Overweight
 

So Bella is definitely getting chunky. The vet even commented on it when I took her in for her shots. Do I just cut back on her food or should I get her a weight control food? The problem is is that Calvin in on L/D and is a very slow eater. If I don't sit there with them then Bella will eat hers and his. Sometimes Calvin eats when I put the food out and sometimes he just picks. I'm also concerned because the vet said that she has LP in her backs legs. It doesn't give her any problems, you would never know it but I worry about her weight causing her problems. Any suggestions would be great!

It is so good you are taking this serious. Weight issues can make the LP problem much worse! You may have to go to feeding them in separate rooms and not leaving food down at all.

I free feed but I use a Premium food (Solid Gold Just a Wee Bite) that they just do not seem to overeat. I have 3 (2 yorkies and a Jack russell) and I worry they are too thin most of the time. But the vet has assured me they are perfect -- lean is healthy! I do give treats for outside potty breaks, but I take one Jerky Chicken Tender and break it into 3 pieces for their treats. I use a lot of different treats, but always just a small amount. I was using the Yorkie Yummies sold by one of the members here. They go through cycles where they like one thing for months and then they want a change. Try the Yorkie Yummies though -- they are very nutritious and tiny! The perfect training treat for a yorkie. Other good treats are steamed carrots and green beans. Some use Cheerios but if there is a weight problem, I might stay away from added carbs. Remember they fill up fast and a large treat will make them not eat the food you want them to. No table scraps. If you have a weight problem, not even a treat from your food! It is important you stick to their regular diet with no addditions until they are at a better weight.

Just as important as food, is exercise! Just adding one extra 15 minute walk a day can help alleviate many weight problems! If they are not getting any exercise now, you will have to gradually increase, maybe 2-3 short walks a day until you can build to a longer one. Weather bad or no place to walk -- then pick a hallway or make room in your living room to play fetch where they will run back and forth for several minutes at a time. Time sessions! Sometimes you may think they are getting plenty but it winds up only 5-6 minutes! That is fine, as long as you repeat a few times a day.

So, make sure their main food is a premium one and you are measuring for the overweight one. Feed separate until you have resolved the issue. Secondly, ensure treats are small and nutritious, never too much to interfere with regular food. And third, make sure they are getting plenty of exercise!

picky eater
 

Have you tried sprinkling a very small amount (just a pinch) of the powdered Parmesan cheese (the green tube container)? I have found it can make picky dogs eat. There is not enough to give too much fat or salt.

Paris has to lose some weight also. He gets absolutely no people food. I feed him twice a day and 1 treat. He is on his regular food but smaller portions. He doesn't get much exercise anymore ashe is blind and doesn't like to go for walks. We play tug a war every day which burns some calories(for both of us!).

www.paristheblindwonderdog.blogspot.com

Best way to lose weight would be to reduce what she already eats and increase her exercise. That's been my experience anyway. I agree with Deb, feed them separately in different rooms, and no food down. It's far too much temptation. Yorkies are just like people, some have self control, some don't. My yorkie will eat everything in front of him.