What If Obesity Is Nobody's Fault

[Drahthaardogs]

6. Right now, I have three dogs all very good blood trackers and retrievers, all in good health,

all from very well known kennels, all from the same breed. I feed a moderate high quality kibble during the off season and switch to high protein food like Canidae during hunting season (I find too rich of food during the off season makes them overly gassy and have loose stools). All are middle aged dogs. All are intact. All get vigorous training and exercise five or six days a week.

Anyone, one male eats about the recommended portions on the package and stays fit and trim. He is a well muscled dog.

My other male needs almost twice what is recommended on the bag. I have a hard time keeping weight on him. He gets painfully thin during bird season when he is working hard.

My female tends to be heavy. The vet chastised me and I told her "She gets three cups of food a day and I refuse to feed her any less. She is a 75 lb dog" She looked at me and said "I guess you are right, she just has an overly efficient metabolism. You cannot feed her less than that." (Yes, I have had her thyroid tested multiple times, no issues there)

Just my un-scientific, un-human study tells me there is something going on here beyond diet and exercise.