Ques about amounts of food

[digitaldiva]

We have a Bichon, age 6, and a Lab/Shep age 9. The Bichon weighs 20 lbs and the Lab/Shep weighs 65 lbs. The Bichon should weigh about 17 lbs and the Lab/Shep would be fine at 55 lbs.

They have no health problems and blood work is normal. They get a lot of exercise, with daily walks, the Blitz around the house and yard, and chasing tennis balls and squeaky toys.

My DH thinks they are always hungry!

If we feed according to the suggested amounts on the (seniors) Innova bag, they gain weight. If we feed less, they seem hungry. We add broccoli and carrots to the food to make it more. They also get 2 little doggie treats from Trader Joe's (Charlie Bear liver treats) daily.

Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks!

[Marty]

I was just talking about this with our Vet's receptionist, when I noticed Winnie's recommended amount was 4 cups (60 lb Basset). No way! She ranted about the fact that all foods recommend far more than is needed. I would feed what is needed to keep your dogs at a healthy weight. Taking off the pounds is a lot harder than putting them on. They can be masters at looking at you as if they are starving!

[k9Karen]

I have to agree with Marty - the amount recommended on the food label is always more than my dogs should eat. Just like with people, you have to go by what the scale says when you weigh, not by the charts. If you haven't tried a lower calorie food, that is an option. That way, you can give them 'enough' to satisfy them, but with less calories. I've had good luck with the 'green bean diet'. You cut down the food to about 2/3 of what you are currently feeding and replace the remaining with cooked green beans. They fill the dog up, but virtually have no calories. This only works if your dog can eat green beans without any digestive upset. All of mine have loved vegetables - until I got Foxy - she throws up every vegetable I feed her. So, obviously, the 'green bean diet' would be a bad choice for her. But, speaking of Foxy, she was at least 10 lbs overweight when I got her (too many treats, and free-feeding). I got the weight off her by using a 'diet' dog food and stopping the treats. She's still a big girl (WAYYYYY oversized for a sheltie), but in much better shape than before.

[digitaldiva]

Thank you both for your help and input! The green bean diet--hey, that just may work for me, too! lol

Diva

[Traci]

Did your vet actually recommend they lose weight? Did he do a Body Condition Score for them?

If not, don't modify their diets without talking to him first. He may suggest altering feeding amounts only, or different treats, or re-evaluating the type of dog food you're feeding, per their individual needs and life stages. Commercial "Senior" foods are not always as they seem, that is, they may not actually be quality diets, and the mineral content may not be appropriate for their needs or life stages (particularly calcium/phosphorus levels, protein levels)