Having dog on a diet almost worse than when I'm on one...help!

[chelle]

Note I did say "almost."

This is a non-GSD, but I don't think that'll matter.

I feel like the most terrible owner ever for this.

My dog is fat. I had been free-feeding her, but realized I had to get a grip on this issue because exercise just wasn't doing it. Her food calls for 1 3/4 - 2 1/3 cups per day for low activity. I've been feeding right at or slightly under 1 3/4 cups. She isn't losing. However, I've also been supplementing with

Amazon.com: Healthy Coat Dog Food Supplement - 32 oz: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Healthy Coat Dog Food Supplement - 32 oz: Pet Supplies

, but have cut that back some, since it is fatty. However, this product has made an incredibly amazing improvement in her skin and coat. I can't even believe how this allergy prone dog has turned around since I've been using it. So, I don't want to give it up completely, but cutting it back clearly must be done.

I sat down and wrote down all her weights at vet visits and was looking at the corresponding weight gain. This dog put on all the extra weight (10 POUNDS!) in only the past year. On 12/23/10, she was at ideal weight. In 2011, she was prescribed prednisone three different times. She'd had this drug once in 06, 07, 08 and twice in 2010. I think it's pretty clear free feeding while on prednisone was not a good idea at all.

But now how to get the weight off? She's getting more exercise than she had been. I don't know if I should cut her food back a little more? She's a hungry girl. She's been off the prednisone for well over a month but she's hungry, hungry, hungry. I feel bad, but I've been sticking to the 1-3/4 cups with no treats.

My other thought is to have her tested for hypothyroid?

Any thoughts / guidance would really be appreciated.

[Jax08]

First, get her thyroid checked. Weight gain and skin conditions are signs of that.

Second, what exercise is she getting?

Third, sub in some green beans for some of her food. That will replace part of her food in take with a low calorie, no fat, fiber filled option.

[Girth]

I had one I put on a diet. I strive to feed him about 1100 calories a day. He was at 104 and I've got him down to 88. The goal is 85 and we are about there.

[GSDAlphaMom]

Agree with Jax. Give her all the green beans she wants to give her a feeling of being full. Be sure and combine that with her dogfood (lower amounts) as green bean alone is not a healthy diet.

[mysweetkaos]

I agree Chelle!! We have recently had to put Kaos on weight management food and cut back his intake. He is insatiable....every time he thinks he smells food he is following me around, if you drop anything watch out...he's coming to get it.
His activity level is down due to age/arthritis...so it has been a struggle. He always maintained about 110 lbs ( he is 30 inches tall) so he has never been overweight....until now. He tipped the scale at 122 last visit, I wanted to cry. It has been such a battle and he acts like he is starving all the time
We are getting his thyroid checked after the holidays to make sure there is no problem there since he is getting up in age I think that is probably the issue. Might be a good idea to rule out with your girl. Best of luck!

[Jax08]

What food are you feeding her? You might want to look for something with complex carbs instead of simple carbs. That should help her lose weight also.

[Josie/Zeus]

Is she still on prednisone? That stuff will make her hungry ALL the time.

[Stosh]

My mom's gsd is about 20 lbs overweight and my mom is using the green bean tip, plus a few chunks of cooked sweet potato in with the dry. She's lost about 6 lbs in 4 weeks

[GSDGunner]

Gunner gained some weight from being restricted in exercise due to his leg injury.
I started cutting back on kibble and supplementing with green beans in his morning meal, and sweet potato in his evening meal.
I've been doing this for maybe a month and I can already see a difference.
I also made sweet potato treats that he loves.

I haven't gotten him weighed, but I can certainly see the difference.

[Zisso]

Both of mine looked fat-especially if I watch them as they walk away from me...they look like they have bulging bellies and like their butts waddle.

I was feeding 2 cups kibble for one meal, and a pound of raw for another meal.

Now they are cut back to 1 1/2 c kibble, 3/4lb raw.

Next will be 1 c kibble, 3/4lb raw.

Nadia's ideal weight is 73lbs. She weighs about 80 now. I have to make sure any uneaten kibble is picked up or she will scarf it down.

Z's ideal weight is 63-he weighs about 66 now. He is not a kibble fan but will eat it when he is really hungry. It is his kibble that I have to keep Nadia out of.