Adding Weight

When I started the diet trial for Romeo (he's on the Eukaneuba Kangaroo and Oats) I had to almost double the amount of kibble he eats every day. I really don't think its an issue with the food though, I think I was just feeding him that much crap every day!!

We took him out to a game preserve today to run off-leash, and I can honestly say he hasn't looked this good since he was a puppy. He finally has the black and shiny coat he had right after he recovered from living in the shelter. I really had no idea how much his allergies were effecting him until today.

I'm not a fan of this particular Eukaneuba food either, but until I find something that makes him look this good AND not itch all the time, he's staying on it.

The diet trial has been one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I really think you should stick to the plan. Its worked wonders for my pup, and if I can just keep him from hoovering for a couple more months, I have no doubt we'll get to the bottom of this and move on to better diets. If we can do it, you can too!!!

Thank you very much!

Any ideas how I can ADD weight with this current food? Bump of cups? Add fatty foods??? Supplements???

On an elimination diet, you can't add anything.  No supplements or fatty foods, nothing.  So, your only choice is to up the amount of kibble.  It probably is less calorie dense than her regular kibble, so she will need more.

THANKS!!!  How much more? She is *supposed* to get 2 cups a day. But I just kind of guess and she gets extra.

Exactly how many cups should I feed per day? I guess I'm directing this towards shelter workers who need to add weight to emaciated dogs.

I tried to take pictures, but she looks too healthy in them!! [&:]

Thanks again for your help guys. Keep it coming

I just started giving Romeo more kibble. In the summertime when he's getting a hard run, he was only getting a cup of food, morning and night, so when it got to be winter and he was getting less excercise, I was shocked that he needed another cup of food during the day.

Then I realized I wasn't giving him buiscuits (a handful a day during our runs), canned food, rawhides, chew-lottas, bully sticks or his interactive treat ball stuffed with cat food. My poor pup was literally starving because I never realized how much calories he was getting in treats alone while I tried to keep him mentally stimulated while I studied.

I would increase the amount of kibble (only because you're so restricted) you're feeding by 25%. If you don't see Dulce's weight stabilizing or gaining in a week or so, increase it again. If you're still not seeing it stabilize after that, then its time to see a vet...

OH! DUH! You are so right when you talk about the treats and the calories they have.

I never thought of that! She gets healthy food (potatoes, carrots, s-pot) and isn't getting the proper amount of caleries.

Obviously I need to call the Dermatologist, because the elimination has obviously helped a great deal. Haven't had hives since September, and I've experiemented with some treats, and have had no problems.

I will increase her food. My problem is it's *VERY* expensive, and I can only afford 6lb bags at a time

I'm going to pick up some food tomorrow, and I'll get the biggest bag they have.

It took me a month to figure it out too... I couldn't believe it when I realized.

And now I'm also noticing how much MONEY I was spending on treats and toys too... and ya know what, my pups are just as happy without them, so I'm going to be budgeting better for the new year.

And now I'm also noticing how much MONEY I was spending on treats and toys too... and ya know what, my pups are just as happy without them, so I'm going to be budgeting better for the new year.

ORIGINAL: Misskiwi67

I used to buy several 12" beef tendons for my dog virtually every week @ $3 each.  She can go thru one each day pretty easily unless I keep an eye on her progress and take it away when she is at the halfway mark.  I still get them occasionally but there are numerous cheaper options.  I was spending more on those than premium kibble + grocery store meat combined!

Some other companies have fish and potato diets, that you might look into. Science Diet (kill me with a spork, ok?) has come out with some new allergy diets, and Natural Balance has the sweet potato and fish diet (it's JUST sweet potatoes, fish, and supplements). If you and your vet think she'd tolerate one of those, it might be more cost effective, and might even be a bit more calorie dense.

Thank you sweetheart! I hate Science Diet, but would LOVE LOVE LOVE to try Natural Balance.
 
The Derm and the Vet both said she'd probably be on the Euk Fish& Pot forever []
 
But I will ask about Nqatural Balance THANK YOU

IVD also makes a fish and potato diet. I just thought of that[]

I hope you can find something that works a little better, for her. It was a long haul, to find what worked for my brat dog. It can be interesting, with allergies. Good luck!

I just wanted to add that Willow is tolerating the Sweet Potato and Fish Natural Balance really well.  She had mostly digestive issues but some less serious skin problems too.  It has also put weight on her.

I'm currently trying to put back on the weight that Xerxes lost when Gaia was in heat.  What I've done is to keep the serving size about the same, however I have added an extra 1/2 meal in the evening.  I've only been doing this for a couple of days but he's starting to fill out a tad bit. 
 
I have to be pretty careful due to the tendency of sighthounds to bloat, but I don't have much experience with elimination diets.  I don't know if this helps you out or not.

Yes, you have helped me, THANKS!
 
My thought was that if I fed more than twice a day, that she would actually LOSE weight, rather than gain any??
 
That's what I do with my cat to get him to lose weight.
 
Should I try a 1/2 a meal in the middle of the day you think???