My dog, a chunky golden retriever named Max, had been piling on the pounds. We tried smaller portions, but he was always begging for more, and his energy levels were, well, let’s just say, less than energetic. I saw an ad for Natural Balance’s Fat Dog food, the 28 lb bag. The ad said it could help keep dogs fuller for longer, and that sounded like it was worth a shot.
I headed to the pet store and picked up a bag. It was chicken and salmon flavored. I read that it is a limited-ingredient kibble so I was wondering if this was true. I also found that there are so many dog food out there, like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. It’s so hard to choose!
- First, I transitioned Max slowly, mixing the Fat Dog food with his old food over a week. He didn’t seem to notice the difference, which was a good sign.
- Then, I started feeding him the recommended amount for his weight, based on the guidelines on the bag. It was less than he was used to, but I was determined to stick to it.
- I also made sure he was getting enough exercise. We started with short walks and gradually increased the distance as he got fitter. I didn’t realize this was a big factor!
Honestly, I was worried he’d be even more miserable with less food, but to my surprise, he actually seemed more satisfied. He stopped begging as much, and I noticed he had a bit more pep in his step after a few weeks. He wasn’t as lazy, I guess.
The Results
After about two months, I weighed Max, and he had lost 5 pounds! I was so happy! He was still a big boy, but he looked healthier, and he was definitely more active. We could go on longer walks without him getting tired, and he even started playing fetch again, which he hadn’t done in ages. I guess this “limited-ingredient” thing really works. He seems healthier overall.
It’s been about six months now, and Max has maintained his new weight. He’s a happier, healthier dog, and I’m so glad I switched him to Natural Balance Fat Dog. I feel like I am giving him good quality food. It wasn’t a miracle cure, and it took some effort, but seeing the difference in Max made it all worthwhile. It’s kind of like those weight loss journeys you see people do. You gotta stick with it! Also, I heard that Natural Balance and Canidae merged in March 2023, which is quite interesting.
If you’ve got a chubby pup, I’d definitely recommend giving this food a try. Just remember to be patient and consistent, and you might be surprised by the results, just like I was!
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