Manufacturers Recommended Feeding a bit much?

[Woodbender]

Have you all ever heard of a non-fat, plain probiotic yogurt called Kefir? Megan's breeder fed the puppies Kefir with there food and I give it to her about 2x a day!

My wife likes Kefir. We keep the plastic jugs that it comes in and use them as soap molds when she makes soap. But we haven't dared let Chelsea have any Kefir. Seems dairy products have an adverse effect on her digestive system. *whew*

 

[Megansmom]

My wife likes Kefir. We keep the plastic jugs that it comes in and use them as soap molds when she makes soap. But we haven't dared let Chelsea have any Kefir. Seems dairy products have an adverse effect on her digestive system. *whew*

Yeah my Golden didn't do good on ANY dairy products at all, but Megan seems to love it and does great on it. I had never heard of Kefir until getting Megan.

 

[RonandJan]

Kefir is a fermented yougart. Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast that look kind of like cauliflower. It is commonly used in a beet soup called Borscht; however, can be used like yougart and eaten with fruit, etc... It helps a person with a lactose intolerant system.

 

[Caro]

I'm lactose intolerent. But most yoghurts are fine, as they are fairly well fermented so the sugars are broken down. In summer I make yoghurt ice blocks for my dogs for after hot walks or training and I do use the lactose free yoghurt, so there is definately some around. Deska has a problem with dairy foods but is okay with yoghurt and some ice creams.

 

[BarbV]

Now! has 400cal/8 oz cup and Horizon 420cal/cup not a huge difference so possible it could be the bioavalibilty or they really like the taste.
The companies could have the same type of extruder. It is what makes the shape.

Most avg energy dogs need about 400 calories per 20 lbs, differences are seen for energy level, activites ie dog sports, and metabolism of individual.

Most adult maintance dog foods have about 375- 400 cals/ 8oz cup and performance 450-475 cals/cup with a higher fat content. A dog biscuit like a 1 regular size milk bone have 85cal per bone or equal to almost 1/4 cup of food. So think about your treats when you are trying to get your dog to lose weight and minus that amount for the total fed.

My parents Lab was really heavy, 120lbs. They had no idea why. I observed them feeding her large dog bisiuts when she came inside sometimes 3-4 a day. Those treats were around 210 calories a piece. So times that by 4 and that's 840 calories over 2 extra cups of food a day. Doing nothing else but stopping treats their dog lost 40lbs in a year.

Thanks so much for this! Once I'm finished the transition, I can settle in on the proper amount to feed them each day.

Their treats are limited and I keep them small - I'll have to check the package (I feed them small size Mother Hubbard biscuits and small Zukes - but maybe 2-3 times per day max) - and will factor into the overall calorie intake.

Both my dogs are at about 28 lbs. They are both oversize. I need to do some research as to what would be a good weight for their height, and tailor their food accordingly. And yes, green beans are potentially on the menu!