[cece]

I know Beagles have a predisposition to getting obese and I don't want my two babies getting overweight. I have friends whose beagles are overweight and they have to deal with certain health problems.

I have been trying to cut off on their food but they always get me with those sad eyes so I'm thinking about more exercise for them but they just like to lie around and sleep when we don't go out for walks.

 

[oceangypsy]

Do they have a yard to run around in? Maybe get them some outdoor toys and let them get some exercise this way. Look at their diet also, they need to have a good quality food.

 

[Davey]

You might be giving them much more than what they really need each day. Without regular exercise, you will surely have not one but TWO fat beagles on your hands.

 

[Orrymain]

You have to be the adult. However, what I do sometimes is actually give them less with their regular food, and then I know I can spoil them later. :}

 

[BadgersMom]

I keep mine on a healthy balanced diet. somedays however he does get spoiled with a few extra treats, but I walk him and exercise him a lot too. his size for 13 inch beagle is supposed to be around 25lbs and he is 27lbs. When I ast took him to the vet he said it was a healthy weight for him to be at.

 

[MuzzlesMom]

Perhaps your dogs have become bored. Think of other activities that you feel comfortable doing with your dog that will stimulate them to move. Just like people, dogs turn to eating or become lethargic when boredom sets in. I know of a dog owner who brought home a heavy-duty treat dispensing machine that entertained and provided a form of exercise his dog during the times that it was left alone.

 

[Orrymain]

The kongs are great for making the dogs work for their treats and get exercise as well. I love them.

 

[Aarooogh!]

Beagles are certainly masters at the sad-looking, please-share-your-food routine. Even so, there's no good reason for having an overweight beagle.

Dogs need exercise — not so their owners can justify feeding them more, but simply because exercise is good for them (and their owners). As for food, if a dog is overweight, cut back its food. Really it's that simple: feed them less and exercise them more.

Okay, maybe not so simple if the owner lacks self-discipline. Unfortunately, there's just no way around it; a beagle's not going to eat less on its own, so it's up to its owner. An owner is responsible for his or her dog's health, and feeding it too much is betraying that responsibility. Owners who give into those pleading eyes aren't doing their dogs any favors — they're simply avoiding the misplaced guilt that comes from saying "no," and worst of all, being an accomplice to obesity, diabetes, joint problems and an earlier-than-necessary death.

 

[Snoopy]

I guess it all boils down to being responsible dog owners. Oftentimes we fail or perhaps we refuse to see that we are a willing "partner in crime" towards dog obesity and all the horrible problems that follows it.

 

[Orrymain]

Actually I made a connection once between a woman, her child, and her dog. Love was sought and given via food.

 

[Missy]

oftentimes, we give food in an effort to erase all the guilt feelings of leaving our dogs behind for most hours of the day.

 

[BigBys]

it is also our guilt that pushes us to tolerate our dog's bad habits.....

 

[CharliesPapa]

When I got Charlie, he was 22lbs...I feed him 2 cup of food a day...he gained 4lbs in no time...so we cut back to 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening...he's around 2-24lbs...exercise and diet...and he doesnt get people food...unless "I" happen to drop a piece of meat

 

[BadgersMom]

Badger is up to 29lbs now. The Vet said he could lose a couple lbs I have cit back his food to 1 and 1/4 cup of kibble and a little bit of wet food a night to moisten the kibble to get him to eat it.

I found cutting back the food though he is becoming quite the begger at dinner time and is constantly hoovering over me whenever I go the kitchen. I feel bad because I don't want him to be hungry but I also want a healthy dog.

I do walk him twice a day and he gets a walk in the afternoons with a dog walker when I am at work as well so he does get 3 walks a day.

Any suggestions as to how much I should feed him?

 

[Aarooogh!]

Mable weighs just under 19 pounds, but she's a smaller beagle — about 12 1/2 inches tall. She gets 1/4 cup of Innova dry kibbles twice each day, plus a snack or two during the day (she tends to throw up if her stomach is empty too long). She's stayed at 19 pounds now for about three years.

She would eat five times that much if we gave it to her, and she's always acting hungry, begging for food. Really though, she's just the right weight, so I'm chalking up the I'm-hungry routine to just simply gluttony and loving to eat. Really, beagles just don't need as much food as most people think.

 

[Sadee]

Do you have any suggestions for proper food brands (dry food) for weight control? I want to purchase an affordable brand of food for her that is tasty and healthy for her but also that will help control calorie intake.

How many times per day do feed your beagle? Once in the morning, once at dinner time? And how much do you give her each feeding time (in cups)?

 

[northren_lights]

Try to get them out for lots of excercise, they are energetic dogs and need lots of run around time. I have worked rescuing dogs, mostly hounds for a few years. Don't let those sad pleading eyes get you into trouble. Its like raising kids, they all have to be told no from time to time and made to learn no means no. I have a four month old hound mix (foster puppies) who does the same thing all the time, but he's learning that there are other things other than food to entertian himself with..... FINALLY!

 

[BadgersMom]

I like the FirstMate grain free kibble. The fish brand only has 10% fat. Badger loves it

 

[oldhounddog]

Hi cece ,

I know all about the sad eyes as I have 10 hounds. ( smile )

You have been given good advice by other forum members . I would like to add a couple of thoughs that may help your Beag.

Use healthy snacks with lower fat/calorie content. Get all family members on board so no cheating. I know this is tuff with those sad eyes.

You will need to feed less calories than your dog burns per day , however , you must assure the needed amount of vitamins and minerals.
I would try a quality dog food designed for weight loss or senior diet as this will help your dog feel full and happy.
Stay away from grocery store foods and perhaps try a feed store for quality kibble as this will provide the nutrition your dog needs.

Stay away from any dog food with fat levels less than 10% as this will cause dry skin and coat problems and the potential
of not absorbing fat soluble vitamins.

Go slow and keep your Beag happy while on weight loss , also , a little extra play will help everybody...................................

Best , oldhounddog

 

[oldhounddog]

Badger is up to 29lbs now. The Vet said he could lose a couple lbs I have cit back his food to 1 and 1/4 cup of kibble and a little bit of wet food a night to moisten the kibble to get him to eat it.

I found cutting back the food though he is becoming quite the begger at dinner time and is constantly hoovering over me whenever I go the kitchen. I feel bad because I don't want him to be hungry but I also want a healthy dog.



I do walk him twice a day and he gets a walk in the afternoons with a dog walker when I am at work as well so he does get 3 walks a day.

Any suggestions as to how much I should feed him?

I would say you are doing very good , and , the First Mate kibble is very good.

Please consider a couple of things as food for thought as Badger is not way over weight.

Don't cut down the food too much as this can lead to coprophagia or poop eating and this will be a problem you do not need...

Consider another good kibble as an alternative to use as a rotation , perhaps one that contains probiotics and minerals that are chelated and easier to absorb.

Keep up the walks and play as a happy Beag is a healthy Beag.........................................


Best , oldhounddog