2 Shepherds, One Fat, One Thin

United States
May 12, 2011 1:07pm CST
Anyone who knows me or has even read one of my discussions knows I love my furries. I have 2 German Shepherds and 1 Redbone Hound. My oldest shepherd is eight years old and he is the dad of the youngest who is four. My oldest is getting really overweight is his old age but the baby is still so skinny. I have this new diet for both of them. The eight year old shepherd gets 1 cup of Iams mixed with 1 cup of green beans and carrots. I give this to him 2 times a day. The beans and carrots make him full but with half the calories. The baby gets 1 cup of Iams with some carrots and beans and half a can of iams wet, high protein food. Yes, my dogs are spoiled. I'll let you know how we progress with this, but any ideas out there, I would welcome some. thanks
1 response
• United States
13 May 11
For the big guy I would try to get him up and out for more running and walks. For the skinny boy Iams and Pedigree both have large breed versions of food. They have more calories for the big dogs. Can I ask about you hound? I have a Blue tick coonhound and though nothing hits the floor or his bowl as he inhales it all he is bone thin! No worms no illness the vet said he is underweight but was also amazed at what he ate. We boarded the dogs with her when we went a way and he lost weight while there and she said he at at least 3x what the other dog did.
• United States
13 May 11
Hounds have a natural high metabolism. My hound was also very skinny until she got older. Now I have to watch her weight as well. My vet always told me as long as she is on a high protein, high calorie diet she will be fine. We actually had to take her off the high calorie and keep her on the high protein now that she isn't underweight anymore. She starting putting on the pounds at about 6 years old. I wouldn't worry too much as long as he is eating. Follow him around for about 20 minutes after he eats and make sure he isn't throwing up out back somewhere. They do tend to have sensitive tummys also. Let me know how he is doing. I have had to powerpack my dog before, ya know, high calorie several times a day. Peanut butter is good for that in one of those Kong toys, as long as they don't have any allergies.