Marie

My lab Ruger had Pancreas trouble, then full blown Diabetes..at about 10yrs old

We had to do a prescription food ( I believe it was a Science diet product ) BUT  we also had to give him two insulin shots a day....

When I realized that his disease was caused  by My feeding habits and OR contributed to his illness, I was beside myself.

VERY RARE, that I give Bean scraps. She does like a lean sirloin burger, when we're camping

Glad things are on the mend......

Renee'

Thank you for all the support and well wishes for Rocky. I still could use some good feeding guidance  on how much to feed a 7 year old active, not slowed down yet GSP We like Bean are guilty of free feeding our dogs from the table. Yes,  I know that pancreatitis is closely to secondary diabetes as the pancreas secrets insulin and other digestive enzymes. Feel so sorry Bean had to learn the sorry lesson from Ruger-Lab. Rocky doesnot have diabetes and if we make these life changes should be OK. My Vet did say, I was lucky to catch this disease early before progressing too far. Early detection, early treatment equals better control and outcome with any chronis disease. Right now I am feeding Rocky four times a day 1/4 cup for 6 days

Marie -  The amount you feed a dog varies as much as dogs vary in personality.  Belle who is only 4 lbs heavier (57 lbs) than Halo (53 lbs) eats almost twice as much as Halo.  So, I use a visual to tell if the amount they are getting is right.  If I can feel their ribs and see the last two or three ribs, then I am happy with their weight.  If they look like they are gaining weight I cut back a little on what I feed and if they look a little thin I add to what they normally get.

Most days they just get their food.  I feed once in the morning and once in the evening.  If they get anything else it is the homemade liver treats I make for training.  If I have leftovers (vegetables, chicken, beef) from dinner, I will add that as a special treat when I feed them.  I also will add salmon to their diet periodically, as well as, cottage cheese and yogurt.

Typically, I have to feed more in the winter than in the summer.  Plus, I like to keep them thinner in the summer because of the heat in Texas.

So, how do you figure out where to start?  I use the recommendations on the food I am feeding as the basic guideline.  Then if they are not the right weight after about a week, I adjust a little up or down as needed.  Eventually, you will figure out the right amount for your boy and it will be pretty consistent.

So, Belle is the closest to Rockies size at 26 inches in the withers and she weighs 57 lbs.  I feed her the following:

AM: 1.5 cups of meal

PM 1.5 cups of meal and .5 can of either lamb or venison

Meal is Innova Chicken/Turkey for large breeds

Cans are Wellness Adult Lamb or Venison

(Belle is allergic to beef which is why all the chicken, turkey, lamb and venison.)

This just gives you a guideline.  With a lower fat diet, you may have to actually feed a little more, but start with the recommended on the bag and adjust. Also, keep in mind the activity level will impact how much you have to feed. Belle is very active.

Thank you Bev for the info as I am really at a loss for this . Of course at 85 lbs I cannot see or feel a rib on Rocky so we have much wieght to lose.  I will just play around with it and adjust  cups as needed Probably with low fat , NO TABLE SCRAPS  Rocky will trim over time with change of food bad habits. Good news is I do exercise Rocky daily with open run and long walks everyday when he is healthy. We have a neighborhood dog walking group . Call each other to get out and walk on days especially on days you feel like not walking Have walked the last 2 days on short walks as it is 10 degree with the wind chill and just not used to the cold yet.

I am just glad GSPs are short-haired, which makes it easier to monitor their weight--I have friends whose fluffy or heavy-coated dogs put on a LOT of secret poundage! 

Mine are both smallish, about 50 pounds is their best weight, and they get about a cup twice a day, mixed dry and Mom's special recipe slop.  (Brown rice, veggies, whatever  leftover meat I had handy or whatever I could find at the 99 cent store!)

Glad to see that Rocky is on his way to being a lean, mean fightin' machine.    He's so good looking! 

So true our GSPs can really  go from one size to another size, energy level ect Rocky when well is high energy even at almost 7 years old. Our new senior food has 8.5% fat on the label. Dogs weighing between 50-75 lbs for weight loss is2 to 3 cups. For maintenance 2-1/2 - 31/2 cups. ... Dogs between 75-100lbs 3 to 4 cups weight loss and 3 1/2-- 4 /12 for weight maintenance Rocky is probably down to @ 84lbs now. Both of our son's home for deerhunting said he definitely looks thinner  I am truely looking forward how faster and happier Rocky will be when he is a leaner fiighten machine

Here is sick Rocky with deerhunting Mike asleep like baby in his lap

four of our Deerhunters getting hunting gear lined up and organized last night. You can see a certain GSP is lined up to be packed as cannot tell the difference between Pheasant hunt and Deer Hunt

gsp-fan, your rice and chicken idea has been a life saver for Rocky as he accepts that when nothing else smells good to him. Accepts cottage cheese mixed with yogert all non fat, only in the morning. Serve it all in separate bowls so if he doesn't like on thing he can leave it. Not more than 2 tablespoons in each bowl.

Venison,deer meat  is very low fat. I think it would make very good dehydrated doggy treat Thank you for all your good fat low and fat free Ideas.  Rocky got sick a week ago and is still recovering. This is not an illness that clears up in 24 hours. First time I have ever had a dog sick witth a long term illness that needs life and diet changes. Very greatful and appreciative of everyone on on our forum who have given us well wishes, ideas and emotional support thru sharing

Marie -

My Belle has turned out to be allergic to beef.  I feed her venison, lamb, chicken and turkey.  All are low fat too. I have to watch the treats I give her as well.  Chicken liver makes a really good treat in place of beef liver too. 

Keep us posted on Rocky's progress.  I can't wait to see pictures of the new svelte Rocky. Hopefully, he is well enough to enjoy a little Turkey on Thanksgiving.

Well here is a pic of Rocky from last winter. He tipped the scale at 92lbs on the Vet scale on the day of this picture Cannot see a rib on him at all. Can use this pic to compare his progress.