This is interesting for me and a personal priority. I took the dog to the vet today for his annual shots and health evaluation and the Vet says he’s a bit over weight and needs to lose about 6 lbs.
Hmmm...
I came home and set to work applying all I have learned and refocused it on the dog. First priority was to research vet medical databases and to determine canine metabolic levels and caloric needs.
His base daily calorie burn is 675 calories per day based on age, size and activity level. His intake is around 710 calories per day. Oops, he’s upside down like I was, no wonder he is slowly gaining weight.
Then I double checked the numbers using reverse calculation of his weight over time vs. his intake. Yep, the numbers are correct.
Using that information, I formulated a plan where he gets one less treat in the evening, one less tablespoon of wet food mixed with dinner...and an extra walk in the middle of the day.
He should hit his ideal target weight in 15 months.
Welcome to the program Sparky!
Woof!
