Fat 2 year old

[Dogstar]

My 2 year old Knab x ID has gone from lovely and slim during the Summer, to really fat now; she looks flat/table top like over her back. Not sure whether to try to slim her down or not worry at this time of year...she only gets a double handful of feed twice a day when the 'grown ups' get their feed, so I could only really cut down her hay but I don't like to leave her without much hay overnight..thoughts appreciated thanks!

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

i would reduce the bucket food by half, and feed enough hay for her size, or you could mix in a bit of straw with her hay so still getting the bulk but fewer calories. i wouldnt worry too much unless she is seriously obese the cold weather will make her use her stores up through the winter.

 

[raspberryripple]

What feed is she on?

Personally I would give her the normal amount of hay for her size and reduce the feed. If it's a mix or pellets reduce to giving only 1 handful twice a day and then gradually switch over to giving her something like hi fi molasses free or similar just as an offering/treat when the others are having their short feed. that way she won't be missing out but will be on something that isn't going to make her gain anymore weight/help reduce her weight if she is overweight.

My youngster didn't have any mix/pellets until he was around 2 as he didn't need it, he just had hay and a handful of chaff as a treat for 'breakfast' and 'dinner'.

 

[Dogstar]

Thanks for the thoughts. She is only getting a tiny bit of Speedibeet or Alfa Lite. I think she may have been 'assisting' my non-foodie old hunter with her bucket of feed before they were being brought in, so maybe she will naturally deflate a bit now