what should I feed my german shepherd bitch who needs to loose weight

Question
my german shepherd bitch of 4 yrs, is a so called big boned. she is naturally large for her breed. when i goto the park she doesn't bother running much. no health probs. advised to get her down from 40kg to 32 which according to text books is ideal weight. what food do you recommend. my other german shepherd bitch of similar age is very active and is nice and trim.  I have thought about putting her on senior diet.  what do you recommend.   thanks.  

Answer
In general, overweight pets are the result of too many calories and too little exercise.

It is NOT in the best interests of your pet to feed her senior dog food at her age.   Some German shepherds can weigh over 100 lbs and their weight varies with bone structure.  You may want to check with your vet to determine your dog's proper weight for her bone structure.


FEEDING YOUR ADULT GERMAN SHEPHERD

I feed my Dogs Royal Canin Premium Dog food.

Royal Canin makes a dog food designed specifically for the special needs of the adult German Shepherd. http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/breed/german_en.php


GERMAN SHEPHERD SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS

A Video Clip Regarding German Shepherd Special Dietary Needs
http://www.royalcanin.ca/library/files/dog/gs.wmv


PREMIUM DOG FOODS
Premium dog foods are a little more expensive than store brands and are much better for your pet.  Royal Canin German Shepherd24 comes in 40 pound bags.  My dogs absorb more of the food they eat thus eating less. They offer the 40 lb bag rather than the 35 lb.  One adult german shepherd will go through approx bag per month.

Royal Canin also offers buy nine bags get the 10th free at retail outlets.  Ask Your retail Outlet About this.  (You will need to keep your receipts and the bar codes from the bags you have purchased.)  In the end I find this dog food well worth the price, a very good deal and provides peace of mind that your pet is getting the nutrients it needs.

ENSURE PROPER DIET
When Controlling your pet's weight, it is very important to feed sufficient and appropriate dietary nutrients and at the same time reducing the calorie intake.

HOW MUCH TO FEED AND HOW OFTEN
Each Dog food provides different recommended portions because dogs absorb more or less depending on the brand.  Feed recommended portions twice per day.

WEIGH YOUR PET WEEKLY
Weigh your pet weekly. If your pet is gaining weight, reduce the portion size and continue to weigh your pet weekly until its desired weight is achieved.  

To do this, you can weigh yourself standing alone on the scale.  Then pick up your dog and weigh yourself again with the dog.  A little math and you have your pet's weight.

EXERCISE
Exercise is an important part in any weight loss program and daily walks are recommended.  As a regular part of my dog's exercise regime, we walk every morning for at least 1 Hour, preferring to walk at least 1.5 hours daily prior to mealtime.   This walking mimics the dog's daily migration for food in the wild.

REMOVE BOWL AFTER 15 MINUTES AT FEEDING TIME
Do NOT leave food out all day for your dog.  Do not feed your dog until after her walk in the morning so she feels like she earned it as she would in the wild.

Don't let her rush the bowl.  Ask your dog to sit.  Do not give her the bowl until she sits and stays.  Put the bowl down and then tell her to go eat.

Leave the food out for 15 minutes.  Then remove the Bowl.  This teaches your dog that meal time is meal time.  If she has to miss a few meals, she'll learn to eat when the bowl goes down.

If you follow the above your pet will be down to her proper weight in no time.  You can find more information and resource material on my website.

Sincerely
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com