Dogs need to lose weight

[Ihavetochangemyusername]

Two dogs, one a lab cross, the other a collie cross, both carrying exttra weight per the vet. We go for a hour walk in the middle of the day to a beach where they can run as much as they like.

To help them lose weight do I up excise, reduce food, or do both?

[Solasta]

Are you overfeeding as per guidelines on the pack? If you are I would say do both. If not leave food as is and exercise more and monitor.

[Ihavetochangemyusername]

One needs to lose 2kg and the other 4kg

[Xiaoxiong]

What does the vet suggest? Ours was doing the max exercise they recommended for her age/joints but getting a little heavier (even more pressure on joints) so we switched her onto a "light" food which had reduced calories.

[randomsabreuse]

Reduce food. We always fed our lab by eye (reduced by a handful of looking over, increased if too much spine visible or on a walking holiday).

[JackieWeaverFever]

They are getting good execrcise.

Reduce food and bulk it with veg like carrots of required.
Stop all feeding outside meal times and stop all feeding of "human" food

[Solasta]

Should add I wouldn't cut food drastically. Slow and steady is better.

We underfeed kibble because we account for a pouch of wet food he gets in a kong every night.

[JackieTheFart]

Well, for humans diet is 80% of weight loss so I’d start there.

[percheron67]

Work out how much food they are having as opposed to how much they are consuming, adjust bowls accordingly. Also cut out treats. Treats are unnecessary. Dogs like to please and if verbal praise is given that is sufficient. The only ones benefitting from treats are the manufacturers and suppliers.

[VeganVeal]

I feed my lab Arden Grange Adult Light Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food, its lo cal, works well

[BarbaraofSeville]

Have you weighed the food you are giving them? Dry pet food is a little like cereal. Many people serve far more than the recommended portion size.

Also check that no-one in the house is feeding them too many treats. My dad used to complain that their dog was overweight. But seeing as he would let the dog eat his leftovers and drink the second half of his coffee every day, it's not hard to see why.

[LadyDanburysHat]

I'm surprised the vet didn't advise as to how to lose weight. Less food is the easiest way.

[LadyWhistledownsQuill]

Both

Raw carrots are great too - very low calorie, fairly filling and popular with dogs so a good way to bulk out what they're having

[Ihavetochangemyusername]

We've reduced food and increased exercise. I'm seeing results already.