What is the best weight control dog food on the market?

Have you tried the Senior dog formulas, those usually have a lot lower calorie content. Almost every brand makes them. Nutro would probably be a good one to start out with. If you want her to lose weight, feed her less than recommended, especially if she is still gaining weight. It is only 'recommended' that you feed her that amount, but it always depends on your own dog and its needs. There is no harm in feeding her less. If she starts getting too thing feed her a little more. She may still be hungry, but some dogs just like to eat.

Try a light formula and remember to measure! Take the amount that is on the back of the bag, there is going to be a range go with the low end of the range and subtract a 1/4 of a cup. If you are going to give treats then subtract some dry food from her ration. Remember the rule of thumb when it comes to people food is the piece should be the size of your thumb nail, and only once! Dogs know quality not quantity!

The prescription diets that the clinics sell are also fantastic, and they are usually not too expensive compared to a top end dog food that you would get at the pet store, those foods are very low in calories, and fat but high in fiber so the animal feels full. And the good thing is that your dog only has to lose a couple pounds so the prescription food won't be forever.

Its a long hard road, and its easy to get frustrated, but stick with it!

I also got a dog from a shelter a couple years ago. He was scared of the other dogs in his kennel at the shelter, so he didn't eat. So, naturally, he was skinny when I got him. Took him to the vet and he said he needed to gain some weight. So at that time I got him some Purina, it was just normal dog food. But over that summer he gained alot of weight. When I took him back the vet said he needed to loose at least 15 pounds. He reccommend the dog food that his office sold, but I bought Purina Beneful Weight Control instead. Over that winter he lost the 15 pounds and is now slim and trim. The same should happen for your dog, this food really does work!

Purina: Beneful Weight Control It comes in two sizes and is reasonably priced. It has a green strip on the packagaing so it is separated from the other Purina Beneful brands. It's available nearly everywhere. Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, and many other stores. Good luck and please try this, it really works!

First, have the vets run labwork to check her thyroid and for other problems that can cause weight gain? If they say it's just diet and not hormonal, let's just go with that.

I personally am IN LOVE with the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Calorie Control High Protein (I know that's a long name!). We have recommended and used many low calories diets over the years including the HIll's Prescription Diet r/d, blah blah blah, etc., BUT this one has had the best and most noticeable results. Dogs love to eat it, even dogs that are picky eaters, and they lose weight like they are supposed to. We love it, so if your vet carries it get it, or ask them to order it for you. You need to measure out the food with a measuring cup, like the ones you use for cooking. If she is 49 pounds and needs to weight, say, 35, feed her the recommended amount for a 45 pound dog. Usually there is a range of amounts. You want to feed her the amount at the smallest end of the range. When she reaches 45 pounds. Reevaluate and determine if she still needs to lose weight. If she's still overweight, drop the amount down to what a 40 pound dog would need and so on and so forth. Keep up with the exercise. Cut out ALL treats, table food, snacks, etc. For treats, you can measure out her daily amount, feed her half in her meals, then save the rest for treats throughout the day. She won't care what it is as long as it's from you. Good luck and keep it up!

I recommend Iams Weight Control dog food

Diets which are prescription diet foods that are obtained through your vet are the better way to go. Foods which are labelled "light" etc generally are meant to be used as a maintenace diet and will help to reduce any weight gain potential. Some foods such as Hills Prescription R/D, Eukanuba Restricted Calorie and Royal Canin Obesity are foods designed to assist weight loss in conjunction with an exercise program and a lifestyle change for both the pet and the owner. It is preferable to feed the dog two meals per day, with the larger amount fed in the morning. This utilizes the dogs' own thermoregulation and allows the animal to "burn off" most of the calories consumed during the day. It is important to feed only the diet food chosen and no treats, rewards, nibblies, etc as they all count towards the total calories consumed. Your vet should be able to tell you what diet to put your pet on and how to manage your pets' behaviour. Be patient, as weight loss in pets is a slow process if done safely.

Assuming your dog is an English Cocker Spaniel, the normal bodyweight range for females is 12.7kg - 14.5kg (42 pounds is equal to approx 19.05kg). If you are unable to feel the ribs then she is grossly overweight. Ideally you should be able to feel the ribs without seeing them. As well as the above weight range, you also need to take into consideration her natural build, bone structure and sex, entire or neutered etc. A realistic first stage target weight should be up to 15% below her current weight ie approx 16kg or 35.2lbs. It may take 12wks or longer to reach this first target weight. Remember to feed only the diet food, no snacks, treats or supplements; feed only the quantity prescribed by your vet (this may need to be adjusted depending on her own metabolic rate etc - all feeding amounts on foods are a GUIDE only - weekly weigh-ins are essential to monitor weight loss and to adjust food consumption/exercise ratio if necessary. Some animals lose weight more quickly than others and it may take 2 - 3 weeks before the weight starts to come off. Always measure the food using scales or the measuring cup that accompanies the food; Remove any uneaten food after 10-15 minutes.

A thorough veterinary clinical examination by your vet is essential to evaluate her physical condition, including a blood test to rule out any underlying disease which may be contributing to her weight problem, prior to starting the diet. Complications of obesity may include skin disease, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, skeleton and joint problems. See your vet and start a weight loss programme asap.

You do not really need diet food just cut down the amount of what she eats.

I took about 20 pounds off a Weimaraner with cutting back his regular food and only carrot slices for treats. He dropped the weight in about 2-3 months. He now maintains the weight.

He is feed a very high quality dog food but it is high in calories and fat. He gets one cup of food two times per day. He can have carrots anytime and gets about one or two dog treat bones per day that is all. He has some hip issues so more exercise was not the answer for him. He does run several times per day and still hunts durring the hunting season.

I have the best luck buy feeding the normal dog food and just cutting it back. I weigh the dog once per week and track the progress.

Good luck.

I would suggest Iam's Weight Control. I breed Pomerainians and have found the Iam's line to be excellent in providing good coats and energy. Not a lot of fillers in the Iam's brand either which makes less waste to have to clean up! Exercise of course is important as well...it sounds like you are already monitering her food intake...good luck with whatever you decide to try!

Umm.. I'm only 15 and i know my opinion doesnt mean much but yea... I would recommend Nutro weight management dog food.. seems like the best on the market right now.

I know it seems like a rip off, but my rescue dog was very overweight. My vet sold me Eukanuba adult plus that they sell in the clinic. My 175 lb great Dane dropped to 135 over 2-3 months. Really amazing. (My older dog, who doesn't have a weight problem was put on the Eukanuba Senior, also sold by the vet, and it's like having a puppy again). Yes, it's pricey, but it's been worth it.

Another diet trick, because he was so hungry on the restricted amounts, was to add steamed and cooled (or defrosted) broccoli to his food. It didn't add calories and made him feel full.