Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Any tips on successful weight loss of a dog?

Cecil:

Like Rex, I've fed Purina Pro Plan since I got my first Springer in the early '90's.

It's a combination of amount of dog food, treats (even Peanut Butter) and exercise. Dog treats are just as bad for them as junk food is for us.

If she doesn't want to eat her food, she will when she gets hungry enough. I know it's hard, but tough love will be good for her. Split up the feedings in 2 or 3 sessions. If she doesn't finish the food from any of the feeding sessions, skip the next one. Feed good food, not the crap from Wally World, etc. Dog food is just like the fish food. Better food is more expensive, but a LOT better for the dog. Better food means less to pick up after it leaves the dog too.

Her joints will have less wear & tear, and her overall health will improve if she drops some weight.

Remember Anna from here a few years ago? She helped me with Cal when he was diagnosed with his heart murmur, and helped CJ with his dog when it was bit by the Copperhead. She has a business that is pet related.

Well, it seems that the website is no longer up and running, so I don't know if the business is a victim of the economy or what. Here's the info that I had for it:
Wholesome Hound
2005 S Brannon Stand Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 685-0002

Here's my experience just to give you an idea of how many calories dogs can burn.

28# Springer Spaniel. Reba

During the "off" season to keep her weight constant, I fed her 1 1/2 cups of Purina Pro Plan Performance Blend.

When I was field trialing her, and running her for hunters at a local put-n-take pheasant farm, I'd have to feed her twice a day, each time feeding her 2 1/2 cups of the same food. During training, she'd have 9 bird "contacts" per day, which meant that she'd be running between 30 to 45 minutes per day in 10 to 15 minute increments. We trained every other day, and usually hit a field trial once or twice a month. Put-n-take pheasant farm was once or twice a month too, but she'd be running for a total of an hour or so (maybe 2 depending on the number of birds put down)in 10-15 minute increments.

So, she'd bounce from 1 1/2 cups per day to 5 cups per day just to keep her weight constant.