Thread: Feeding Raw - Weight Loss

Hi Tilly,

I dont know much about Dr. Billinghurst's RAW BARF Patties so i will try to answer you question the best i can.

If you are having trouble with the dog holding weight you could try switching the diet to something that has less fat content,obviously you're are worried about the dog not getting the right nutrition so you could possible use a supplement like Feramo etc and/or cut back on the food that you're already feeding.

Personally, with an adult dog, I'd be happy feeding him as little as he needs to maintain his weight, as long as it's all good nutritious stuff like you're feeding.

If he were mine, and he was otherwise healthy, then I'd feed 1 - 1.5% of his ideal bodyweight, and just let him drop the weight slowly.

IMO you're right to be more careful with the puppy, young pups are much more sensitive to a "not quite right" diet than adult dogs are. Be careful not to replace too many of the BARF patties with chicken bones - it's good to give pup something to get his/her teeth into, but chicken bones are pretty poor in zinc and iron (which growing pups really need) and very rich in calcium (which large breed pups can get too much of).

JMO.

My fat sibe is getting 0.8-1% of his ideal body weight and STILL putting on weight. I suspect a medical problem but my point is I'm happy to go to about 0.8-1% before I get worried.

And he is getting almost a 100% kangaroo diet so very low in fat.

I have been feeding the Barf patties for several yrs now, my 4 1/2 yo Rottie bitch is 42kgs which is ideal for her. She maintains good weight on 1 patty per day and 1 - 1&1/2 cups of Eagle Pack or 1 frame or 2-4 wings. If she gets a lamb neck than that is all she will have that day. She is a couch potato so does not need much.

Her 1 yo daughter has 1&1/2 patties + 1&1/2 cups eagle pack or 1 frame or 3-4 wings, she is just under 40kgs. (the pug has 1/2 patty and 2 chicken necks or 1 wing)

They only have EP ~3 days a week, the days they don't have that I will give them a little extra or RMB's during the week.

If you are concerned about getting weight down, feed less and feed very lean meats - kangaroo is much leaner. Venison, rabbit and goat would be ideal if you can get it. Fatty bones will keep the weight on - I have to be careful what I give my Rottie bitch as she put on weight very easily - actually all my dogs do.

Is there a dog pool near by - if so that will be fantastic to get the weight down with less impact on the injury.