Gunner needs to put on healthy lbs

[Gunsey'sMom]

How can I tell if Gunner needs to put on some weight? I go back and forth on whether or not he needs to put on some lbs or not. He has a broad rib cage that goes in quite dramatically more towards his hips, almost like a dobie or greyhound. In some positions when he sits I think, OH MY, he really needs FOOD! But then most of the time he looks perfectly fine. He is lean and starting to fill out more, should I increase in a little to be on the safe side?

I have also just switched his food to Eagle Pack Holistic select Lamb meal and Rice. (I will be mixing)He was previously on Nutro and Canidae. I have also been looking into different varieties of "treats" to add every so often to his diet such as beef lung and tracheas. I dont want him to to get "fat" though. He gets a moderate amount of excersise has a good energy level, and is still growing (about 13-14 months)

Thanks for input!

[SonnyRott]

[quote=Gunsey'sMom;686126]....In some positions when he sits I think, OH MY, he really needs FOOD!....QUOTE]

When dogs are "sitting" they usually look thicker. If your dog looks really thin sitting, he probaby is.

You didn't mention how much per day you were feeding, how much exercise he gets, or what his body structure is.

If he is VERY active, you may need to up his food.

[newbrunswick]

Heres a site mentioned before that helps to determine correct body weight.

dog weight chart - The Purina Body Condition System

I found it very helpful.

[Gunsey'sMom]

He is getting 3 1/2-4 cups of Nutro Adult Lamb Meal & Rice (not my first choice in food) right now. He was previously on Canidae Chicken. I have just started mixing with the Eagle Pack mentioned above.

He is about 14 months and at his year vet visit weight 90lbs. He stated filling out rapidly after that, so I am thinking he has at least put on a good 5-6 more lbs-although it looks like more. What mainly concerns me is the rib area, I just think too much is showing.

He gets moderate excercise, mostly playtime,going out with us places, and training excercises. When we walk, we do laps around our yard wich is fairly small, so I am also concerned about him putting on too much weight as well. Thanks for the info.

[Gunsey'sMom]

Yeah I just looked at the chart, he has that abdominal tuck, and he is probabbly between the ideal and thin, more on the thin side, which i dont want, because he is still growing. So iam thinking I will probably have to feed leass EP anyways, but how much do you think to put on a few lbs?

I am also going to start taking up his bowl after 15 minutes wich I havent been doing-shame on me I know.

[brunie's mom]

I would be keeping him on the thin side...much better for him. His growth is almost done now and he may gain another 5 lbs or so.

Why have you changed him to the Nutro, and Canidae and now Eagle Pack? Is he a picky eater? This may be some of his problem. If he starts going off of his food...do you go out and buy another one?

I've yet to see a healthy dog starve itself with good food being offered.

Gina

[Gunsey'sMom]

So a littel on the thin side is okay? I think I will be sticking with the EP for awhile. He is not a picky eater, Our "good" food dealer -Canidae,California, wellness, is farther than the "Nutro" Dealer. I do not prefer Nutro at all. the kind we get is not the good kind, but BF likes it because it is cheaper. We have come to a comprimise from in between Canidae and Nutro, wich is the Eagle Pack Holistic Lamb Meal. So thats the deal with that. If I had my way , we would feed Innova, but thats a whole nother deal.....

I will also start offering him food for a less extended period of time-cut it down to maybe 15 minutes and then 10.

Thanks

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by Gunsey'sMom

So a littel on the thin side is okay?

Leaner is much healthier than fatter.

Yes, this study was done by Purina, but the results, showed "..that a dog’s median life span can be extended by 15 percent – nearly two years for the Labrador Retrievers in this study – by feeding to ideal body condition through diet restriction."