Monday, August 20, 2012

An Acquired Taste

It seems like this summer has gone on forever. It's been so hot that we've all stayed inside most all day and the dogs haven't had their normal exercise. Last week when we were outside playing I glanced at Tess and she looked fat. I called her to me and felt her ribs and yes, she is fat. Then I checked the other girls and they had all gained some weight. Dr B likes them to have about 1/8" of padding over the ribs and the girls had a lot more than that. It's time to diet.
Everyone hates dieting, but we try to make it a little less awful. I cut the amount of kibble they get in their bowl, but to make them feel nice and full, I add green beans. It's worked before for Morgan, Sky, Samba and Noah.
We made a run to the store for several cases of green beans because I use two cans at dinner. All my dogs have grown up eating fruits and veggies, so the thought of getting beans on their dinner is more of a treat than a punishment, except for Sebastian.
Sebastian has apparently never eaten either fruit or veggies. We've offered him carrots, apple, berries and oranges. He sniffs, then walks away. But I'm determined that the boy will learn to like them.  The first day of the big diet I put two beans on top of his kibble. He picked them out and put them on the floor. After he'd eaten his kibble, he nosed the beans around a little, but he eventually ate them.
The next day I put four beans on his dinner. This time he left them in his bowl and ate the kibble around them. Then he ate the four beans. The third day I put eight beans on his dinner and he ate them along with the kibble.

Last night I put a pile of beans on his food. Here he is waiting for his dinner.
He ate the beans first, then ate the kibble. What do you know? Green beans are pretty good.
Next week we'll try a little apple.

13 comments:

rottrover said...

You're so patient! What a good dog mom!!

PeeeS - love you Sebastian!!

Jo's World said...

I use the same kind of technique only its a little more sneaky than yours. I put two beans in the bottom of her bowl, and the kibble on top. I sprinkle one tablespoon of finely grated cheese over all. She gobbles it down, beans and all, we are up to a half a cup now.

Cheers,
Jo

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Poor Thunder's weight keeps going the wrong way no matter how hard Mom tries. He had his thyroid check today and Mom is almost hoping he needs a med adjustment. The green beans will be increased tonight:(

Fortunately all of us except Phantom love veggies and fruit.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Marjie said...

I love the picture of Sebastian looking right at the camera. I don't know how anyone could resist that face! Thor loved apples, carrots and bananas, and he'd eat cooked veggies, because he could smell that we were eating them, too. Glad Sebastian is learning to love his veggies; he can support his sisters on their diets!

Lapdog Creations said...

Yay Sebastian!!! Now just wait until it's watermelon day!!

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

SHE often says there are no ribs in this house. We love beans, so we'll probably be on beans again, too.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

SissySees said...

Yay Sebastian! We had blueberries for supper and carrots this morning. (SEE the theme here?) We love fruits and veggies and bet you will too.

How Sam Sees It said...

We have the same problem with Sam - it is too hot to play!

Monty had the same reaction to the green beans. :D

Sam

How Sam Sees It said...

I also wanted to mention, if you have a Costco or Sam's Club nearby - they have very large cans of green beans available. Which is tremendously cheaper than buying multiple little cans.

Sam

Molly the Airedale said...

Fruits and veges are awesome, Sebastian! We know that you'll come around to loving them!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Two French Bulldogs said...

we need to try those green beans
Benny & Lily

The Life of Riley said...

After reading your post my human is going to start puuting some green beans and vegetables in my dinner too as I've put on some winter weight.

Woofs,
Riley

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Green beans are pretty good - we all love them - except for Piper - he only likes kibble!!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Argie and Ivy