of diet dog food out there but any recomendations? He's about 30 lbs over weight. I'm the only one if my family that ever walks him, but I'm sick a lot so I'm not able to do it as often as he needs it. He does have a big backyard to run around in. What are some exercises that I can help him with in the winter, cuz even if I'm feeling well then, it's just too cold to go out side. Thanks!
2007-02-02 04:45:48 · 8 answers · asked by ifoundapennyonheads 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Several years ago, my Dalmatian ballooned to about 40 pounds overweight. He and I both went on diets and exercised. Gone were fattening pizzas or fast foods. If he shared food with me, it was healthier. I worked out a lot and I took him on long walks every other day (sometimes daily). This helped him get much needed exercise (as he was an inside "couch" dog). He was 10.5 years old when he started this program - so don't ever let a dog's age prohibit you!
In addition to the above, he was put on a vet recommended diet -Purina's OM (for Overweight Management). This is a dry dog food (although, cans are also available). This appears to be a high fiber dog food, which caused him to "go" more often. This is good, though, as a high fiber diet is a way to lose weight.
On this diet and exercise regiment, he was able to very quickly shed weight! He went from a whopping 121 pounds to 78 (which was his weight when he was about a year old). I took him for weighings almost every month at first to see if the program was working. He lost 10 pounds the first month! I was so proud of him!
This was a larger Dalmatian, so he was able to "survive" being so heavy for a while, but I think I gave him a few extra years by dropping that extra mass.
I kept him on that dog food for almost all of his remaining life. Sadly, he had to be put down last August after numerous ailments. He lived to 13 years 9 months. I miss him dearly and think of him daily. But had I not put him on that diet, he might have passed away much sooner.
The Purina OM is in a black and orange bag. I was only able to get it from my vet, but I highly recommend it! It's the only "diet" dog food that actually worked (Iams did nothing - I think he even gained weight with it!).
Good luck!
2007-02-02 06:32:12 · answer #1 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, diet dog foods are not necessarily the best choice because the dog doesn't feel full and wants to keep eating. The answer might be to keep him on his present food, provided it's a really good one, cut down on the portion size and cut out all people food.
It's also vital for his heart health that he be exercised, so if no one in your family is willing to do it, perhaps you can hire a neighborhood teenager to do it. You can also try playing ball or frisbee with him.
Given this dog's age and how much overweight he is, you need to start an exercise regime slowly - just like for a person who's out of shape. He can't be expected to do a half mile run without first training for it. He desperately needs exercise, but start off slowly and let him build up as he loses weight and gains stamina.
2007-02-02 06:42:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you're going into the military and you want a straightforward complete system, I would go with p90x. I lost a lot of weight with p90x and got a lot stronger with good tone. Its great for an all encompassing workout/diet plan if you don't want to spend a much of time figuring out how stuff works. They say "do this", and you do it and get results. Be advised: Follow the food guidelines RELIGIOUSLY. If you do not, you will only see a fraction of the results. 70% of the weight loss battle is won by what you put in your mouth.
2016-03-29 01:37:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's kinda up there in age, so don't worry if he is not extremely active. There are special kinds of food to put him on. Stop feeding him table scraps (if you do, that is). Does he like balls...like soccer balls? I had a collie that loved balls. He may also not feel very active because of the weather too. I'm sure during the spring when the weather warms up he'll get more active and start shedding the pounds.
2007-02-02 05:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've lost 5 kilos in my first week. It's my 10th day and I have included salad with some protein (eg. egg/ lean chicken) as you suggested. After 4 years of trying, the fat is finally coming off. It truly feels like magic!
Get started today!
2016-05-20 01:05:30 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get tips from weight loss community
2016-04-21 01:24:34 · answer #6 · answered by Afton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
exercise is great,over feeding isn't.the best person to speak to is your vet.
2007-02-02 04:58:14 · answer #7 · answered by johny1punch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find an exercise you love
2016-04-21 05:03:01 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