overweight mini schanuzer

Question
WOW!  I'm embarassed and ashamed to say JoAnna probably weighs in at 25 lbs. easily.  I am going to take immediate action to remove all store-bought treats from my home and to instruct my family members (who don't, by the way, live with me - they feed her when we go visit) to not feed her any table food whatsoever.  
The difficult part will be not giving in when she refuses her small portion of food. (Science Diet Light formula) Our vet has scolded me on more than one occasion that I give in too easily and will most certainly cause Jo's early demise.
Thanks, Karen, for your advice....please don't think poorly of me as I now feel that what I've contributed to Jo's weight is, in some way, a form of cruelty.
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
JoAnna has been overly spoiled by myself and other family members.  When I say spoiled, I mean people food has been fed on a regular basis in addition to dog food.
I understand this breed has tendencies to gain weight easily but, in our family, love = food.
I want her to live a long time, so I know I must get her weight back under control.  
I know the first place to start is with mine and my families' attitude toward her food...after that, what do you suggest?

Answer -
Overweight schnauzers are disasters just waiting to happen what with their predisposition for diabetes, pancreatitis, etc. The best thing you can do for your gal is to get your family to start toeing the line with treats, and to put JoAnna on a diet and exercise regime.

Most bitches should weigh anywhere from 12-16# (depending on size), so first you must determine what her maintenance amount of food would be for her ideal weight... and that would depend on which food you are feeding. Premium foods require less food than poor quality ones. For most bitches, that would be 2/3-3/4 cup of food a day (depends on activity level also). In order for one to lose weight, one must eat LESS than maintenance level. Here I just go for broke and feed the dieter 1/2 cup of food a day. Taking the dog for daily walks (work distance up gradually) will also help to burn calories quicker.

So here is what I would do.... during mealtimes put the dog elsewhere.... in a crate, in another room, etc. so she cannot beg and family members won't be tempted to slip her anything. Fed her 1/2 cup of food a day and try walking her at least once a day. Keep working on her diet until you get her to the point where you can feel her ribs easily, but not see them. With a bit of effort, the weight should come off fairly easily. I am fostering a rescue here, and in three weeks I have gotten about 1-1/2 to 2 lbs. off of her (from 18 to about 16 thus far), with probably another pound or two more to go.

Once your dog reaches her goal weight, then you can up her feedings back to what should be her maintenance level. And when you measure out her kibble in the morning, set some of it aside and use that for her treats during the day when your family feels the need to "show their love"<G> Save your money and do not buy actual treats; they are all garbage anyway and fairly unhealthy.

Good luck with this; you will be adding years to your dog's life! And remember to do a "healthy hug" every so often to check your gal's weight.

Answer
No "light" food will work with all those extras. Take it from me... I personally am down at least 49#, simply by watching what passes my lips (I figure if I tried the same thing on me that I do to the dogs, it should work... and it HAS.)

My further suggestion would be to put her on a better diet; I am one of those dog people who is NOT fond of Science Diet. I would recommend putting her on Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Formula or Eagle Pack Maintenance. Other good foods are Wellness, Canidae, and Innova, and there are several other quality foods out there. Whatever food you choose, you must feed LESS than what the product calls for until she has lost her excess weight.

And here is where you must really be strong and harden your heart. It sounds like she is so used to getting all those other "foods" that she will be reluctant to eat simple dog food in a bowl. Leave it down for a few minutes, and if she walks away, pick it up and do not offer it again until the next feeding. I had one dog that was very picky, and he practically had me standing on my head and whistling Dixie every morning until I started picking up his food dish. He lasted four days, and then he dove into his food and hasn't come up since! He became a wonderful eater after I did that, and I now do that with any and all picky eaters. They soon learn to eat what is put in front of them. The rescue I am fostering was the same way the first couple-three days she was here, and now she is eating extremely well.

Be firm; be brave. You can do it!