hi all im posting for a friend, she has a 2yr old black gsd bitch, shes tryed every food, been to vets ect and they say nothings wrong but she cant show her coz of this weight problem shes fully vac, wormed ect, any help plz

If the vets say the dog is not underweight then the dog is not underweight.

Whats more important? Fit healthy dog or fat dog for showing?

She CAN show a fit healthy dog and more importantly there are judges who will place a fit healthy dog - just have to go along and try.

Em

This is something that I have been thinking about recently. I decided to enter my almost 10 year old Irish Setter for a breed club open show in a couple of weeks time, in the Veteran class of course.(Has been in retirement for a couple of years). However he's slightly on the lean side, (just the way I like him). He's 110% fit and in rock solid muscular condition, but I'm fretting incase he looks scrawny next to the others.

On the other hand, I suppose he might put some of the younger dogs to shame, he looks so good for his age. :)

Dawn R.

ive been feeding flynn genesis,& its fantastic.
a. he hasent gone off it yet (since last august!!!!)
b.id say hes "perfect" now(infact do just keep a eye on his waistline)

the thing with flynn,is that hes a big collie & just didnt have a good appetite,so i just couldnt get him to eat enough of some foods (inc barf) ro be as i liked. with genesis he dosent have to eat much!

genesis linky

http://www.genesispetfood.co.uk/

no she is under weight, but they cant see why, she is a very very picky eatter, doesn't like much foods like one cheep food, they said they'll giver her some antibiotics and some other jabs but nothing, she is skinny for the size of her

my tara looked really bad (skinny) untill 4, then she matured & looked loads better.

hum, so maybe she could do the same?

With a shepherd, I'd maybe look at pancreatic insufficiency?
Kat

What about trying her on a home prepared diet or something like BARF!!!  Also, you could try adding naturezyme to her food which will help to increase the good bacteria in her gut.  Try not to give her antibiotics "for the sake of it" which is effectively what the vet would be doing.  I think a dog that is not thriving on the food it is given is not enjoying that food.  Change her over to something more appetising and if she still doesn't thrive then I would get tests done at the vet - not just be placated by a bottle of antibiotics.  She is still young and may just be taking time to mature though. 

Kind regards
Annie

Hi everyone well this is also a problem i have, my bitch used to a little picky eating but is much better now. She is also underweight had her to the vets since she was young and still no difference they seem to think that just like some people have a fast metabolism so does she, she is never ill, is fed on a varied diet now, she loves chicken wings that she gets daily, also has dried food, i always leave food in her bowl overnight and its always gone the next morning. We have 3 other dogs all with excellent appetites who are all a good weight for their breed. Vets are n ot worried about her and keep telling me that she's dainty and fine boned for her breed. she's a happy little girl but very active almost hyperactive. I think that i worry too much as when you put your hands on her you can feel all her ribs, its a good job the others are the way they are or people might think i was starving her.(which i am not). It always seems that its a lot easier to get weight off dogs than it is to put weight on them. anyone with any good ideas i would also really appreciate it

Thanks Pauline

i always leave food in her bowl overnight and its always gone the next morning.

You sure you dont have mice in the house ;) :D

Ive had dogs in the past that no matter how much food i tried to get into them remained skinny and wouldnt put on weight,and the more i fussed over them the less inclined they were to eat.These dogs are never hearty eaters and in my case, at least, were definately NOT  food orientated,which made training a bit of a chore :rolleyes: I saw a site that is full of weight gaining recipes,i think i saw on here,i will try and find it and post it.

Thanks Ktee and by the way the only mouse we have is our bitch :rolleyes: i think she likes the idea of a midnight feast for 1 lol

Pauline

Different breed but my dogs have all looked a bit lean until they started to mature. Last year I put my dogs onto Gusto (nice, cheap and loved by the dogs, even the fussy one) and raw meat. Usually chicken wings or minced chicken. I can't believe the difference. They have all put on weight, their coats are lovely and shiny, and they are a lot happier. The food is all eaten. If the vet can't find anything wrong I'd look to the diet. Your bitch may have an intolerance to something.