Corgi Forums

Jhemphill · **Large Breed Food vs Regular Adult Food -** 08-22-2006, 11:14 AM

I have a problem. Maxi is overweight

, the food that I have him on now is a mixture of Innova EVO and Innova Senior (due to the calories). I thought until last night that he was getting 1 cup of food a day, divided into 2 meals, 1/2 cup at each meal. I found out that my husband has been giving him double of that.

I want to change him to a food that has less protein then Innova EVO, but still has a much good stuff and is lower in calories. I really like Innova's food because it has lots of good stuff in it (apples, cottage cheese, turkey, chicken, etc). I have looked on Innova's web site and the food that has a less protein, less calories and still all the good is Innova Large Breed Dog food, can Corgi's be feed Large Breed Dog food with out causing problems? He will be feed the low end of the inactive feeding scale on the bag of what ever food he is put on. This large breed food also has Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate in it for their joints. Maxi is exercised several times a day for about 15 minutes each exercise period, not including running, chasing and wrestling with the other 3 dogs during the day. I need some help and an answer to my question soon so I can get my boy back on the right track,

Bad Daddy.

glencorgi · 08-22-2006, 12:13 PM

I don't see why not. Corgis are really medium sized dogs, just on short legs. I do know some breeders will use large breed puppy food on their corgi puppies and young adults they are actively showing. They get an extra boost, but not the high protein.

Debbie

Jhemphill · 08-22-2006, 12:22 PM

Thanks Debbie,
Thought the joint ingredients might help until we get his weight down. What are your thoughts on the Innova food.

Jespah · 08-22-2006, 01:24 PM

The larger kibble is actuallty good for their teeth - they have to crunch it more to break it down and it will help keep plaque from building up.

I am trying to get the hulk's (Rupes) weight down as well and had switched to a natural food with lower calories and have been disappointed in the results. I'm going to research brands more. We have different choices here in Canada - but if Debbie has a any suggestions, I'm open to them.

corgimom · 08-22-2006, 02:05 PM

I am not familiar with large breed food, but I have noticed, and this is in regards to my cats, especially one that I need to watch his weight.

I have noticed that some reduced calorie foods in one brand actually has more calories per cup than another brand which is not labeled "reduced calores" or "lite" It's just regular food for an adult cat.

I would assume that this pertains to dog food also...It can drive us a little nuts at times comparing all those labels.

glencorgi · 08-22-2006, 02:28 PM

Innova is a great food and I really like the ingredients in it! I have tried it in the past, but it was one that didn't just didn't work well with my dogs. For some reason it was too rich and they continued to have soft stools, even with giving them a real chance to adjust to it. I do know it is a popular brand among corgi owners and most corgis thrive on it. EVO, unless I was feeding a raw diet, I'm don't think I would have a reason to feed it, but I'm sure it has its place. He should do well on the Innova.

Debbie

darci · 08-22-2006, 08:56 PM

Innova has a nutritionist on staff and are really good about answering questions through e-mail or phone.

Good Luck

Jhemphill · 08-23-2006, 10:49 AM

Thanks for the information, so far he really likes the Large Breed Adult food and his stools seem to be fine.

He was on EVO for a while, but the protein content was so high,

I decided to change him and this Large Breed Adult food as far as I can see is low in calories but still has all the good stuff. Hopefully with this new food and more exercise I can get his weight down. Kevin (husband) stated that he now understood that he was really hurting Maxi, even though he felt I was starving him with the amount of food I told him to feed Maxi. Kevin see dogs on the vet poster that are at the correct weight as being to skinny and the ones that are overweight as being normal. He must think I am a super model.

darci · 08-23-2006, 11:23 AM

Innova is higher in kcals than most food check with natura you may even be able to decrease to 1/2 cup am and 1/4 cup pm and add green beans if he thinks he's starving. lol
Give that about a month and see if he looses any weight.

I have always been told to stay away from diet foods for dogs just reduce the amount of their regular food. Keep reducing and increasing excersize until you see results.

We had the same problem with Darci, our little porker topped out at 31 lbs with mommy and daddy falling for that pittiful face she got fat quick.

We reduced her food way back, and she was mad at first and acted like we were starving her to death thats when we started adding thawed frozen green beans now she is doing well with her weight, she's at 26 lbs.

I would still like to see her take off another 1 lb or two.

Jhemphill · 08-23-2006, 11:59 AM

I do add Frozen green beans and peas to his food and decrease the amount of food. He really likes frozen green beans and peas. When I open the freezer for something other than his frozen vegis he pushes the vegi bag with his nose.

darci · 08-23-2006, 01:45 PM

I had to giggle out loud, Darci does the same thing every time I open the freezer.

I take it your freezer is on the bottom as well ...

grnrom · 08-23-2006, 11:23 PM

Jhemphill,
I suggest feeding Innova (not EVO), but a lot less of it. Perhaps 1/4 of a cup in the morning and a 1/4 of a cup at night for a total of 1/2 cup per day. Then adjust as necessary. As long as you keep up the excersize/playtime, Maxi will lose weight. When she is at the weight you want her to be at, then you adjust the amountof food required to maintain. It is best for dogs to lose weight gradually. There is no need to choose a different food if Maxi likes Innova. Good luck.

Michael Romanos · 08-24-2006, 01:50 AM

Corgis jaws and teeth are alligned to medium size doigs - so one would buy medium size kibble and when not available, go for the large size. When curring up fresh or fresh from frozen meat, cut into bite size chunks - unless your Corgi is a puppy and if your Corgi eats too fast - in the case of the latter, small dices of meat will help make the dog eat slower.

I still cannot be convinced that giving dogs frozen veggies or meat or anything else that is a solid food, is doing the dog any favours at all.

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Large Breed Food vs Regular Adult Food