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BPO Food Forum => Food Discussion & Information => : HyPrice July 19, 2008, 12:18:27 PM

: Innova making dog a bit chunky!
: HyPrice July 19, 2008, 12:18:27 PM
I know this is a forum for Big Paws (I do have an Irish Setter) but I also have a Toy Australian Shepherd, and while she's not fat yet, she's getting there, and she's only 5 months old (about 11 inches tall). I feed her Innova Dry Puppy Food, but was wondering if there is a lower cal food that would be more suiting to such a small breed, that would be the same quality as the Innova? She weighs about 12 lbs, but idealy I'd like her at 10 or 11. I can't feel her ribs, and she's starting to loose her "pear" shape. Right now she gets a cup a day. I suppose I could cut down a little, but less than a cup just seems like too little food? Any input appreciated!
: Re: Innova making dog a bit chunky!
: lookingfornewf July 19, 2008, 01:31:21 PM
If your dog is doing good on the Innova I would first try cutting down on the amount of food. Besides my big dog I also have a 17 pound Jack Russel. She only gets 2/3 cup a day, sometimes less if she is getting too many treats. Do you give your dog treats also?
: Re: Innova making dog a bit chunky!
: HyPrice July 20, 2008, 12:34:22 AM
Oh wow she can for sure just go down a bit on portion. Would going from 1 to 3/4 and then to 2/3 be alright? Or should I just cut her back to 3/4 of a cup? I suppose I could do 3/4 and see what happens! Hm, decisions decisions!
Thanks guys!
: Re: Innova making dog a bit chunky!
: GoldenPyrs July 20, 2008, 01:00:41 AM
Personally, I'd just inch her down slowly, especially since she's so young & still growing.  We feed Innova and it is great food but pretty caloric as everyone says.  It's so good though that I also would suggest that you continue it, but try the slightly decreased amount for a few weeks to see the results over a bit of time.  Also, it might be good to gently increase her activity level but I'd only do that off leash due to her age so that she doesn't overdo it.  Maybe a extra game of fetch each day in the backyard or something? 

Oh & welcome!  I'm glad that you found BPO!   ;D
: Re: Innova making dog a bit chunky!
: HyPrice July 20, 2008, 10:54:26 AM
Thanks everyone, gosh this board is great!
I think I will maybe just cut back a 1/4 of a cup and then increase our play time, like someone suggested more fetch, and maybe we'll start increasing our walks a little at a time or something! I sure do love the Innova--she's a black tri, and gosh does her coat glisten, and the whites of her eyes are so white, so I'd love to continue Innova!
Thanks all!