Skip to content

Fat Dog

Basenji Feeding
  • Jack, my 7 yr. old Basenji seems to keep putting on weight. We currently have him on Royal Canin, skin something prescription food, it's main ingredient is fish meal. Our vet suggested it, because he is a very allergic dog. First we had him on skin formula and I noticed in six weeks his weight went from 25lbs. to 30lbs. We reduced the amount, he didn't lose weight and then we reduced the amount again. Currently he is on 1/2 Cup and he still isn't losing weight. I walk him most mornings for an hour and try and limit any other treat he gets. Occasionally he gets pizzles. My vet is at a loss and I am at a loss. His thyroid seems good no problems there. Does anyone have any ideas? Also he is on a medication called Cyclosporin for his allergies….

  • Weight gain is one of the side effects of cyclosporin. Have his kidney's and liver levels checked. That is a very low amount of food to be feeding and it may have more to do with an immune suppression which is what cyclosporin does.

  • Weight gain is also an effect of low thyroid. I know that you said that his thyroid "seems" fine… but has the full panel been done? or just the T3 that is done with normal bloodwork... and even at that, what was the level, low normal for a Basenji is TOO low....

Suggested Topics

  • Dog food

    Basenji Feeding
    22
    0 Votes
    22 Posts
    19k Views
    kah211glhK
    I was feeding my Basenji brand blue and she started getting crystals in her kidneys. With the recommendation from my pet store owner (Pet Ranch), switched to Nature's Variety Instinct RAW. Withing 2 months…all crystals are gone. Now Basenji, Rotty, and Puppy Mastiff/Pitt all get Nature's Variety. Their coats are very shiney and teeth are so white.
  • NutriSource Dog Food!

    Basenji Feeding
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    7k Views
    Buddys PalB
    Hey Jeff, Thanks for the information, and PS: really enjoyed your website. All the pictures of all the dogs, but of course the ones of the Basenjis being used as they are from your litters, OUTSTANDING WORK! Wish I lived closer!
  • Dog Food

    Basenji Feeding
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    5k Views
    pennypenP
    @Ellusionz: I've just swapped my dog to Wellness Core. It's high in protein which I was told is really good for the basenji breed with how active they are. Also grain-free. But they say it shouldn't be fed to dogs younger than a year. They sell it at Petco. There's also the regular Wellness that Petsmart carries thats been rated just below the Core. I researched the ingredients in the brands on dogfoodchat.com I thought about going with a high protien …. i'll deff look into that for next time after this huge bag is done :)
  • Pumpkin for Dogs

    Basenji Feeding
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    P
    Basenjimamma - I'll look at the varieties of Heinz baby food. Thank you for the tip. I notice that most say cook the sweet potatoes. Does anyone feed them raw?
  • Dog food advice

    Basenji Feeding
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    YodelDogsY
    oops never mind
  • Beneful Dry Dog Food

    Basenji Feeding
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    9k Views
    abby_basenjiA
    I have been feeding my dogs Diamond Brand Chicken and Rice small breed, according to that website it's not the greatest but not the worst. I might try the Orijen brand and see if my dogs like it, Cooper and missy will eat anything but Abby is more picky that's why I went with the diamond brand cuz she likes it and she will eat it! :)