i think my dog will become dangerously overweight

Question
I own a 2 year old beagle and she is about 30 pounds or so. Everyone tells us she is fat. She eats 1/2 a cup twice a day. One at 7 oclock in the morning and another at 3 oclock in the afternoon. I tell my parents to stop feeding her soo much but they never listen. They always give her unneccessary food such as after going "pee" outside they give her a snack. I really care for my dog and want her to live a long healthy life. Please help i dont know what to do.

Answer
Hi Ravin,

Well first of all, at 30 pounds an "average" caloric requirement for an adult, moderately active dog is in the ballpark of 7- 800 calories daily, so I can't think how ONE CUP of food is too much for her - the highest energy content of the best premium food is still only a bit over 500. What brand of food are you using? how much treat is your dog getting?

I would do a couple of things here:

1) make sure you are feeidng a very high quality food with a good protein level and not a lot of filler
2) Persuade your parents to use low calorie treats such as bits of egg white, a sardine ro two, and steamed veggies like green ebans
3) Exercise more! you don't mention how much exercise your dog is actually getting.

I always suggest a thyroid test (full panel please) when I see a dog who is overweight on a low amount of food. but then again you don't mention how much treat or what the exercise level is. It is probably just as simple to switch to a low grain food, use low-cal treats, and walk your dog more.  More information here and  I can be more specific.

All the best,Catherine