Did you know that a 2017 clinical survey showed that 56% of dogs were classified as obese? That means about 50.2 million dogs are considered overweight by their veterinarians. That is a big number to wrap your mind around. Why do we have so many overweight dogs? The same reason we have so many overweight people. Pre-packaged food, not getting enough exercise, and unhealthy snacking.
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Courtesy of Pet Obesity Prevention.org |
I was thinking about this over the weekend when I told someone the story of a woman stopping her car to inform me that Bentley was fat. A million nasty defensive comments came to mind. I mean, who does something like that?! I don’t take criticism of my dogs very well but I simply told her that was the reason we were out walking. It was all I could do to not cry right there in the middle of the street. My feelings were crushed, I was angry, and I was forced to take a hard look at my boy. Sigh…he had gotten overweight gradually and I didn’t even realize it.
It was time to get serious, but I wasn’t sure where to start. That is when I met Dr. Harvey’s amazing team and learned about the benefits of homemade food. We said “good-bye” to kibble and began using Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health and Veg-to-Bowl. We increased Bentley’s activity, monitored his snacks and made him fresh meals twice each day. He has lost and maintained a total of 20 lbs. for the last three years. Do you know your dog's ideal weight?
It’s not fair to brag about Bentley’s success without confronting Pierre’s recent weight gain. As with any pet that is overweight, the responsibility lands squarely at my feet. Here are my lame excuses: Pierre has a very sensitive stomach. When he gets hungry, he will throw up bile. It’s gross. To combat that, I make sure he keeps something on his belly. It is easy to toss him a dog treat when his tummy grumbles.
That and the fact that he no longer gets to chase squirrels all day has added five extra pounds on his little body. It doesn’t sound like much but when you are supposed to weigh 13 to 21 pounds and you are tipping the scales at 26, that’s a lot!
How to Get the Pounds Off Pierre
A diet plan is imperative and Pierre’s will start off the same way we did with Bentley. That is to put our trust in Dr. Harvey’s base-mix food and all-natural treats! I will go back to carefully measuring Pierre’s meals. After three years, I pretty much eyeball how much is in each of the boys’ bowls. No more! I’ll prepare their food separately to ensure he gets the recommended amount for his ideal weight. No extra scoops because he is licking my leg while I prepare his dinner.
That also means saying “no” to high-calorie processed treats. We will stick with Dr. Harvey’s Power Pops. It’s one of their favorite all-time treats anyway so they’ll both be super stoked! With Dr. Harvey’s, losing and maintaining weight is easy and healthy.
The Bayou Boys love the entire line of Dr. Harvey’s foods. Deciding which one would be best for Pierre’s new weight loss journey was simple. Paradigm. We introduced you to Paradigm last April and since then, the testimonials have been pouring into Dr. Harvey’s headquarters. You can read them on their site and on their Facebook page.
Paradigm can address several issues with your dog including diabetes which is a common side-effect of obesity. It helps because it does not contain refined carbohydrates. They use low-glycemic carbohydrates dehydrated veggies like broccoli, green beans, and cabbage. Your dog will also benefit from the numerous herbs including turmeric, spirulina, ginger, and clover. It is a Ketogenic diet for your dog. I’m sure you have seen some of the incredible results a keto diet has in humans. It is healthy and a wonderful way to shed unwanted pounds.
If you are shaking your head and thinking you don’t have time to make a homemade meal for your family AND your dog, don’t fret. All of Dr. Harvey’s base-mix foods are super simple to prepare and take about 10 minutes.
• Measure the recommended amount of Dr. Harvey’s base-mix and add hot water. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes.
• Add your choice of raw or lightly cooked protein and oil.
• Watch your dog lick its bowl clean!
Diet is an excellent way to add years to your dog’s life. It is also extremely important to the two of you to get off the couch and get outside. Let’s face it, it’s much easier to kick back and relax after a hard day’s work with your dog’s head on your lap than to go for a walk with your dog. Of course, setting the clock a half an hour early to walk them before work isn’t very appealing either.
The bottom line is it is your responsibility to make sure your dog is getting some exercise. You have to find a 15-30 minute window to get your dog moving their body. It is not only vital for their physical health but their mental health too. Dogs get bored staying inside all day and a bored dog is more likely to get into mischief or develop bad behaviors. You’ll be surprised at how much good a walk will be for your physical and mental health too. Put your phone in your pocket, enjoy the scenery and talk to your dog. Who knows, you might shed a couple of pounds in the process.
