Dieting Dogs???

Question

OK I have a 12 year old Schnauzer. I took him in for a check up on Friday. His back legs were bothering him. Had a prostate test, Pancreas test, liver and kidney test and red and white blood cell test. Everything is perfect. He has arthritis and he is 10 to 15 lbs. overweight. He has always gone in for check up and shots. This is the first mention of his "weight problem". He weighs 30.6lbs. He has to lose at least 9lbs. the vet said. He said his weight is making the arthritis worse. Which makes sense. Here is my question. I was told that dogs can have fresh vegetables for a snack, except lettuce and he can have fruits except peaches and grapes. Is this info correct?? Is there any other nutritious snacks you know of?

Answer 1

Apples and carrots are OK in moderation, and certainly preferable to other treats. It's true that grapes and peaches should be avoided.

What food are you giving him? The type of food is usually the major issue with weight loss in animals, with many types of food reducng the amount a lot doesn't work and just makes the animal hungry.

Chalice

Answer 2

Yes, most fresh fruits are okay for dogs but make sure NOTHING with seeds/pits and everything in moderation. Because fruit has a high sugar content even though it's natural sugar it is still bad for them if given too much. Try carrots they don't have as much sugar as apples or oranges plus they can be frozen and given as a summertime treat.

A good way to diet your dog would also be to switch him over to a low calorie kibble and reduce his food intake. Most people overfeed their dogs.

Answer 3

Okay... since your dog is a carnivore, you should look into switching his food to one that is protein based, and doesn't have grains (carbs)... This will help your dog lose weight. Also make sure you are feeding the correct amount based on your dogs weight, metabolism, and energy level. Then, you need to make sure your dog is getting more exercise.

I don't agree with feeding dogs raw fruits or veggies because they are carnivore, and they lack the enzymes necessary to break down the cellular walls of plant matter to get at the nutrients. So essentially you are filling them with foods which give no nutritional value. It would be better to switch to a higher quality food with less carbs (grains, veggies, etc.)

A good food to try is Evo:

http://www.naturapet.com/brands/evo.asp

This food with give plenty of energy, decrease the amount of waste (feces) and give your dog the nutrition he needs without feeding him all the fillers like grains.

Just like people- dogs need exercise to lose weight. Diet alone is not a subsititute.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Lots of dogs love carrots and celery to much one. If it's hot where you are you can freeze the carrots too!

Fruit is small portions are good for dogs like blueberries and apple slices (no seeds or skin). I'd get the dog on a good weight maintance dog food and start to walk the dog more often and for loner periods of time too. No human foods at all no table scraps and no treats.

Answer 5

Carrots and celery seem to be the best for the dogs...

Also putting your dog on a restricted diet (not letting him eat ad lib) should help.

If your dog likes to swim, that would be good exercise for him that wouldn't hurt his arthritis.

Answer 6

don t take other suggestion to oder your dish when you go to restaurant with your friends

Answer 7

Lettuce is safe but you should but mashed is easier to digest. My dog has eaten 3-4 oz of the green stuff every day for years.

Answer 8

canned string beans work great. mix half stringbeans with half food. my dog loved it (except for french cut style, she's so weird). but it totally helped with weight. and we used carrotts instead of treats. she didnt even know she was on a diet!!

Answer 9

jog on the treadmill at 4 mph for 25 minutes or at 7 mph for 9 minutes

Answer 10

having less than 1 200 calories a day may slow down your metabolism