Hi, I need some advice on how to get a couple of pounds off my shih tzu. He is only 2yrs hes on the large side for a shih tzu and weighs 18 lbs the vet would like him to weigh 17lbs. I would like to get him to 16.50. I was feeding him NB fish and sweet potato which bloated him up to 18 I was only giving him 1/3 cup twice a day. His breeder fed him Innova The NB was recommended by the vet for itchies I switched him off that to EP holistic chicken and went down to 1/4 cup twice a day. He is very active and we play alot and also walk a 1/2 hour every day the weather allows. He still will not loose that last pound so now I switched him to California Natural Lamb and Rice which is lower in fat and kcals I am feeding the same amt 1/4 cup twice a day and trying to keep treats to a low amt 3 or 4 small treats a day. My question is will he do better if I remove all grains or switch to home cooked or raw. I am hesitant to switch to raw because he has had intestional bacterial overgrowth from eating rabbit droppings outside and getting into the cat box. ( he will eat anything) and I dont know if his belly can take additional bacteria. Also because shih tzus can have a predisposition to kidney disease what will too much protein do ? I don't like just giving him kibble twice a day I dont feel that the amount I am feeding him is meeting his nutritional needs. Frozen raw maybe ? Anyone out there have this issue with their small dog ? What supplements do you need to add to homecooked food ? Thanks in advance for any advice