As an owner of 3 Labradors in the past, I am aware that they have a reputation as being "dustbin" dogs and also accept the importance of maintaining an ideal weight if for no other reason than keeping one's dog happy and avoiding future health issues. The subject is not scientific based but I seem to have arrived at the right answer using a bit of common sense and good luck! Most Veterinary Centres provide a large weighing machine and guidance on the ideal weight range for a particular breed but then your problem is to decide on where your dog fits into the scheme of things. As far as I can see, Labradors broadly fit into 2 groups either the slim line working dog (similar to a wing three quarter) weighing in around 20+kgs or the classic chunky, large head type, (front row forward) weighing in around 30+kgs. There are of course variations on these 2 basic types according to sex (female being lighter). My current dog Benson, who is 4 in September is a big boy and is at the end of the scale weighing in at 35kgs. However, I consider his weight to be ideal for his bone structure (ribs are still prominent), he moves like an English front row forward and is in good health. To achieve Benson's perfect weight has been as the result of trial and error but I now think I have the right balance. The main part of his diet is a good quality dried food which although is often advertised as the ideal food, I mix it in some tin food for no other reason, than if it were me eating the same food every day of my life I would not be a happy bunny! I feed Benson twice a day and accurately, weigh out 100gms of dried food, together with 40gms of tinned food mixed in with a little milk, the results of which have seen his weight stay rock solid at 35kgs for the past 18 months. The only other food he gets are a few micrograms when he sneaks into the kitchen behind my back and licks the plates in the dishwasher and the occasional treat (biscuit) which he gets as a reward for good training. I am happy with Benson's weight but arrived there by experimentation which maybe the only way. Anyone else come to different conclusions? Roger
Re: How do you control a dog's weight? Sounds like you have struck it spot on as he weight has stayed the same for 18 months . I think we know when our dogs look right , waist visible from above them , ribs easily felt etc . but you are right, it can be hard to keep the weight stable as they are definately dustbins . My lad Sam is from a long line of working bred Labs , he is slim , sleek but 38 kilos so a very big boy indeed but as he carries no fat , I dont really think about his actual weight too much, he looks good to me and thats all that matters
Re: How do you control a dog's weight? Trail and error has been the way with barley, all dogs are different and will need a personalized diet plan to suit their individual needs. Barley is basically always on a diet due to his joint problems, and lack of walks he has to be kept slim, i don't know what his current weight is, but he is due for a weight check soon so i can adjust his food levels appropriately.
Re: How do you control a dog's weight? I have a working bred Lab who's quite small but very muscley, his ideal weight is around 28.5kg. I was amazed on looking in his vet record book to see he'd stayed within 0.2kg of this weight for the last 3 years. I don't weigh his food just use a scoop but adjust the amount a little either way depending on his activity levels. At the moment he's dropped 3.5kg due to being on steroids and looks awful, just starting to taper them off so am hoping he regains the weight fairly quickly.
Re: How do you control a dog's weight? I think it's so different depending on each individual dog and keeping a dog at the right look is a matter of strong will, judgement and patience. : i have total opposite ends of the spectrum. a dog that needs to be about 20kg to look 'right' although i'll never see rib even then. she gets 400g of food per day. she's never been allowed more than 450g per day. a dog that always looks pokey and has at least one more rib showing than she should have. she still only weighs 15kg at 8 months and weight gain is an achievement. she gets 700g of food per day (plus stolen items :-[ ) blooming minefield ;D the amounts above are raw food so look high as there be lots of water in thar.
