Help and Advice

[Ryan]

Hi my name is Ryan i have not posted anything for a while but i need a little help and advice.
I have a 2 year old GSD and he just does not seem to put on any weight.
I feed him on Arden Grange and he seems to have gone off it sometimes he will eat it sometimes only half.
He gets lots of exersise (2 one hour walks a day) but looks a little skinny.
As from a pup i tried lots of different foods and settled on JWB but i took him to be trained at A1K9 (that was back in may) and they fed their dogs on AG whitch he seem to take to well, but over the last few weeks he just does not seem tham botherd.
I have been to the vets there is nothing wrong with him he is very fit and allways on the go.Would have sent a pic but not great with PC.
Any advise would be great.
Thanks Ryan.

[GSDOWNER]

Sorry to hear you dog is a picky eater, but before I answer I need a couple of questions answered, because I thought my dog was a picky eater too

• When you dog does not eat his dinner do you leave it down, or do you take it away after 20mins
• do you if your doggy does not eat his food, give him some other form of food
• does your doggie eat after you eat, and how often to you feed your dog
• and what is the approx weight of your dog.

joanne

[Ryan]

Hi joanne
My boy Reggie weighs 36-37kg
I feed him once a day after we eat and aftre his walk at night.
He gets the odd treat hear and there.(and i mean hear and there)
I have started to leave his food down because he was not eating it.
Hope that has answerd your questions.
here are some photos of him I would be grateful if you could take a look at them and tell me if you think he looks okay or do you think he looks too skinny.
Thanks Ryan

[GypsyGSD]

I always feed 2 small meals a day morning and night for my eldest gsd I find if I leave her to long she has a build up of gasses and vomits yellow, my collie is a picky eater I leave it down 20 mins then take away on occasions I will grate a small amount of cheese into feed to encourage her to eat but this is only after she goes without food for more than 2 days GypsyX

[LOVEGSD]

Hi Ryan

I posted a similar thread a while ago (see overweight dogs) as I too was really worried about the weight of my GSD. I had a few people comment that he was thin and like you had taken him to the vet to have him checked out.

Pam (Wildmoor) posted a really good reply, which made me feel so much better. She basically said not to worry that he will naturally fill out as he gets older and that he's the right weight for his age. Diesel is the same weight as your GSD and he's going to be 3 in December so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I think so many people are used to seeing overweight dogs that a fit and healthy dog is regarded as thin!

Your GSD looks very much like my Diesel

[GSDOWNER]

I really don't know how to advise on this one, his weight is fine

Feeding frequency depends on your puppy's age. 6 weeks-3 months - 4 meals a day; 3-6 months - 3-4 meals a day; 6 months-adulthood - 2-3 meals a day

Dogs are the masters of looking like they're getting starved at each meal. Feed according to what you know is best for them, not what they think is best,

a bit on the thin side is better than carrying even one extra unnecessary ounce.

[LOVEGSD]

I couldn't agree more with Joanne.....I feed Diesel a third of his daily allowance after his morning walk and the rest after we've eaten in the evening.

His weight sounds just fine and as Joanne says it's been to be on the lighter side than carrying any extra pounds.

[Ryan]

Thanks so much for all your replies, you have all helped to put my mind at rest!

Ryan.

[LOVEGSD]

I'm really pleased we've all been able to help put your mind at ease - you have a beautifully healthy GSD Ryan

[wildmoor]

Hi sorry not replied sooner But I have been away, your dog looks fine in the photos and is a correct weight for a GSD male, so do not worry.
Pam