I will be updating you on Pierre’s progress so stay tuned. If your dog needs to drop a couple of pounds, we invite you to join in our weight loss plan. Let us know your pup’s ideal weight and how much they need to lose. Together we can help our dogs be happier and healthier!
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a die-t is hard candy (without candy) for peeps and pets... good luck to you and we send you weim-power to get da best results....
ReplyDeleteDiet does not sound like fun! Thankfully, the only chubby one in our family is cat bro Bert who has always been chubby. Sometimes he slims down a bit, but we just can't keep weight off of him. Bentley, you look amazing, and Pierre, you will lose the poundage in no time. Get more exercise, that is what we do, then we get to eat more.
ReplyDeleteMy vet thinks that I am too chubby too and mom slightly decreases the amount of my kibble and tries hard to keep the treats to a minimum. It's hard when you like to eat, right?! BTW, you look terrific, Bentley!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had had Dr. Harveys when Beau lost his 30 pounds!!
ReplyDeleteYou two are handsome hunks w/ or w/o extra weight. Just too cute.
ReplyDeleteMadi was always about 10ish lbs but with her 'hangy-dangy' pouch she fluff she looked like she was about 15 pounds. For sure she had 15 lbs of Cat-i-tude
Hugs cecilia
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWho goes up to a complete stranger and says stuff like that? Unless it's my vet, I would be offended. But as is to typical, you sweetly handled the situation. 😍 Keep up the good work with keeping the boys slim and trim.
ReplyDeleteI have to start w/ two comments; first off, I LOVE your blog's Halloween header - adorbs! Second, that woman was a mean, nasty witch - I probably would not have been as polite & clever as you were in my response. OK, now that that's been said I'm super lucky that Icy and Phoebe have always maintained a perfect weight, so unlike their Mama! I'm glad Dr. Harvey's helps the boys stay healthy and fit - it's good stuff!
ReplyDeleteLove & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. We didn't realize it was that many millions of dogs out there that are obese. We are going to have to get this a try. Plus we love cooking homemade meals and now it will be for our little ones too. Walking is the most important thing to do. Have a wonderful rest of your day.
ReplyDeleteWorld of Animals
I have strangers tell me that my dogs are too skinny. They are at their ideal weight and I can't think of a snappy answer.
ReplyDeleteClem has never had a weight problem, but she has constant food problems! This Paradigm sounds awesome. Also- “Almost Paradigm...” omg. Hahaha!
ReplyDeletePugs can easily get overweight but our mom works hard to keep us at a healthy weight. She even gets compliments from strangers on having healthy looking pugs!
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
my dog isnt overweight but he is a large dog and as he ages his metabolism is slowing down. I bet he would love to try this food!
ReplyDeletei have 2 gals, they stay about 15 lbs. maybe go up a few ounces. but i try to watch their weight and keep around 15 lbs.
ReplyDeleteA good diet and exercise are so important - good luck Pierre!
ReplyDeleteMy boy could stand to lose about 4 pounds.I keep hearing good things about Dr.Harvey's so I guess its time to break down and try it :). jackie241 AT hotmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteLuke is really on the slim side. I credit getting away from kibble and adding daily walks to our routine. It's so important to keep him this way with his bad knees - we don't need any stress on his joints.
ReplyDeleteWe have no doubt you will work hard to get Pierre to a healthier weight. Having had beagles who want to eat everything, we now how quickly it can get away from you, without even realizing it.
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
I heard Rodney Habib speak last week about the obesity epidemic and the importance of a good diet to prolong and improve the life of dogs (and humans). Kilo has 2 lbs to lose but he is very greedy and a bit cranky if hungry and needs a lot of training so I have had to be mindful of what quantity and quality of treats and food I give him and give him lots of short walks and play time.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this with our dog Itsy. She could lose 1.5 - 2 lbs which is a big deal for her little size. We have been struggling to find something that works for her!
ReplyDeleteHe needs to lose 5 pounds. We were just at the vet on Friday.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this and as I cook for Layla and always looking for healthy foods to add to the home cooking this sounds awesome. She thank goodness is not overweight as I watch her carefully
ReplyDeleteYes our Australian Shepherd is over weight. She is beyond spoiled so she gets everything she wants.
ReplyDeleteNot quite yet.
ReplyDeleteI need to get on that, lol
ReplyDeleteI have a basset hound and frankly his weight has always been a constant issue for us. Its important to be cognizant of how much food you give your dog to eat as well as making sure you give them plenty of walks. Dogs aren't independent enough to know they have to do these things on their own.
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