Is my boy too overweight?

[Sablegirl]

Well I thought your boy quite handsome and just by looking at him I didn't think he looked 100 lbs. He looks a lot like my Sable but she does have a waist now. One time when Sable went to the vet they got a weight they couldn't believe and neither could I. They checked their scales and they were way off...thank goodness. Hope you can find a food to help your boy.

 

[MiOzzyBoy]

I called Aqua Tropics pet store near me and they just got in some EVO Lowfat! I think we will try this one and see how it works But he should weigh about 75 pounds correct? Just wanna make him a goal weight

 

[gmacleod]

At 24 inches, he should weigh 65lb, not 75 There's room for a bit of variation amongst individuals, but that's per the breed standard.

My dog is the same height as yours... he briefly weighed around 75lb, but was clearly overweight. 65 is what is right for him. 75 might be right for your guy, but more likely somewhere in the 60-70lb range would be more realistic as a healthy weight.

 

[MiOzzyBoy]

Thanks for that gmacleod! I'll start by getting him down to 75 and go from there and see how he feels. Thankyou all for the advice!

 

[gmacleod]

Sounds like a sensible plan Once you can see a clear waist, tuck up under the abdomen, and the outline of the last two sets of ribs (yes, you *should* see ribs on a boxer - not sticking out, but still locatable visually) then you know he's about right.

Good luck! Let us know how things go.

 

[MiOzzyBoy]

Weight & Height

Ok, I just got Oz measured...I thought he was about 24 inches....but he is definently not. He is exactly 25 inches tall and 86.8 pounds. Just so you all know I will keep you posted on his progress! Thanks again everyone!

 

[gmacleod]

OK In that case, a good weight for him is a bit higher than 65lb... Probably somewhere in the 70-75lb range is more like it. So your current plan of aiming for 75 and reviewing from there seems like a pretty good one

 

[MiOzzyBoy]

Awsome! Then thats what we'll do! We are going for another 6 mile walk today and he already can't wait. He knows when I tell him we're going for a walk tonight. :D I always wait until it is cooler for him. He seems to have ALOT more energy since he started eating better and excercising daily I mean, he was even throwing his ball for himself and catching it and chasing it yesterday!! He never does that!! It is so awsome to see how much happier he looks already! Can't wait to start him on EVO...I'll be sure to start him slowly so his tummy doesnt get upset I always mix alittle of his old kibble in with his new brand of kibble. Again, I'll keep you all posted!!! :D

 

[Chico_B]

How old is Ozzy?

Dogs at different stages of development use their nutrients differently. When Louie was in his initial growth spurt, he was getting twice the recommended amount on the bag (on the order of my vet) and he was all bones... he is now 16 months and is started to "fill out".

Better quality foods (Louie is on a vet brand due to allergies) generally recommend a samller amount of food per day (still based on body weight, but every dog is different) Don't worry that you are starving your dog. The fact is that there are A LOT less fillers is a quality food, so less is needed.

My $0.02

 

[Rocky Inberg]

You certainly don't need my advice with what you have already...

But as far as Eukanuba goes, both my breeder and my vet recommended that garbage and of course Rocky loved it. Why wouldn't he? I love McDonald's, but that doesn't mean it's good for me.

I immediately switched foods, and noticed a HUGE difference. If you think he has a nice coat now, wait till you get him on some 5 or 6 star food. You will also notice a huge improvement during your daily walks/runs as well.

I currently feed Canidae (only because of Rocky's age - 8 months) but hands down, once he hits one year of age he will be switched over to Orijen. I have exposed him a little bit already to Orijen, and he gets so excited while eating it, you would think I threw a steak on the floor.

Good luck, keep up the exercise.