Re: Is my JRT underweight?

Posted by: Jane McClay
Posted on: June 27, 2001 at 07:59:54

In Reply to: Is my JRT underweight?
Posted by: Kelly Szczepkowski
Posted on: June 26, 2001 at 22:47:42

Question:

: I have a one and a half year old JRT male. I have not been able to find any advice relating to my question. My Jack is of slightly smaller stature than what I would view as the norm for the breed. Other Jack's I know are more full bodied (not fat) than mine. My Jack weighs 12 lbs and appears so thin. His ribs stick out on both sides. I recognize the breed to be muscular, but he has a body style more of a whippet than what I've seen of JRT's. He eats approx a cup or cup and a half of Purina Dog chow a day. He does not eat it heartily, but anything he eats seems to be ran off by all his outdoor exercise. Do you have any suggestions as to what to feed him to promote a slight weight gain? I have asked two different vets opinions, one told me the dog would decide how much he would eat and it was not something I could control, the other said I would just need to accept the fact that I have an active breed. I am sure I need a more JRT knowledgeable vet, but what can I do for now?

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Hi, Kelly,

I'd have to say first of all that it would be wise to switch from Purina Dog Chow. No way you could know this, but it's not a very good food. Grocery store brands are full of cereals, and very poor grade ingredients.

It would probably be a good idea to switch to a high-protien, higher calorie food that you'd find at a pet supply store. I feed my skinny girl, Looise, California Natural puppy food (kibble) with lamb and rice to keep weight on her, and I supplement her diet with 2 inch beef marrow bones from the butcher. You have to be careful with beef marrow bones though. Ask a butcher about proper handling (don't let them sit on the floor with meat or marrow still attached... refreeze them), and be sure to throw the bones away after they've been picked clean as I've found my dogs can break them if they sit around the house for a few days after the meat is gone.

Jane