Dog, losing weigh - safe way?

gettingready

Put Zara on a scale today and almost got a heart attack, 41.3kg:eek:

Now, she is a big girl, much bigger (height/length) that other GS females we meet BUT 41.3 is definitely too much. Plus with her spine (?) problems we need to tackle this.

What is the amount of weight that is safe for a dog to lose per week/per month? What percentage of body weight would be ok to aim for?

Yes, I will completely ban cat food and any treats of course.

Extra exercise is not an option as she is not that well and 1 hour walk at a time is a max for her. So we go out for 10-15 min before I go to work, then an hour with dog walker, then an hour with me after work and then 10 min "pee" break before bed.

She can not run till we know what is going on with her (spine?) so losing weight has to be managed by food.

Any pointers please?

I got her down to 36kg and I think that was her optimal weight but being in a crate post op twice for so long and developing undying love for stealing cat food since then....

Sighhhh

jenhug

put the cat food up out of reach, reduce her portion sizes and don't free feed is where i would start. Also look at what you are feeding, and switch to a lighter version.

Caroline_a

What are you feeding her on now? Maybe cut her food down, but give her a fresh bone so that she's got something to chew on? She's just a light little thing though - Oakley at last weigh-in was 54kg!

valk_scot

I would speak to your vet, they'll know of the best low calorie high bulk foods. Also put the cat food out of reach on top of a high worksurface or behind a narrow gap. I'm sure the cat doesn't appreciate an ever-empty dish either!

fannyadams

many vets now have 'practise nurses' who are able to give diet advice.
I'm trying to get my two the other way (both greyhounds and 'only' put on 7lb since we got them in September last year)

gettingready

Do not really rate vets as far as nutrition goes, sorry.

Just ordered Autkary Light (she was on normal so far) but their feeding recommendations from bag (looked on old bag) is confusing to be honest.

Eeyore2009

i went to my vets about weight issues with the dog and she tried to palm me off with food she was flogging. obviously some profit in it

dundeedoll_2

Try here.....at the bottom of the page it says about e-mailing them for advice. They were brilliant when I needed advice regarding low protein foods for my 2

http://www.csjk9.com/productcart/pc/viewcategories.asp?idCategory=9&pageStyle=P

gettingready

Dundeedoll thanksxx

Kinski

Burn's has a reputation for getting dogs to drop weight, it's not the best food in the world but it's not one of the worst either http://burnspet.co.uk/. You could also try and substitute some of Zara's kibble with veg, my pair like nothing better than a carrot to chew on.

gettingready

Thanks - used to feed Zara Burns she did not like it.

As for veggies, she won't touch any I am afraid