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03-31-2011, 09:18 PM | #1 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arizona
Posts: 2
| Help on diet - Indy is getting overweight Guys, we need some help and advice on feeding habits for Indy - our 2.5 yo male. He has always been a 'heavy set' dog, even as a puppy, but is now 9 3/4 lbs and I feel that we need to do something about it. We have been feeding Beneful dried food (about a small cupful) and one tray of Cesar Gourmet Filets in the evening. There is Beneful down all day but he only picks at it occasionally. If we are cooking chicken/salmon/rice/pasta then they will get a small portion as a treat - maybe 2-3 times a week. He gets a small piece of a chewy dog treat twice a day after he has been a 'Good Boy' Maybe a size of a quarter. Living in Arizona I am also aware that we are going to have less and less chance for a daily walk as it heats up (95F today!) 1. What is a good weight for a male Yorkie at his age? 2. What meal regime should we be on and is he getting too much? Any thoughts and advice would be welcome. |
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04-01-2011, 05:58 AM | #2 |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| It'd hard to say if he's overweight without seeing a picture. You should be able to easily feel his ribs and there should be a nice 'tuck' under his belly. Jackson is also 2.5yrs old and 16lbs but he is at a very healthy weight for his frame (I attached a photo of him). I will add, Beneful is one of the worst of the worst dog foods you can get. It can definitely make a dog over-weight. Jackson got into it once and he became so bloated and then he was puking all the next day (granted, he's always been fed 'high quality' foods, so it was a shock to his system, I'm sure). I would consider definitely switching his food.... if you're looking for a food to purchase at a Petsmart, you can do Blue Buffalo, Wellness, even Castor & Pollux or Nature's Recipe is way better than Beneful. Petco carries higher end brands like Solid Gold, Natural Balance, Merrick, etc. My favorite kibble is Acana (made by Champion Pet Foods) and Go! and Now! (Petcurean Pet Foods) Their websites have store locaters on them where you enter your zip and find a location near you. Most people have no idea what they are feeding their dog and really putting into them!!! And most, like you, probably just don't know better. I know I had NO idea until I started doing research, etc. Your main goal is to look at an ingredient list that has some kind of specified meat (ie. chicken, chicken meal, etc) in the first 5 ingredients, look for NO corn, no wheat, no soy!! Many like grain-free (including myself) but some of the 'good' grains are oatmeal, barley, brown rice, etc. If you need any more help, let us know Welcome to YT, by the way!! I'd love to see a pic of your boy. Oh, I really like Dog Food Reviews | Dog Food Ratings because it explains a lot of the ingredients and the owner of the site is really good.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 04-01-2011 at 06:03 AM. |
04-01-2011, 06:21 AM | #3 |
And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Posts: 17,928
| Is the vet saying he is overweight? Too hard to tell without seeing him b/c they are all different. I'd stop the wet food. Replace treats with non-starchy vegetables (green beans, lettuce, etc.). Change the dry food to something of a higher quality. Beneful bloats up a lot of dogs. He may or may not need a cup a day depending on how overweight he is and how active he is. I'd probably do 3/4 cup of a high quality food and see how that works.
__________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶 |
04-01-2011, 07:34 AM | #4 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Welcome to YorkieTalk. I agree with Brit and Crystal. If your dog does need to lost weight, change the food he is eating. He will likely be more satisfied while losing weight easily. I would also hold the rice and pasta. Give chicken and salmon only in tiny amounts. My 8-pounder is satisfied with half a teaspoon of fresh food treats. When I give more, I compensate by reducing kibble. Indoor fetch is a good substitute when walking and running outside is prohibited by high temps. During the summer, I have to get my boys out the door early in the morning and wait until late evening for the pavement to cool for walks.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
04-02-2011, 12:09 AM | #5 |
YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FL
Posts: 410
| You could change his food to one that is lower in carbohydrates (and chemical crap). Cut out treats except for veggies. Always measure the food (don't eyeball). And, increase exercise! I'm not really a supporter of "weight management" formulas. So, I'd try a nice quality dog food such as Wellness, Taste of the Wild, etc. |
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