I’m posting on here to get some advice and help regarding my dog; he’s a 2-year-old neutered Staffie.
Basically, during a check-up at the vet a couple of months ago, the vet told me he needed to lose a bit of weight (he was about 20-21 kg / 3 stone 4 at the time).
He’s an active dog, getting at least an hour to an hour and a half of play, running etc. every day, plus several walks of at least 15-20 minutes.
I managed to get him to lose about 3 lbs (1.5 kg), but now he’s back up to nearly 22 kg (almost 3 and a half stone)... without any changes at all (he had a full health check and everything was perfect, so no underlying health issues).
I really don't know how to get the weight off him... I’m only giving him 3/4 of his recommended daily allowance, he runs and plays, and I feel like I’m giving him plenty of exercise, but his weight is just yo-yoing. I really want to avoid him being overweight to prevent health problems down the line!
His parents are quite stocky (his dad is 24 kg / 3st 11lb) – could it just be genetic?
Does anyone have any tips or advice?
Thanks in advance! :-)
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Pro Plan is quite high in carbs; it might be worth switching to a dry food with more protein. I give my spayed dog, who weighs about 33 lbs (15kg), 160g of kibble. I don't think you should cut his meals by almost 100g all at once. Your dog is going to be really hungry. On the other hand, 260g seems like a massive amount. I don't know the specific recommendations for your brand, but with the food I use, that's what a 66 lb dog (about 4 stone 10) would eat. From what you're saying, it sounds like he's only about 6 or 7 lbs overweight. Do you have a photo? How long ago was he neutered? The first six months after the op are the most important. Personally, I think you probably need to change his food. Some people might suggest a BARF diet. Either way, a dog shouldn't really have 35% to 45% carbs in their diet. The recommended amount is less than 25%. I personally stick to 20%. Brands like Purizon, True Instinct, Nutrivet, etc.
Thanks for the reply! It does seem like a huge amount, I admit, but those are the doses listed on the bag (and even then, I’m giving him the amount for a "dog with 1 hour or less activity" rather than what he's supposed to have).
33-44 lbs: for a dog with 1 hour activity - 230-280g
for a dog with over 1 hour activity - 265-320g
Yeah, he doesn’t have much to lose—as you said, about 6 or 7 lbs would be ideal.
He’s been neutered for over a year and a half now. I’ll post a photo tonight, no problem!
Pro Plan is quite high in carbs; you might be better off switching to a dry food with a higher protein content.
I feed 160g (about 5.6 oz) of kibble to my spayed girl, who weighs around 33 lbs. I don't think you should cut a meal down drastically by nearly 100g (3.5 oz); your dog is going to be really hungry! On the other hand, 260g (9 oz) seems huge. I don't know what the recommended amount is for your specific brand, but for the food I use, that's the portion for a 66 lb dog.
From the way you've described it, it sounds like he's only about 6 or 7 lbs overweight.
Do you have a photo? How long ago was he neutered? The first six months after the operation are the most important for managing their weight.
I'd say you probably need to change his food. Some might suggest a raw diet (BARF). In any case, a dog shouldn't really have 35% to 45% carbs in their diet. The recommended level is under 25%—I personally stick to 20%.
Check out brands like Purizon, Carnilove, Nature’s Variety, or Nutrivet.
Thanks for your reply! Looking at the chart you shared, from above he’s at an ‘ideal weight’, but he’s got a bit of a tummy, like in picture four. He’s on Pro Plan Optidigest dry food, and after speaking with the breeder, I’ve reduced his portion from the 260g a day recommended on the bag. I hadn’t really realised how rich the food was, and since he’s been neutered, he’s definitely more prone to putting on weight... so I’ve been advised to drop him down to 170g.
Beyond the number on the scales, it’s the overall body condition that counts. Weight depends on muscle mass, which is heavier than fat, and hydration (you don’t know if they’ve had a big drink right before being weighed).
A Staffie should have a slightly defined waist; when you’re stroking them, you should be able to feel their ribs under the skin without them being clearly visible.
At two years old, a dog should be lean! They shouldn't be carrying any excess fat.
Maybe their dry food doesn’t suit them. What brand are you feeding them and how much?
