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sunnycascades · Jul 20, 2009, 01:08 AM

Hi There... I am frustrated with trying to figure out why my female german shepherd is so skinny. I have of course been to the vet many times.. No parasites I also had a basic blood test done to check for diseas . The vet then suggested a 300 dollar lab test for malnutrition or something. I don't think it is necessary to spend this much money since the vet agrees that she would not have so much energy if she were to have this . People told me she would fill out after 2 years but she will be 3 soon and still no weight on her bones. She is really skinny and it is embarrassing . I take her to the dog park and people whisper about it. I feel defensive about it . I leave food out for her all the time and don't feed her cheap stuff either.. any ideas?? HELP

shazamataz · Jul 20, 2009, 03:48 AM

Some dogs are naturally skinny, my mothers Great Dane eats about 5 cups of dry food a day, 2kg of meat and 11 chicken neck... and he still won't put on weight.

What are you feeding?
Some dog food are actually just full of fillers like corn meal and have little nutritional value.

My first suggestion would be too switch to a high quality dry food with a higher protein content, maybe even a working dog formula would be suitable for her.

450donn · Jul 20, 2009, 07:35 PM

Does she have lots of energy? Is she happy? Does she eat well? How much do you feed her a day? How is her coat? Is it shiny and strong? Or is it falling out all over the place? If you can answer yes to most of these, then I would not worry too much.

jenniepepsi · Jul 20, 2009, 08:34 PM

I'm not doubting your word, I promise, but may I ask how you know for sure she has no paracites? Shaz is right she could be naturally lean, however its also a possibility she has a tape worm, which would be sucking all her nutrients from her food.

Alty · Jul 20, 2009, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by jenniepepsi

im not doubting your word, i promise, but may i ask how you know for sure she has no paracites? shaz is right she could be naturally lean, however its also a possiblity she has a tape worm, which would be sucking all her nutrients from her food.

His original post states that a trip to the vet has already been done and they checked for parasites. That's how he knows.

binx44 · Jul 21, 2009, 09:32 AM

I know my dogs weight goes up and down like a yo yo and we feed him allergin free, corn meal, wheat free high protine (working dog formula since he's a small game hunting dog) and he eats tons a day. He usually weighs 45 pounds but it jumps up and down all the time.. we had him checked out and its just his matabolism

joyluo1999 · Jul 21, 2009, 10:15 AM

I agree with shaz.
Some dogs are born skinny.

Try a different type of dog food and see if that works.

Is your dog active most of the time?
If so then I wouldn't worry.

You said you went to the vet and there's nothing wrong with your dog.
If the vet said your dog's OK then he probably is.

Good Luck!:)