by Carol Coleman

Created on: December 02, 2010

Here is a new diet.  All you need is a dog (over 35 pounds), a leash, and commitment!  You don’t have to eat exotic foods.  You don’t switch to low calorie or low fat foods.  Eat what you always have and cook the same amount of food.  Within a few weeks, you’ll need less food when you do this right.  Your dog will need less kibble, too!  There are a few caveats, get vitamins for you and the dog.  This diet does not work as well for owners of small dogs.  This diet works on the principal of shrinking the stomach and that means you will need less food to feel full.  It is easy and truly doesn’t need a lot of special foods.  You can eat anything you want.  There will be a few foods that you will want to limit, but that will be apparent later. 

Step 1:  Preparation:  Get a physical for both you and the dog(s).  Tell your doctor and the vet that you are going on a diet.  Get a list of foods that your dog can’t eat.  (Example: raisins and grapes, chocolate, onions and large amounts of garlic are not good for your dog.  Neither is alcohol, or soft drinks.)

Step 2:  Get one or more photos of your dog and a sealable bowl to take with you when you don’t eat at home.

Requirement:  Eat at HOME!  Do not go out to eat until the fourth or fifth week, if at all avoidable.

Week 1:  Cook your meals as usual.  Serve yourself the usual portion and do NOT add to it (NO SECONDS!).  This is very important.  Do not give yourself anything more than what you “normally” eat. Eat at your usual spot, but sit your dog where you can see him and he can see you.   Watch his eyes as you take a bite of food.  Does he look pathetic?  Does he seem to be sad or hungry?  Share a bite or two or more.  Do not share any foods with your dog that his vet says is harmful.  IN fact, don’t serve yourself those same foods except in limited quantities.

Do this for every meal and snack.  Cut your dog’s meals back accordingly.  If you overfeed him his kibble, you may have to help him out by letting him share his kibble with you.  This is not as pleasant for you as it is for him when you share your food.

Exercise:  If you aren’t used to exercising, then go sit outside when the dog is doing his business.  Try teaching him to fetch.  It’s great

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