Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject: Advice on loosing weight for my foster boy
I have just taken in a foster boy for the RSPCA, Charlie.
We think hes a lab X or possibly just a very over weight small lab.
His first owner was an elderly woman who fed him what she ate, when she had bacon and eggs for breakfast he got bacon and eggs for breakfast. Its escalated from there.
Charlie was rehomed last week with a family and he was taken back to the RSPCA last night. They thought he was in pain when running and seamed to be limping so they returned him.
He's now with me so i can monitor his limp and try to help him loose weight. Im off to get him weighed as i forgot to ask when i picked him up.
Does anyone have any suggestions on foods that might help him loose some of his extra weight? Are there any healthy treat options i can give to him? Foods that will make him feel fuller for longer?
I plan to start slowly and build up his walks, he did 30mins off lead with the boys and he was ready for a sleep. Were looking into hydrotherapy once hes settled a bit more.
Not something I have really had to deal with, with my dogs, but it seems his weight problem is due to over-feeding/lack of exercise in his previous home? If it were me, I'd just look to feed him on the food my other dogs already have, at sensible quantities, with the exercise you plan to introduce. Hopefully in a different environment with the right food/exercise, the weight will come off at a healthy rate, without needing special diets.
I think people add veg to food to help bulk it out a bit if they want them to feel more full. You could maybe look at using slices of carrot instead of higher calorie treats, if he'll eat carrot?
Kate - the only thing I can recommend is perhaps to feed Charlie twice a day - half his normal allowance in the morning, and half in the evening. That way, he may "work off" some of the food during the day. I know this may be difficult if you only feed the others once a day - but I suppose it's worth a try. Good luck. Charlie looks lovely. x
When i got Carly from rescue it was the same story as she was fed crisps a bag a day and any kind of takeaway, Mainly mcdonalds instead of dog food. She lost the weight very quickly on normal food just by Not having junkfood. She never had titbits other than dog treats and was never fat again even when she became very disabled with her hips.
Good luck. He looks very nice.
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From Christine, Millie, Cassie and Lexi.
Never forgetting Carly and Abbie
I've just weighed him and hes 32.6kg. It doesn't sound like a lot but if you think Diesel is 30/31kg and Charlie is about half his size its a lot.
I agree Angela, i get the feeling hes not been walked properly and we know hes been eating rubbish. Jules my two get fed twice a day.
Is it worth giving him 3 small meals a day?
I think that may be a bit complicated for you - three times a day. I think as Christine said, you may find the weight will fall off him bearing in mind that he is going to have a proper diet from now on.
Not sure about the three meals Kate. When I have had oldies who have lost a bit of weight and I've wanted them to put it on, I've split their meals into 3-4 a day to help with that, so I would stick with twice a day for this boy, I think.
Kate,I found this for you after we had a chat. Most of it is common sense but things like smaller regular meals do help (as they do for humans....!) Grated carrot and courgette are great fillers.
Anyway,will leave you to read the link (it's by Joe Inglis)
Archie has been told he needs to lose a couple of kilos and our veterinary nurse recommended feeding 3/4 of his daily allowance in the morning and 1/4 in the evening, rather than 1/2 and 1/2 as we had been doing. Her theory being that dogs burn off more calories during the day and mostly sleep in the evenings, so burn off less of the evening meal. We're only 3 days in, so I can't confirm yet whether her theory is sound or not, but might be worth a try with your foster boy. (Must add that Archie is very impressed with extra breakfast, but not so chuffed at getting a small bowlful for tea )
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