Getting weight on a greyhound.

[Montyforever]

Barneys a little bit on the lean side (can see his back bone and ribs quite clearly and have been able to since he came but is getting better ) Im feeding him the amount the kennels reccommended but just wondering if theres any food that will particularly help him put on the weight?
Ta in advance

 

[cobgirlie]

What food you feeding him? I find only specilised food for greyhounds works on our lurchers and greys, anything else just isn't high enough in calories for the skinny minney's!!! My staffies are all on diet foods and the skinny's on full fat...not fair is it??!!

 

[Montyforever]

What food you feeding him? I find only specilised food for greyhounds works on our lurchers and greys, anything else just isn't high enough in calories for the skinny minney's!!! My staffies are all on diet foods and the skinny's on full fat...not fair is it??!!

Lol! Hes on waggs at the mo, ive been ill and its all my mum could grab.

 

[cobgirlie]

Lol! Hes on waggs at the mo, ive been ill and its all my mum could grab.

That's what the problem is then, it's not the best feed. For skinny's it's more quality than quantity. Definately invest in a good greyhound feed. We use Red Mills at the rescue, it's a good price and they all do very nicely on it. My own lurchers get it too...although the JRT's like to steal it as well because it's quiet small pieces!!!

http://www.redmills.co.uk/uk/greyhound/home/

 

[competitiondiva]

Also split the daily ration into as many separate feeds as possible giving the body more chance to utilise the food. I also recommend adding pasta to the ration if the dog has a good appetite, offering slow release engergy in carbs. Cook it first and allow to cool before offering.

 

[The Twilight Zone]

Lol! Hes on waggs at the mo, ive been ill and its all my mum could grab.

Dont stress - Skinners Duck and Rice is the best stuff for them, all mine thrived on it and it is very easy to get hold of Islay dropped loads of weight when she went onto raw and I could not get the condition back on her to my satisfaction, so she is back on Skinners now and Flick & Amy are on raw, it is working really well for them all

ETA - I can see the backbone and ribs of all three of mine and always have been able to, but I detest a fat greyhound

 

[haycroft]

That's what the problem is then, it's not the best feed. For skinny's it's more quality than quantity. Definately invest in a good greyhound feed. We use Red Mills at the rescue, it's a good price and they all do very nicely on it. My own lurchers get it too...although the JRT's like to steal it as well because it's quiet small pieces!!!

http://www.redmills.co.uk/uk/greyhound/home/

yep this is what i used for my whippets..ok not quite as big as greyhounds

or you could go down the raw food route..breast of lamb is good,anything with oil ,sardines etc
i feed according to the way my dogs look not by the packet..if too light increase if a little on the tubby size less feed

some greyhounds are are lighter than others ,as long as he looks healthy,glossy coat,good teeth and full of energy,dont worry too much
how long have you had him/her..if not long it can take time for a different routine/surroundings,also if he gets cold can cause weight loss

 

[Louby]

Hi our lurcher was always fussy and lean. We tried loads of different food but have found Skinners Ruff and Ready the only one he has never gone off. They do a VAT free version too which is exactly the same, its called Trial and Field or something like that. Even at a good weight he does seem to have a prominant backbone though. His mum did too.
At times we mixed it with sardines as he just wouldnt eat. Its fine people saying they wont starve but when they are skinny it is a worry. I now add a tin of wet food to it. I know technically I shouldnt but hes eating it and looking fine now.
Good luck

 

[3DE]

I use the guide of 1kg per inch in height. ie a grey that is 28 inches to the shoulder should weigh 28kg or slightly less. For lurchers, this or slightly more.

I feed mine a working dog feed - 'normal' dog feed such as JWB, skinners etc, sometimes don't meet the dogs' needs.

I feed mine mainly BARF with the puppies having an evening meal of biscuits to make sure they are full all night. I like Kildrummie biscuits. It has dried chicken pieces, normal kibble, veggie kibble, charcoal (no trumps!), rolled peas and cornflakes. The dogs love it, it's got no 'added extras' and it's also under £10 for a 15kg bag!

 

[s4sugar]

I feed mine a working dog feed - 'normal' dog feed such as JWB, skinners etc, sometimes don't meet the dogs' needs.

This isn't accurate.
"Working dog" foods are given that label to make them VAT exempt and although they all used to be for dogs of higher levels of activity you can now find working dog feeds at all levels of protein & fat from maintenance (off work) to sled dog.
Greyhound food is also VAT exempt and comes in varying levels.

 

[haycroft]

I use the guide of 1kg per inch in height. ie a grey that is 28 inches to the shoulder should weigh 28kg or slightly less. For lurchers, this or slightly more.

!

if i used this guide for my whippets (ok not greyhounds) would be classed as overweight
my whippys are 19 inch and weigh 10-11 1/2 kg..i know greys and lurchers can be bigger

mine you can see the the definition of the spine and at least three ribs..the 10 mth pup is slightly more covered atm

 

[Montyforever]

Thanks everyone will have to look into the different foods
He really does eat everything and anything so i dont think its going to be long before he starts putting weight on now as hes pretty settled! He definatly needs some more weight though his spine is very prominant as are most of his ribs But hes been with me for almost a month now so onwards and upwards

 

[3DE]

Thanks everyone will have to look into the different foods
He really does eat everything and anything so i dont think its going to be long before he starts putting weight on now as hes pretty settled! He definatly needs some more weight though his spine is very prominant as are most of his ribs But hes been with me for almost a month now so onwards and upwards

That is perfectly normal for a grey. A grey that doesn't have a prominant spine and the ribs are covered is overweight...