"The Queen" needs our help - A Sad Update

[BG and Gavin]

Some of  you may recall my discussion concerning Gavin and our cottage neighbour's bichon who I refer to as "the queen." http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/dog-introduction-need-advi...  anyway - the queen needs our help.  She just came back from the vet.  She is 10 years old, overweight, borderline diabetic, lethargic, is not getting any exercise and her dad is worried about her.  Her dad is older and has back problems, but I have offered to get her started on an exercise program and a better diet.  He is currently feeding her Iams Senior.  I told him I know we can do better and so have come to you all for advice on a food.  Any input for this age group and problem would be greatly appreciated.

 

Update:  On Sept 18, the Queen (aka Scooter) had to be euthanized.  I am afraid I was too late in my efforts to help her be a more healthy dog.  She actually went down hill pretty fast in the last couple of weeks.  She lost control of her functions, had gone blind; she had diabetes.  We will miss her, she was a really great dog.  Her dad is grieving heavily.  Please everyone make sure that you are feeding your dogs appropriate food/amounts and giving them plenty of exercise.  RIP dear Scooter.

 

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Chuck the Iams and go with fresh chicken, brown rice and a simple veg. My 10 yr old Bichon is a puppy again since home cooking for him.

[BG and Gavin]

Great suggestion, obviously from one who knows, however I cannot see the old guy going for this. When left to his own devices, he can usually only scrape together a hot dog for himself (since his wife passed on). Which is why the thoughts of him losing this dog turns me inside out!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The dog is living on a corn-based food, probably the worst possible choice for a dog who is borderline diabetic. Of course, Iams is bad news period. Anything, anything at all, would be better than what she's currently eating.
The problem is, how much money is the man willing to pay for dog food? And is he willing to cut back the amount he feds? A better food is going to be a lot more expensive, and the portions are probably going to be less than what he's feeding her now. I have a feeling she has been getting more than the recommended amount, even of the Iams food. That seems to go hand-in-hand with the overweight spoiled small dog, older owner scenario.
The best food for the "Queen" would be a higher protein food like Orijen or Acana. Orijen has a grain-free senior food, Acana has a senior food that does contain grains. Those would be my first choices, but as I said, we can work down from there. There are hundred foods that would be better than Iams.

[BG and Gavin]

Yes, Karen, that is the question. I would not be surprised if table scaps and treats galore contribute to the problem. He tends to have a tough time parting with the bucks, however he does not seem to have an issue spending on vet, grooming etc for the dog, so maybe you can give me three suggestions: lower end, mid-range and high end. I think I can have a frank discussion with him and he will level with me about what he will pay. Getting him to cut out the extras will be a challenge. Low fat snack suggestions?

[Lori]

Low fat snack suggestions: apples, bananas, carrots - Casper LOVES them...but will a dog who has been eating table scraps is the question....

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Lori - all very do-able.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would add to Karen's suggestion that you purchase a measuring device cup or whatever and MARK where the level of food should be. He probably doesn't measure. My mom uses a really small scoop like a quarter cup for her Westie and keeps the food in a jar the size of a cookie jar. This makes it seem like more.

[BG and Gavin]

Great suggestion Nancy. I can for sure do this - seems simple, but I will bet people rarely do this.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I was not even carefully measuring. I was using a measuring cup, but filling it to the brim, when the "one cup' mark was quite a ways below that. Jack was probably getting an extra half cup at every feeding, or an additional 400 calories a day!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Can you get me the exact Iams formula he is feeding now, i.e "Iams Pro-Health Senior" or whatever, and an idea of what stores he has access to? For example, if he can only shop for dog food at Petsmart, it's easier for me to make suggestions. No point in recommending foods he can't get.
In addition to Lori's suggestions for filling, low cal snacks, many dogs like green beans and melon, too.

[BG and Gavin]

Good thinking. I won't see him til next weekend and can get the particulars then. There is a tiny pet food store in the village near our cottage that carries a scant few things including INOVA, Chicken Soup and Nutro, not sure what else. I can always hook him up and bring food from the city.

[Adina P]

Chicken Soup Senior is what our old border collie got...maybe he can feed him a wee bit less than the bag says and make it up with green beans.