Sheding some Pounds

[Ivy]

Dallas needs to lose some weight. You can't feel his ribs and he's all jiggly especially when he's running, lol.
I like to have the boys leaner, and it's easier on their joints.

I've never really had a dog that needed to lose weight, so what should I do to help Dallas? I will be putting him on raw like the others, just figuring out what to feed him and place the order. Would having him on raw do the job? Should I be calculating the percentage to a leaner weight instead of his current weight?

 

[Sush]

Before going raw I would definately do a TON of research because there is so much to know and if not done right it can be somewhat detrimental. I used to feed my dog raw (when I had the freezer space) and it was wonderful but there are other ways to help your dog shed pounds that don't involve such a change in lifestyle.

First answer these questions:

What kind of dog do you have?
Age?
Weight?
Desired Weight?
What kind of food currently on?
How much each serving?
How many times a day?
Activity level?

Once I know these answers I can help out a little more

 

[Izzy's Valkyrie]

Have you gotten his foot issue looked at? I don't know if you've noticed (I'm sure you have, you seem like a super attentive dog mom) but he isn't keen on putting weight on it when he's standing/eating. He might be a little more active if he doesn't mind bearing weight with it.

He is a big ole' boy and with his allergies I'm sure food management would be a pretty easy way to keep his weight at a healthier level. Plus, with other dog brother's to play with he'll probably get more fit as well.

 

[Maxy24]

Once he's been on the raw for a couple of months see where his weight is at. If he is still too heavy, start cutting back. And of course if you cut back on meat, you need to cut back a bit on bones and organs as well or you could get poop issues.

 

[Ivy]

I have started the other boys on raw (not Dallas of of yet) They are starting on just chicken (bone in) They had loose stools for the first days so I cut down on their portions until thier bodies get used to the new diet. Now Tynan & Timber's poop was firm this morning but Hank is still runny so I added more bone to his breakfast this morning.

As for Mr. Dallas, I keep getting told by people that it is very rare for a dog to be allergic to chicken in raw form. Cooked or processed chicken is common to be allergic to. I'm debating to start him with chicken and see how he does. I think i'm going to hold of on Dallas and raw until I take him in to the vet for a checkup (on his toe) and talk to my vet about Dallas special requirements concerning food.

In the meantime, now that the weather is getting nicer I am taking him for a walk and he gets to run off-leash quite often. That and he plays A LOT with the other boys.

 

[Ivy]

What kind of dog do you have? Saint Bernard/Great Dane mix
Age? 15 months
Weight? 180 lbs
Desired Weight? Not too sure yet, maybe start off with loosing 5-10 pounds
What kind of food currently on? Purina sensitive stomach formula
How much each serving? He's still getting used to his new schedule, sometimes he doesn't eat much until he's really hungry
How many times a day? I give him food twice a day
Activity level? moderate