My big golden!!

Question
I have a 4 year old godlen retriever. He is a great dog, but i didnt want to keep him in my apartment when i moved so i gave him to my parents. He is around 105 pounds. My dad says he is not over weight, but i truly think he is. He doesnt get alot of excersize unless i come into town. Can you please tell me how i can get my golden to loose weight. He is currently eating Nutro- Ultra (wegiht management) . He eats 3 cups a day and also has 1 bully stick at night. He doesnt get really alot of excercise unless getting the mail or being in the backward . Please give me all the advice you can. I noticed he is started to walk funny when i take him for runs. It looks like his hips are acting weird. Thank you

Answer
Start at http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  If your evaluation confirms he is over weight, you must either cut back on what you are feeding him, or increase his exercise.  Even feeding less of a weight loss formula, he still should be getting the nutrition he needs.  I would stay in touch with the vet on this.  He can confirm your judgment of the dog's body condition.  

Overweight is very bad for dogs.  

There was an extensive discussion of weight in a recent newsletter from a service dog school.

''Obesity is the number one nutritional disease affecting dogs. It's estimated that 25-45% of dogs in the US are obese. Studies have shown that joint and locomotive problems increase by 57%, circulatory problems by 74%, respiratory problems by 52%, skin problems by 40% and cancer by 50% in animals that are overweight.

Large breed dogs that are overweight also are more prone to developing hip dysplasia. Obesity is especially dangerous for young puppies, as their underdeveloped frame cannot support the extra poundage that it must carry.''