Looking For Some Good Recipes For My Lab

[Dino]

Hi,

My Lab "Dino" is looking a bit overweight and was wondering if you know of any good recipes.

I don't like to just give him dog food all the time.

I'm thinking it may be because of him eating "people" food aka left overs.

Don't think it's really very healthy for the long term.

He gets plenty of exercise swimming in the rivers, lakes etc. but I'm starting to think the kids at home are giving him too much when I'm away?

Thanks for any input and or advice.

 

[Mordy]

"People food" by itself doesn't make your dog overweight, feeding too large amounts does.

After getting your dog back to ideal weight by cutting down on feeding portions overall, you need to determine your dog's daily caloric requirement on which he does not gain or lose weight. Then measure out your daily feeding amount of kibble and leave an allowance for "extras", which you have to measure as well.

For example, my dog weighs 28 pounds (his ideal weight) and is very active. When he isn't doing strenuous activities on a daily basis (hiking and biking for miles etc.) he needs about 900 kcal per day to maintain weight. On agility/obedience class days when he gets a lot of treats during training, I will cut down his regular feeding amount so he doesn't go over his requirement by too much.

Another important thing is that you don't want to mess up nutrient balances in the diet, so don't feed leftovers nilly-willy. If you feed dry food for the most part, add some muscle meat (cooked or raw) or some nice raw meaty bones or egg (raw or scrambled). Since dry food consists mostly of carbs, don't add even more starchy items, such as bread, rice, potatoes and so on.

 

[Dino]

Thanks!

That really makes sense.

I'm going to try some of your great ideas.