What should I feed my dog??

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

I had the same problem with one of my dogs too, but didn't want to switch brands because its the only food he can eat. So, I just lowered his food intake. He doesn't seem to mind/notice and its working for him. A dog never needs anywhere near as much of a premium food (such as Eagle Pack) as they do a low quality food (Eukanuba). Premium foods are much more filling. Winston used to eat 2 cups (twice a day) of Nutro and now he eats 1 1/3 cups (twice daily) of California Natural.

If your dog as always had weight issues, you may want to get her checked for a Thyroid condition, but I'd just try dropping the amount of food given for now and see what happens. Please, please do not switch back to Euk. It really won't benefit your dog at all.

[fragrancehound]

I keep reading food labels and I really feel like a dummy. I have no idea what half of the ingredients are or what they do...

chondroitin sulfate?

cobalt carbonate?

choline chloride?

Calcium Iodate?

Are any of these ingredients the same as Chromium tripicolinate? Is Chromium tripicolinate the actual inci name used on the bag or does it go by some other name?

I was looking into Castor & Pollux as one possibility but try to dissect the ingredients is quite a challenge.

[dab_20]

I've heard Innova is really good.

I feel my dogs Nutro Ultra. Molli eats about 1 1/2 cups a day of food and she's only supposed to eat about 3/4 a day, and I can't seem to get her to gain an ounce. (she's a little on the thin side, but a good weight overall) So I don't know if that's good weight loss food or not? But she gets a good amount of exercise and is very active indoors. Her poops are healthy and she doesn't poop a lot either. (lol)

[fragrancehound]

The older my baby gets the less she moves around. She will not get up unless she sees or smells food. I try to exercise her but I swear she looks at me like I am crazy.

[Kfamr]

I tend to stay away from foods that have ingredients that I cannot pronounce or know what they are.

I am currently switching my four dogs from Timberwolf Organics to Innova EVO Red Meat. I was deciding between Innova, Nature's Variety Raw Instinct, Karma Organic, or Wenaewe.

They also get raw meals for dinner a few times a week.

I understand what you mean about exercise. I have a 9 year old who doesn't care to do much. Although, it is a big help that my other three (4years, 3 years, and 6 months) encourage him to play.

Possibly try a food/treat ball for meals? That way she has to move around while eating. Often times I will sit with a bowl of food and throw the kibbles around the livingroom one at a time so they run after it. They think it's great!

[Giselle]

I keep reading food labels and I really feel like a dummy. I have no idea what half of the ingredients are or what they do...

chondroitin sulfate?

cobalt carbonate?

choline chloride?

Calcium Iodate?

Are any of these ingredients the same as Chromium tripicolinate? Is Chromium tripicolinate the actual inci name used on the bag or does it go by some other name?

I was looking into Castor & Pollux as one possibility but try to dissect the ingredients is quite a challenge.

The thing with "dissecting" ingredients is that alot of what you're reading is added vitamins and minerals. And you actually *want* chondroitin sulfate, as it is a good additive for dogs who have or may develop joint problems. Remember glucosamine/chondroitin supplements? It's basically that. I believe cobalt carbonate is an ingredient commonly used in pottery or pottery glaze. I don't know why it would be present in dog food, but I suppose it has mineral benefits. Not too sure of the rest and I would hesitate to give advice about chemical/organic compounds such as these. Not too sure about the Chromium tripicolinate, but if you're a believer in organic food, Castor & Pollux's Organix/Ultramix don't seem too far from the mark.

However, be aware that dog food is as much gimmicking and marketing as it is real nutritional benefit. I also don't believe there is much legality as to what terms a dog food company is allowed to use. Just don't go for the first food that labels "all natural". It probably isnt

And to echo the posters before me, exercise exercise exercise!!!!! In order to lose weight, energy output > energy input. Exercise more, eat right, and the excess weight will melt away.