Does a raw or home cooked diet = weight loss?

[my2boyz]

Megan has thinned down quite a bit since I started home cooking and then switched (this week) to a raw diet but Maddie Jo has stayed the same. Is it simply that, even though they are full sisters, their systems are different? Does a raw or home cooked diet mean weight loss? They each have about the same activity level and there is no chance of Maddie sneaking anything extra.

I might add also that they both had recent bloodwork and everything was fine.

[Taryn0405]

It could be just how their bodies metabolize the different foods. I know with some dogs with the raw diet, many times need double the amount that's specified on the recommended feeding instructions, and others do just fine with it.

If the blood work is fine, and your pup is losing too much weight, than I don't see a problem with you feeding them a little bit more.

[my2boyz]

I don't think she is losing too much weight, it's my husband. For her size it says to feed her 3 to 6 medallions a day and she is getting 4 so she's right in the middle of the recommended amount. You can feel her bones but not see them and that's what I've always been told is ideal. Now, I know Maddie Jo has bones but you certainly can't feel hers! I think that's what my husband is used to so now he thinks Moo is getting too thin...she's just not a 'chunky butt' anymore

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I don't know anything at all about a raw diet. However, both of my girls have gained weight since I started home cooking for them. I agree with Taryn if everything is fine, maybe your pup just needs more. You also might call your vet and see what he/she has to say.

[karenst]

I need a recommendation for a good canned dog food for a yorkie that will be one on Aug. 1st. Little Caeser makes his "wind" stink so bad and his breath too.

[107barney]

No, provided it is done properly. My dogs have maintained their weights for years on home cooked food.

[my2boyz]

Originally Posted by 107barney

No, provided it is done properly. My dogs have maintained their weights for years on home cooked food.

I guess I should have included in my OP that she was a tad chubby before I started home cooking...16 pounds...yah, cute as all get out but a chunky butt girl She is now about 12 or 13 pounds, this has happened over the last 5 months so it wasn't an immdeiate weight loss...it's been gradual.

At her last vet visit she was about the same weight and her vet said she looked fine but I shouldn't let her lose anymore. I guess I don't understand why Maddie isn't losing weight too when they both eat the same amount...and Maddie Jo could stand to lose a pound or two! lol!

Oh, I just remembered...we have taken all treats out of her diet other than veggies! They were getting several treats a day but since her allergies kicked up we took all grains out of her diet so no more treats. I guess that could be part of it too.

Anyway, I will continue to monitor her weight and if it looks like she's losing any more I will increase her food amount by giving her a small meal mid day instead of 2 meals a day. I know she is healthy (according to her bloodwork) and I want her to maintain like Maddie does, not lose.

[Teegy]

I would say that they are getting healthier foods with less filler, therefore based on the individual metabolism it can manifest itself differently.
I find Teegy is much more solid since I made the switch to raw and Tufty is a wee muscle, I've had him on raw since he came home at 11 weeks.

[tjdmom]

Just like people, every dog is different. Plus some dogs are more active than others. I look at each of my individual dogs and feed accordingly. If I think one needs a little more "meat" on her bones, she gets a little more and if one is getting a little chunky, then they get a little less in their bowl. I feed a PMR diet....