Overweight Cocker Spaniel

My Cocker Spaniel is a little overweight and I was wondering what kind of food could help her to lose weight. At the moment, I'm using Taste of the Wild which she seems to enjoy.

I started using this during the dog food recalls. It has a lot of protein in it, but unfortunately, she's gaining quite a lot of weight.

What do you recommend?

PS: She is 6 years old.

Reply from Pauline (Web Owner)

If your Cocker Spaniel is fit and healthy, there are several things you can do to help her lose some weight.

First of all, I recommend you determine how much weight you'd like her to lose - what is her ideal weight?

I'm assuming you have your target figure in mind, but if you're not sure, I recommend you phone your vet or practice nurse and ask their opinion.

Alternatively, you might like to use this as a guide to determining your cocker spaniel's ideal weight.

Once you've a target weight loss in mind, you can begin.

Your cocker should have plenty of exercise, at least an hour each day. If you can, walk her twice each day.

Take her to the park and throw a ball, a stick or a Frisbee. Get her lungs and heart pumping!

Take care with her food and treats. Measure her food out carefully, according to the food manufacturer's recommendation.

Any treats you give her should be offset against her food allowance and make sure all members of the family understand her new needs.

By the way, you can actually buy a 'lighter' kibble with less calories for dogs that are overweight or who've been neutered.

It's no more complicated than that!

Good luck!