Overweight

I agree with Sandy and Sheep. I avoid the diet foods and as long as you're feeding a good quality food, cut the portions back and supplement them with green beans. I also use the frozen ones, straight from the bag to their bowl, and mix warm water in which defrosts them. Water will also make your pup feel more full, and it's never a bad thing to increase their water intake, especially in the winter. For treats, my pups love Charlee Bear which is 3 cal per treat and great ingredients.

It will take time, but the pounds will come off. Add a bit more exercise if you can, that really helps, even if it's just indoor fetch or ball games. Good luck!

 

My dogs are not overweight. I never feed the recommended daily amount. Shelties are bred to run on an oily rag, which is great for us as they cost less to feed, but not great for Shelties! If you feed what they suggest you'll get a fat Sheltie. My girls get half of the recommended amount and I just supplement with vegies - whatever vegies I get they do, eg carrot, broc, cauli, potato. I only use treats for training and give chews occasionally and any snacks are usually vegetables.

Don't go grain free, there is really no need, and it carries a risk of nutrition related dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease) so it isn't worth it.

 

In terms of dog food, mine (who all weigh around 20 pounds) get 1/4 cup of food twice daily. If I'm adding green beans, I get the french cut frozen beans and add a handful right from the bag. I don't measure them. Start with a few at first to see if your dog will eat them. I don't like using the canned beans because they are packed in solution with salt which your dogs don't need. You might consider using carrots to replace treats. Some people do that too for weight loss instead of dog biscuits.