Low Calorie Adult Food??

[DiegosMom]

Hello- I am bringing home a girl from BRAT that is overweight. What do you think is better, giving her smaller portions of normal food or a low calorie adult dog food? I have a 40lb bag of California Natural Low Cal Adult food that I purchased by accident (didnt realize it was the low cal bag, and that stuff isnt cheap!) and it is sitting in my pantry becuase Diego def. doesnt need low cal food! So now that she is coming home, I figured maybe she could eat it?? Anyone have an opinion on low cal food? Thanks in advance bc i dont know anything about low cal dog food!

[sharronhurlbut]

I use the low cal food with a scoop of pumpkin…fills them up.
They also love green beans.

[DiegosMom]

sharron- if i am trying to have her loose a little weight and i use the low cal food should i just use the serving size on the bag?

[sharronhurlbut]

I use 1/3 a cup level dry food and a scoop of pumpkin.
I also try to get them out and walking, not easy with the weather being so crummy…
All of us, around this house, dog and human seem to get rounder with winter..
Sort of like Bears!

[DiegosMom]

@sharronhurlbut:

I use 1/3 a cup level dry food and a scoop of pumpkin.
I also try to get them out and walking, not easy with the weather being so crummy…
All of us, around this house, dog and human seem to get rounder with winter..
Sort of like Bears!

haha thats too funny! I agree though, we were just talking the other day how Diego looks like he's gained a pound or two! And I feel the same way!! and i'm with you on the weather, this Ohio weather we have is no fun! thanks for the food help!

[sharronhurlbut]

I also meant to add I feed them 2 times a day.
I found that one feeding makes them throw up the yellow bile.
If they still don't lose weight, I cut it down to 1/4 cup, but that is really not a lot of food at all…they need a bit of round in the winter..imo.

[Duke]

Also, whatever brand of food she is eating now, should be included in and mixed in with the low cal food, adding it gradually. Also, if you've had the low cal food for some time, look at the expiration date on the bag - being careful not to serve spent food.

Good luck and best wishes for a wonderful union for your whole family.

[tanza]

I never use the serving size they put on bags…ggg... I have found 99% of the time it is way to much... and mine (who are not over weight) get 1/4 cup twice a day mixed with veggies....
Don't be surprised if she turns her nose up at things like veggies... if she is overweight, clearly it will not hurt her to miss a meal...ggg... and yes you can use the Sr food, but like was stated make sure you check the dates... as Natural food will go bad...
Also you might want to have her thyroid checked if that has not been done already..

[sharronhurlbut]

I don't know if you have ever had to diet, but once you get hungry, you will eat everything served and LIKE It…
Otherwise, well, BURP...we bloom! lol!

[DiegosMom]

thanks everyone! i'm sure the BRAT coordinator will tell me what food she is on and i can get a little bag to mix gradually.. im not sure if she has had her thyroid checked, but if she hasnt i'll have that done.. and as for the date on the food, i cant find anything.. its California Natural dry dog food.. anyone know the approx. shelf life?? i'm gonna send the company an email also..

[tanza]

As I remember (I used to use Calif Natural) I thought there was a produced date? And I would not use it if it was over 6 months old… but that is just me.... when I buy food I find the one with the newest date... I think it is Canidae that has a "use by" date and a production date...

[DiegosMom]

i've only had it for about 3 mos. so i think it should be fine..