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Friday, 15 November 2013

Calorie counting

I give my dogs two walks per day, but it is nearly impossible for a small (Affenpinscher) castrated dog fed good quality food not to be overweight. It’s only a little, but he has a serious heart condition, and needs to lose a small amount. He is genuinely hungry; I can’t give him any less than I do now. He needs a big scrummy biscuit with as few calories as possible. Please help us! He is eight years old and I won’t feed rubbish.
Sheila Thomson, Dunbar, West Lothians
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4 comments:

  1. Unknown16 November 2013 at 02:58

    Why does he NEED a big scrummy biscuit? If he is overweight, he definitely DOESN'T need one! He needs a strict and accurate diet of high quality dog food each meal until he is back on track.

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  2. Cloverleafk921 November 2013 at 09:48

    If you feel he needs something extra have you thought about carrots? Most dogs love raw carrots, they are healthy and good for the dog too. If his main food isn't filling him up enough try looking at another food that is a high quality but needs less feeding for his weight.

    Remember that the feeding amounts are guidelines and being castrated he probably doesn't need the full amount stated.

    Good luck with the weight loss, this will help his heart.

    Olwen Turns SAC.Dip Behaviourist Cloverleaf Canine Centre.

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  3. Cloverleafk93 December 2013 at 08:06

    Have you considered giving your dog carrots or other fruit/veg as a treat. Low in calories something like this would give the gnawing action that your dog needs but would not pile on the pounds. Remember that any treats need to be counted in the dog's overall daily diet and the equivalent taken out of the meal.

    Using dog toys and games Nina Ottosson, feeder/puzzle bowls or Kong for example would also make the meal last longer and therefore help your dog to feel fuller. Think about eating yourself, if you eat something quickly then you are likely to feel hungry again quite soon but if you take time over what you are eating then you don't.

    Well done for watching your dog's weight.

    Olwen Turns SAC.Dip Behaviourist Cloverleaf Canine Centre

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  4. In the pink17 December 2013 at 03:46

    How difficult for you - nothing worse that a dog who exhibits 'being hungry' behaviour as it tugs at out heartstrings. Keep the food down as much as you can and provide him with stimulation in-between. My butcher will give me fresh hard beef bones which occupy my dogs in 3 ways - initially raw, then baked in oven, then frozen, Day 1 exhausted from chewing raw, day 2 renewed interested with warm, baked bone - at end of day freeze overnight, day 3 give frozen. Really good value - at least 3 days enjoying a natural, fresh treat which doesn't upset tums and really wears them out. :-)

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