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Overweight Cavalier
- Thread starter BobPete
- Start date
Jen
Well-known member
I would first suggest a different food, something better quality than Science Diet. There are many such options, many of which are listed on the Whole Dog Journal's annual list of their recommended foods:
http://www.cavaliertalk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=230&highlight=wdj+top+foods
I would also cut out all treats except for vegetables--bits of carrots, sugar snap peas, and apples are some of our dogs favorites. Also, adding a tablespoon of pumpkin to each feeding increases the fiber and makes them feel more full.
If at all possible, even with toys indoors a a laser light (favorite of ours during the winter), find some way to add exercise. It's not only good physically, but mentally as well. Every dog needs some exercise, part of owing a pet is making sure this is available. Even if you toss the food to make the dog work for it, that's exercise. Heart disease is so common in this breed, and increased weight only compromises this, even more reason to find the time for exercise.
http://www.cavaliertalk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=230&highlight=wdj+top+foods
I would also cut out all treats except for vegetables--bits of carrots, sugar snap peas, and apples are some of our dogs favorites. Also, adding a tablespoon of pumpkin to each feeding increases the fiber and makes them feel more full.
If at all possible, even with toys indoors a a laser light (favorite of ours during the winter), find some way to add exercise. It's not only good physically, but mentally as well. Every dog needs some exercise, part of owing a pet is making sure this is available. Even if you toss the food to make the dog work for it, that's exercise. Heart disease is so common in this breed, and increased weight only compromises this, even more reason to find the time for exercise.
have a read through this:
http://roycroftcavaliers.com/manualfeeding.htm
If you have eliminated a medical reason why your dog isn't losing weight -- eg a thyroid problem -- then feed half a cup total a day, or a third cup. Put it in a treat ball so the dog gets exercise trying to get the kibble out.
Find ways to exercise the dog -- mine all play fetch inside for example with a mini tennis ball and even in a small house, this gives them a good workout each day.
http://roycroftcavaliers.com/manualfeeding.htm
If you have eliminated a medical reason why your dog isn't losing weight -- eg a thyroid problem -- then feed half a cup total a day, or a third cup. Put it in a treat ball so the dog gets exercise trying to get the kibble out.
Find ways to exercise the dog -- mine all play fetch inside for example with a mini tennis ball and even in a small house, this gives them a good workout each day.
I'm just in the process of changing dog foods for my overweight girl. Over the weekend I purchased Innova EVO for Sophie - she doesn't seem to be able to lose any weight even with the reduced calorie Nat. Balance. I'm also still supplementing with small bites of apple, banana, froz. green beans, carrots.
And TRYING to keep her treats at a very, very minimum - at least breaking them in two!
Sheri
And TRYING to keep her treats at a very, very minimum - at least breaking them in two!
Sheri
