Elsie is such a happy dog!
I am not sure why, but it is weird having to put a dog on a diet. Elsie definitely loves food, and is very food motivated. I didn’t realize that we were feeding her too much, though. I have never had a dog that I needed to watch their weight. I knew she was chubby, but it wasn’t until we went to the vet last time for some vaccines that they said she needed to lose about 10 pounds! She is an English lab, so she will never be thin, they are built sturdier than other labs, but she needs to lose some bulk.
Elsie is an active dog, when we are home. I think during the day she lays around and rests, though. She does go to doggy daycare once a week, for some playtime and socialization. She sure loves that! As soon as we get close, she starts breathing hard and getting excited! She practically breaks down their gate to get inside!
Back to the diet. I put her on grain free, weight maintenance food. I also only feed about 2/3 of what it says on the bag. Vet said they always recommend more than the dogs actually need when they create the amounts on the bag. Don’t worry, she is not starving. I add a little coconut oil (for her coat), a little canned pure pumpkin, some peas, carrots and broccoli. She loves the veggies!!
So far she has lost about 6 pounds – it has been about 2 months. So its a healthy rate of loss. She seems happy, doesn’t seem to be hungry, I think its a great diet for her! She still does get a little treat now and then, but I am watching it a bit more than I was before. I dont want her to have excess weight, labs get hip dysplasia and hopefully this will help her NOT get that!
Elsie is such a great dog, she is so sweet and fun! I love labs!
