Natural Balance Duck

**cinderbay** · 01-24-2012, 09:47 PM

So I started Gryphon and Roo on this formula. They just started bag #2. I sorta thought Roo was getting chubby. But today I finally gave her a feel and she is not chubby. She is FAT!!! The only change has been her diet.
Calorie is not that far off from what I was feeding before, Pro Plan Skin and Stomach. But is is possible because the NB is a "grain-free" formula, possibly more calorie dense, would this be cause of her weight gain?
OH man they are both doing SO well on this (both prone to ear issues). Tomorrow I am picking up a case of green beans to help get this weight off!!!

**Sophiesmama** · 01-24-2012, 09:59 PM

I don't know about NB grain free, but Sophie is on TOTW grain free. She isn't overweight at all! She gets lots of exercise, and we feed her twice a day. She is 9 mo. She probably gets a couple to 3 cups a day. Sometimes we put veggies or cheese in it too. Last night she had her kibble with potatoes and carrots left from dinner. Are yours getting plenty of exercise, and how much do you feed, along with snacks per day?

**SharonaZamboni** · 01-24-2012, 11:28 PM

Bean got a bit chubby while eating Natural Balance, too.

**BoatDog** · 01-25-2012, 06:53 AM

I'm guessing firmer smaller poops - channeling BobPr here - I think they utilize more of the food than before - so more calories are staying "in" the dog rather than passing.

I feed EVO and we are ok at .75 cup 2x day - other than that the weight goes on.

**MicksMom** · 01-25-2012, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by BoatDog

I'm guessing firmer smaller poops - channeling BobPr here - I think they utilize more of the food than before - so more calories are staying "in" the dog rather than passing...

That's pretty much it- less poop means more food being utilized by the body. Caleb's been on Natural Balances LID foods for almost 4 years now. I had been rotating between them every few bags, but have stuck with the P&D since maybe August. He has gained a little weight, but, given his age, and the way he looks, my vet & I just chalked it up to his body finally maturing (he's gone from 65 to 70 pounds).

**Labradorable** · 01-25-2012, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by cinderbay

So I started Gryphon and Roo on this formula. They just started bag #2. I sorta thought Roo was getting chubby. But today I finally gave her a feel and she is not chubby. She is FAT!!! The only change has been her diet.
Calorie is not that far off from what I was feeding before, Pro Plan Skin and Stomach. But is is possible because the NB is a "grain-free" formula, possibly more calorie dense, would this be cause of her weight gain?
OH man they are both doing SO well on this (both prone to ear issues). Tomorrow I am picking up a case of green beans to help get this weight off!!!

Oftentimes grain free foods are higher in calorie content ... one of the pros of feeding grain free is that a dog requires less because they feel (and are) full longer, and using more of the nutrition in their systems. Are you feeding the same amount of NB Duck as you were the PP S&S? Switching from Pro Plan to Natural Balance is definitely not comparing apples to apples ...

**Labradorable** · 01-25-2012, 10:23 AM

How do green beans help with weight loss?

**BoatDog** · 01-25-2012, 10:34 AM

Greenie Beanies are a low cal way to fill 'em up!

**MicksMom** · 01-25-2012, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by MicksMom

That's pretty much it- less poop means more food being utilized by the body. Caleb's been on Natural Balances LID foods for almost 4 years now. I had been rotating between them every few bags, but have stuck with the P&D since maybe August. He has gained a little weight, but, given his age, and the way he looks, my vet & I just chalked it up to his body finally maturing (he's gone from 65 to 70 pounds).

I meant it include that I'm also feeding 1/4 cup more the past few months than I had been. Caleb always gets scrawny looking starting in late spring (probably due to the increase in hiking and out door playing we do), and ends up eating a cup more a day than he does in the "off" seasons. This fall I ended up cutting his summer ration back by 3/4 cup instead of the full cup. Again, tho, based on his age and condition, we're figuring he's finally matured (well, in body, NEVER in mind. LOL)

**cinderbay** · 01-25-2012, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Labradorable

Oftentimes grain free foods are higher in calorie content ... one of the pros of feeding grain free is that a dog requires less because they feel (and are) full longer, and using more of the nutrition in their systems. Are you feeding the same amount of NB Duck as you were the PP S&S? Switching from Pro Plan to Natural Balance is definitely not comparing apples to apples ...

I certainly am not trying to compare them ingredient wise "apples to apples" I know that is different. I have never fed a grainfree to my dogs so I was surprised at the rapid weight gain knowing that caloric value was not much different.
I hate cutting back the amount. Yes I feed her the exact measurement as I did before. 1 cup AM and 1 cup PM.