One doodle needs reduced fat kibble, the other 2 don't - dilemma!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Samantha needs to be kept on a reduced fat kibble while Charli and Mickey are at a perfect weight. I have been giving all 3 Wellness Core Grain Free, Reduced Fat Kibble.  Samantha has lost weight, seems almost satisfied with her meals a day (added a small breakfast after the discussion of bloat) and the other 2 love it also!

Here is the dilemma - I was looking at ordering another kind of reduced fat kibble so we could switch because Wellness only offers 1 flavor. While doing some shopping I saw Petcurean now grain free dog food, senior/weight management. Am I doing them harm with a senior/weight management food since they are 3 and 4 years old? 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I feed one of mine the "healthy weight" type from Wellness and the other two get Whitefish and Sweet potato from Wellness--they do not eat each other's food at all--but if you free feed and they all eat each other's food, then you have no choice but to feed them all the same thing, I guess. As long as they get enough food and are not losing weight, it seems OK to me!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm wondering if Samantha really needs a reduced fat diet, or if the issue is just too many calories? If it's the latter, you could do what a lot of other FG members are doing to help their dogs lose or maintain their weight...substitute green beans for a small protion of the dog's usual kibble. It really works, and an added benefit is nice firm poop!

The Petcurean NOW senior formula is lower in protein than I like to see (24% as opposed to 26% in the adult formula). The Wellness formula you are using has 33% protein, which is much better for most dogs. I wouldn't switch them just for variety's sake. Also, the NOW senior formula has an Omega 6:3 ratio of 6:1 as opposed to 5:1 in the adult formula and in your Wellness. That would not be as good for their skin and coats.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm not sure dogs care if there is only one flavor. I guess you would have to see what the ingredients are and how they compare to each other. Then Professor Karen could do the math. I doubt it would harm them but Charli and Mickey might lose weight unless you give them more.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Thanks Karen for the info!!! I do add no salt added green beans to 'bulk' up their bowls; sometimes add a little shredded cheese. I cook up carrots for their dinner and snacks (none of them will eat raw carrots or apples anymore).

F - I am humanizing their pallets. I would be bored so I assume they are too.

Ginny - they don't go to each other's bowls unless someone walks away and leaves some kibble. Then it is fair game so I do have to feed them the same thing so I can keep Samantha's weight down. Charli and Mickey are at a perfect weight and  haven't lost any because they get more kibble then Samantha. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ounce for ounce, there are very few foods that are higher in fat (and therefore calories) than cheese, so adding even a little is kind of defeating your purpose. You might try a little bit of unflavored fat-free yogurt instead if they need a topping.

[Adina P]

It sounds like you are bulking up their bowls for the sake of their enjoyment.  But if  you simply give less kibble and use green beans to substitute the bulk of the missing kibble that will help with weight loss because green beans have less calories than kibble.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A lot less!