[absolethe]

Puck eats plenty, but I have a tendency to give him one more treat than the box says, because he gets so much exercise, he's skinny. Then a friend reminded me that I shouldn't spoil him with treats, because he's been nuetered and will end up gaining weight soon enough.

As he's my first pet, I'd totally forgotten about weight gain because of neutering.

Why does that happen?

When Puck switches from Puppy food, should I go ahead and wean him into a weight-watching adult food to forestall excessive weight gain?

How hard is it to keep a nuetered Chi from getting overweight--does it just depend on the dog? (If so, I don't think Puck will ever be fat, he's a maniac).

 

[KB]

That is a myth..........keep him exercised and he will be fine. Dogs mellow as they get older and their activity level may drop but not their food level...hence forth weight gain SIGH my problem too! Anyway he should have plenty of robust for years yet. Dogs "fill" out when they get older but that has nothing to do w/neutering.
Keep him on a quality food period. I know it costs more but hey we got little guys and it lasts a long time. Read your ingredients, make sure it has no "meat meal" that is junk. Make sure it says "BEEF, CHICKEN ETC" as the first ingredient and no corn as that is a filler and cheap for the dog food companies. As long as your treats don't average more than his regular meals then he should be ok. Slightly underweight dogs are healthier. Chi's joints are prone to problems, extra weight does not help. Kemo has gained at least 3 lbs since I got him and though he does not look fat I don't want him to gain anymore. I started down sizing his meals a little. He too has endless energy, I am envious.....hahahhaha. Hope this helps

 

[absolethe]

It does help!

Puck gets Nutro, which I am assured is high quality by the lady who followed me around Petsmart selling it to me. The company advertises itself as making it to exact quality standards and not using meal. Guaranteed to improve skin and coat too. I try to believe guarantees...

I'm thinking that's another one of the great things about having a little dog. I got him a $20 bag, and it's lasted for 3 months and looks to last for 2 more.

Perhaps I'm too thrifty. His vet had him on Purina, so I got him a bag of that when I got him, of course. And I'm still mixing increasingly smaller amounts in with his Nutro, so the bag doesn't go to waste.

Puck loves his dry food too, such a good boy, not demanding about anything but playtime.

 

[My3Girls]

I know they say it is a myth but sometimes i wonder. I have had all 3 of my girls spayed and Sasha and Sierra both gained weight. Tia was just spayed in April so its too soon to tell if she will gain or not. Sasha gained 1 lbs and Sierra gained 2 lbs. Im feeding my girls Science Diet right now they have been on it for about a year. Tia is on Nutrience puppy food and once she is old enough I will put her on the same stuff as the other 2. Hope this also helps a little.

 

[KB]

I know they say it is a myth but sometimes i wonder. I have had all 3 of my girls spayed and Sasha and Sierra both gained weight. Tia was just spayed in April so its too soon to tell if she will gain or not. Sasha gained 1 lbs and Sierra gained 2 lbs. Im feeding my girls Science Diet right now they have been on it for about a year. Tia is on Nutrience puppy food and once she is old enough I will put her on the same stuff as the other 2. Hope this also helps a little.

None of your girls look overweight! Do you think they are? 1-2lb is not much. Do you think that it could be "filling out"?. Just a thought.

 

[My3Girls]

No Sasha and Tia arent over weight but Saha and Sierra both did gain a pound or 2 after being spayed is all I am saying. And yes Sierra is over weight she is 10 lbs .