I might have cracked the code!
 

For the last 10 days I've been on a quest to find good quality food lower in fat, grain free, good source of protein. Then figure out the right amount to feed Madison to lose weight and for lexie to maintain weight.
Lexie is more picky and madison will eat anything.

So this is where I'm at and any advice or insight will be greatly appreciated. As a side note, Madison's step in harness is loose on her now.
2 weeks ago it was snug.

We are now on day 10 of feeding raw primal chicken alternating with natures variety venison ( choosen for low fat content)

we ordered acana prairie which came today. for the last 10 days I added a little of our evo small bites chicken with the raw for transition reasons.


this is what I've been able to determine is the proper feeding for Madison to lose weight. ( which I will have to adjust as her weight lowers)
she's 8lbs about 6 oz and should be 6.5 - 7 lbs
my goal is under 7lbs which I feel is realistic and where she was (6.4lb actually) before gaining on evo. which will help her LP situation.

2 raw nuggets or medallions per day ( actual 1.92 nuggets)
with 2 tablespoons of acana per day
divided in half for 2 meals per day.
I've been feeding her half a nuggett or medallion and more dry food ( eye balled not measured for the last 10 days)

for lexie to maintain her weight of 5.5 to 6 lbs
she'd get
1 nuggett or medallion per day or half a nugget per meal
with 2 tbs per meal of dry per meal ( which I doubt she'll eat that much 'crunchies' in one sitting. Like I said she's picky.)


I still need a joint vitamin. I can't remember what was recommended for other yt-er's with furbabies who have LP issues.

Does this sound like I'm on the right track? whew! I sure hope so. There's a fine line between cutting back food quantity wise and not giving them good nutrition.

Oh one more thing Madison is 23 mos old and lexie is 6yr old

That sounds great! How did you find it or figure it alll out?
I can't figure out how much to feed my two... I don't want to free feed, but they don't eat it all before I leave for work. There is usually kibble left when I come home at 3pm. I take it away and then feed them dinner a few hrs later. What exactly is the correct amount of food to feed small 5lb and 6.5 lb dogs? The rec. amount seems like way too much.

As far as the joint supplment I prefer Dasuquin.

Some use Cosequin and I believe it is cheaper.

Online sites for the food we're using ( acana kibble, with primal raw and nature's variety raw) and also on the kibble bag. the primal website has a feeding calculator for raw and dry so that helped alot. Feeding, Transition and Safety for Raw Dog Food Diets

A HUGE thank you! thats what I read previously!! dasuquin! now... any suggestions where to get it? I can google.. just curious.

I can't offer any advise as I'm having the same problem.
My yorkie weights 10 lbs & I'd like to get her down to 8.
Thought I'd try your receipe but don't know what nuggest/medallion is. :embarasse

sorry for not being more clear.
The nuggets is what the primal raw comes in. When you purchase a bag of primal raw the food comes in 1 oz nuggets. when you purchase a bag of natures variety raw they come in medallions. also 1 oz.

I hope that helps.

Cheri

You can get it here, a lot of people recommend this site.

Nutramax Dasuquin Joint Supplement for Dogs and Cats

I think I got it from here last time:

Dasuquin 84 Tabs

They have chews and tabs... the tabs are cheaper and mine actually come running to eat them thinking they are getting a treat, so I stick with them.

THANKS! I placed an order this morning!!:):thumbup:

I don't buy vitamins made especially for dogs. Pet food or pet vitamins aren't government regulated. My Zada had surgery on both knees, Azrael has a grade 3, but doesn't need surgery so I buy Joint Matrix at the healthfood or vitamin store. Cytosport Joint Matrix, 120 caps-Joint and connective tissue support

Great job girl....sounds like you're on the right track!!!! Dasuquin is :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:!!!

xoxox-
Snick & Viv

How do you know how much to give the girls? That is what I'd be concerned with is not giving them to much. You're such a great yorkie momma:aimeeyork:)

Thanks viv! you've been a huge support and help. I really appreciate it. :aimeeyork

THANKS so much for posting! It's always a challenge with the picky eaters,
and we have a few in our family (hubby included) :)

I'm a momma on a mission!