2 1/2 year old beagle

Question
Hi there! We have the best Beagle in the world! We love her so much and she
loves us back! She was the runt of the litter and we bought her because she
was so little! We are the original owners and have had her since she was
about 10 weeks old. Recently she started have anal gland problems and has
already had one surgery. The vet says we should just take them out because
they will probably continue to have problems. She has had one surgery to
unclog one anal gland and then when the other got absessed we put her on
antibiotics and she has done fine ever since. Since I can't afford the $1,000
surgery I'm doing the wait and see approach! Just recently she has gone from
our little cute beagle to our overweight beagle! I haven't changed the amount
of food I have given her. I feed her Ultra by Nutro and we were told this is the
absolute best food for her to be on. She is about 25 pounds now and I'm
worried she's going to continue to gain. Can you help us figure out what is
going on? Is is that she is just going from puppyhood to adulthood and now
she's going to look like every other overweight Beagle? I have always prided
myself on not having overweight dogs. I read about the Science diet and the
green beans. Should I put her on that diet or can I just add green beans to
her Ultra? I feel her 1 cup of food a day. 1/2c. in the morning and 1/2 c. at
night. Thank you in advance for helping us. We love our Beagle, Nikki like she
is our third child!

Answer
Hello! You didn't mention how old she is now, but 26 pounds isn't too bad. For females its about 20-23 pounds. As you said her transition from puppy hood could have a little to do with it. She is getting older so her appatite is changing, she may want more. But I think about how much you said you feed her and its is the correct amount so great job. Beagles have a tendency to be overweight. You are feeding it great dog food too, so I can tell you are a great pet owner. Science diet has worked, but green beans tend to give a dog dieriha. Try baby carrots. Cut out all treats for her, and give her some more walks.There are a few things that may help with an anal gland problem. Keep your dog lean: overweight dogs tend to have more problems with their anal glands. Feed bones at least 3 times a week to ensure that some stools are hard. This will help with expressing a bit of fluid each time he goes to the toilet. Feed a high fibre diet eg. add pumpkin to meals. So the anal gland problem may have something to do with it.  I hope this helps please don't hesitate to email me again, thanks and good luck!