overweight lab

Question
Hi labman,

Our black lab is overweight, our vet says we need to change her diet and give her carrots if she gets hungry.  She is 10 years old now (spayed) and carrying the extra weight will obviously put strain on her legs.  What other vegetables can we give her, just to vary what she eats as I feel carrots will get a little boring for her.

Thanks

Answer
Green beans and canned pumpkin are common.  Make sure the beans are unsalted and it's pumpkin, not pie filling with all the spices.  I have my doubts about carrots, too easy to choke on.  I also wonder if any of that does anything except make the owner feel better.  Do you have a her on a senior formula?  It contains more vitamins and protein and fewer calories to meet senior's needs.