Dalmatian-Rotty mix?

Question

I have a dalmatian, rottweiler mix and he's overweight, not by much I think, maybe 90 lbs. We took him to the vet (his name's Lucky, btw) and we were told that ife doesn't loose weight, his heart won't be able to last. So, we put him on Beneful Healthy Diet, and take him out regularly (about 2-3 times a week) for a mile walk or run.... okay, maybe a 1/2 mile, but still. He seems to be loosing weight and all, but I want him around for a long time. He's 5 years old, just turned five on July 4th. I love my baby and I wanted to know if there's more I can do. We take him in (for free) to get him weighed every now and then. He seems to be fine, but is there something else i can do to help his struggle?

He's 90 lbs, not 90 lbs overweight lol

And he has a thyroid problem so he's on that too.

The thyroid problem is making him overweight, I might add.

Answer 1

Weight loss is the same for dogs as it is for humans.

1) Exercise - this is the most important thing you can possibly do for your dog. A 1/2 mile every other day is not enough, especially for a high energy breed like a Dal. Instead of 1/2 mile, do 1 or 2 miles. If you can't do that, do 1/2 mile every day and couple it with a play session. Try fetch, tug, recall games. Just get your dog running. A walk doesn't burn enough calories. Keep your dog jogging/running, and the pounds will melt off. Also, keep an eye out for large, safe field areas where you can let your dog just be a dog. Also, try swimming. It's a great low-stress form of exercise.
2) Diet. Feed less. Feed a better quality food. Easy as that =) If you were to feed a high quality food like Canidae, about 4 - 4.5 cups would be enough to suffice.

Answer 2

Switch his food, that's one thing I suggest. Beneful is an awful brand of dog food, and it's not what Lucky needs in his diet, especially with his thyroid and weight problems!

Beneful has more corn in it than meat! Corn is a filler and can cause allergies. The meat used in it is also low quality, and it's loaded with salt and sugar and wheat and soy and artificial coloring. It's simply not what any dog needs, especially not your dog. Switch him to a food like Canidae, Natural Balance, Evo, Nova or Timberwolf. They're very organic and holistic and don't have any gross fillers.

Feed his food spread out 3 times a day. It will help him feel more satisfied throughout the day, as opposed to once a day or twice a day.

Don't overwork him, either. Make sure he's okay with half a mile. Since he's an overweight, big dog, there is probably stress on his joints. If swimming is an option, by all means do it! It's easy on the joints, fun (as long as your dog likes it!) and energizing.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi indentured slave,

sounds like you are doing almost all you can. Keep Lucky on a quality dog food, but one for mature dogs....if your dog is more rotty than dally then your rotty spot is about mid life and getting a middle age spread. The thyroid problem is being addressed and exercise could be a bit more, but other than that just limit the treats and quantity of food you give Lucky.

Remember, if you eat you have to burn it off else you get fat!!!

Answer 4

First off, Switch him off that crap that's called dog food. That stuff is horible and one of the worst dog foods you can get. Go to your local feed store or small pet store and try innova, canidae, chicken soup for dog lover's soul, timberwolf, merrick, wellness, or natural balance. That is a high quality dog food that is full of protein.

Does he like to play ball? Try some canned unspiced pumpkin or green beans added to his dog food.

Answer 5

I agree. Try a natural dog food from a natural pet food source.