It’s been a little more than a year since Belle and Kristy can home from bad puppy mill situations. They were both very thin and I worked them into an Orijen diet. They only get what the bag says, about a cup & quarter daily, and a few treats too. They have done great on Orijen, tummy’s are good, good potty, no problems. They are both taller shelties and came to me at 24 pounds each and really looked thin. Well… Kristy weighed in at the vets at 42, and I’m sure Belle’s not far behind. Big time diets!!! for this spring. They are both going on the ‘green bean’ diet. LadyMcBeth here on S.N. has a great success story for her Daisy with the green bean diet so my girls are doing the same. Plus, the weather is nice now, so we are all more active.
OH NO… My girls are FAT!
- Thread starter mlamont
- Start date
Celtic Fire
Forums Enthusiast
Something to remember...Dog food companies are all about selling food. More often than not, the recommended quantities on the bags is double what you should actually feed them. The best way to check if they're a healthy weight is to run your hands along their sides, over their ribs. If you can feel a little bit of fat over the ribs, but still can discern the ribs, then they're at a healthy weight.
They probably don't need the "green bean" diet. I'd hazard a guess to say that you should start weening them back from a cup and a quarter a day back to 2/3'rds of a cup of food a day over the next 4-6 weeks. That and a few treats a day...a few being 2-3 small milk bones, a dozen or so training treat size...should get them back to their proper weight.
Chris
Premium Member
I use the beans to stop the revolt when we cut back food. Otherwise Bitsy Boodle stalks everyone -- including me!!! 
danisgoat
Moderator
UGH...diet time over at your home 
Just as a reference for you, I feed my girls 1/2 cup of food per dog per day. That is only 1/4 cup per meal. I just had them at the vet and my vet said they are at a good weight. Chloe is 15.5" and 19.5 lbs and Dandie is 12.5" and 15.5 lbs.
Just as a reference for you, I feed my girls 1/2 cup of food per dog per day. That is only 1/4 cup per meal. I just had them at the vet and my vet said they are at a good weight. Chloe is 15.5" and 19.5 lbs and Dandie is 12.5" and 15.5 lbs.
Ann
Moderator
I agree...cut the food in half and add some frozen green beans. That helps to fill them up so they don't think you're starving them and it really works. It's the miracle doggie diet. I always have one or the other on it! My three all get 1/4 cup twice of a day and they're in good shape.
This is what I've done over the pass week. Orijen in half and supplement the rest with green beans. They still get the training treats (they have alot to learn yet) but I watch the treats in general. Belle is not too sure about the beans in her bowl (so funny how she looks at them first in her bowl), but Kristy just loves her new green beans!! She can't get enough.
Well said!
I found the same thing in things like hand moisturizer; where they'll say to use 1/2 oz. or something ... way more than you actually need. Same thing with chocolate .. which I the only reason I gain weight!LadyMcBeth
Forums Enthusiast
Mike,
You know I am a firm believer in the green bean diet....and Daisy loves them. I only feed her a 1/4 cup grain-free kibble and a handful of frozen green beans per meal. She does get treats, but I use poached, boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces...not very big. An average breast lasts about 5 days. I am baking some of the sweet potato chews right now...Daisy is crazy for them. I think by staying away from commercial treats I am also reducing calories.
Good luck with the diets! I know your dogs are active - in your rescue video they were frolicking around with each other big time!
You know I am a firm believer in the green bean diet....and Daisy loves them. I only feed her a 1/4 cup grain-free kibble and a handful of frozen green beans per meal. She does get treats, but I use poached, boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces...not very big. An average breast lasts about 5 days. I am baking some of the sweet potato chews right now...Daisy is crazy for them. I think by staying away from commercial treats I am also reducing calories.
Good luck with the diets! I know your dogs are active - in your rescue video they were frolicking around with each other big time!