How do I help my dog lose weight

[PirateGirl]

Apologies if this has been said, I have not read all responses.

I know retrievers love to eat and will beg for treats and act starving even if they are not, it's the nature of the breed When mine have been on a diet in the past we have cut out all dog treats, but substituted raw baby carrots, they are about the same size as dog treats, they are crunchy like dog treats, the dog thinks it's getting a treat, but they are not getting the calories of dog treat. It can help.

Even if your dog is not hugely overweight, the breed is prone to hip and elbow problems and arthritis. We took 15 lbs off my golden about 2 years ago and it has really helped her get around. She has arthritis and will be 13 next month with no other health conditions and still likes walks as long as we go at her pace.

 

[PirateGirl]

You mentioned needing a grain free food. If it is available in your area and you are looking to switch, Earthborn makes a grain free food. Since it is grain free it has less fillers and the portion size is a bit less than they would eat if they have a food with corn or other grains in it. My golden has skin and ear problems/allergies and the Earthborn in the pink bag is corn and chicken free and seems to help.

https://www.chewy.com/earthborn-hol...VwPx1XamaduJnlFHJshoCiz4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Leigti]

Personally, I feed Victor. www.dogfoodadvisor.com is a good resource. What works well for some dogs won't be the best food for others and no one is going to have the same budget.

I agree. That is a great website. But each dog is an individual. Back when I fed my dogs people food I started feeding one of the top ranked foods and my dog looked terrible. Change to a different food brand and she was great. Changed her to rot and she was even better. But raw is a big time and money commitment that a lot of people can’t do. And if it’s done wrong they can actually kill their animal. So check out that website and it will help a lot.