PetHobbyist.com's 11th Annual Chat Month Complete Chat Month Schedule and Transcripts Subscribe to our free email newsletters about pets and animal issues Email Address:

PHKeeper: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us at Doghobbyist.com, I'm very pleased to welcome Arden Moore to our Eleventh Annual Chat Month.

PHKeeper: Arden is a critically acclaimed author of over 30 books since she began her writing career. Having been blessed with the ability to share her work with her love of animals, Arden shares some of her knowledge with the rest of us here today.

PHKeeper: Arden also hosts a popular podcast Radio show called "Oh Behave!". She has received numerous awards for her writings. With a wide variety of topics, it was tough to choose one for Arden to talk about, but we did!

PHKeeper: Tonight Arden will be discussing Healthy Dogs and how to avoid an overweight Pup!

PHKeeper: Arden, when you have completed your answer, please type GA so we know to Go Ahead. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Arden Moore.

Arden, would you like to make an opening Statement?

PHKeeper: Arden you have any comments before we start asking question? GA

ArdenMoore_nr: Yes, first I am happy to chat with you about ways to combat our dogs from looking like hairy ottomans. What we feed our dogs goes a long way in ensuring that they lead long, healthy lives. So, I've written several books, but three are key to tonight's talk: Real Food for Dogs, Healthy Dog and Obesity. I'm ready for you to unleash those questions!

ArdenMoore_nr: I love these names -- and can tell that we have people here with BIG and little dogs. ga

staffordmom: I have a Bullmastiff who only gets 3/4 cup of reduced fat kibble with 1/2 cup veggies and 1/4 cup meat twice a day & she's still fat

staffordmom: she is a couch potato and can't tolerate much exercise

staffordmom: any suggestions?

ArdenMoore_nr: Okay, first you need to select a quality commercial diet that provides nutritious density per mouthful. Sometimes it is easy to think Dog Food A is the same as Dog Food B -- but check with your vet about selecting one that contains more nutrients per bite -- to fill up -- and not out -- your dog. ga

staffordmom: she eats Innova Low Fat GA

ArdenMoore_nr: Also, you are doing good to add these veggies to give her vitamins and minerals, - they are calorie free. try increasing that amount. ga

staffordmom: ok ty GA

PHKeeper: When you realize your dog is overweight, how do you start getting rid of the unwanted pounds? GA

ArdenMoore_nr: Acknowledging your dog is not as a healthy way is an important first step. We two-leggers have a tendency of giving our dogs too much food. First, book an appointment with your vet and determine what the healthy weight should be. Slow and steady -- dogs should lose weight gradually. Motion is your friend. Have your dog work for his meal by putting it in a treat ball or hiding it around the house. If you have stairs, place food bits on the stairs to engage in a little canine stairmaster. ga

PHStilts: With the winter months in Full swing and people not walking their dogs as much as they should be, Any Ideas on how to help keep their weight at a manageable level Durring the cold times? ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Secondly, use a real measuring cup when doling out your dog's daily meals. This helps you determine exactly how much you are feeding your dog. You should taper off the portions gradually -- say 5 percent each week.

ArdenMoore_nr: Most of the US is slipping and sliding and shaking -- too chilly for long walks. Engage your dog indoors in some fun aerobics like playing I hide, you seek, running up and down stairs or hallways and doing doggy pushups (quick sequence of sits and downs).

ArdenMoore_nr: Also, trim back on your food portions to accommodate the reduced activity in your dog. ga

Bruteybull_nr: Do you find that the recommended food amount on bags is too high for what is really needed?

ArdenMoore_nr: Yes -- this is an average. You need to take into account your dog's age, activity level, health and even breed when tweaking the "recommended daily amounts" listed on the back of the bag. That's why using measuring cups are so essential. ga

PHKeeper: What about senior dogs and feeding to keep them trimmer becasue sometimes they do move less? ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Senior dogs really need quality protein to keep those muscles strong and joints flexible. Equally important is to have them do safe stretches (like doggy play bows) and using warm towels on their joints at night when you're say watching tv to improve blood flow and circulation. Treat your golden age dog to a therapeutic head to tail massage. It helps them a lot! ga

staffordmom: my Staffy Bull is on a homecooked diet because of his allergies. Do you feel homecooked food is better than commercial food?

ArdenMoore_nr: I wrote Real Food for Dogs with a top veterinary nutritionist. It contains 50 homemade recipes to dole out for special occasions. When you commit to homemade meals for your dog, you need to make sure he receives appropriate supplements to ensure a balanced diet. I recommend that you contact the vet nutritionists at petdiets.com to help you with a specific meal plan and supplements for your dog. The pet food recall of 2007 jarred many of us -- but you need to have proper hygiene habits in the kitchen and work with a veterinary nutritionist to make sure that you do not unintentionally shortchange your dog of needed nutrients. ga

PHKeeper: You think smaller dogs have more of a problem with weight than larger dogs? ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Well, I have a 60=pound dog and a 12-pound dog. Many people have more than one dog and can easily fall into the habit of serving equal amounts. A small dog needs to be monitored closely on meals and treats. For example, one teaspoon of gravy to a small dog carries a lot more clout than served to say a Bull Mastiff. In general, the sad fact is that 1 in 3 dogs are overweight in America. We are loving them to death by overfeeding them. One hamburger given to a 40 pound dog is the equivalent of a 150-pound person eating 6 hamburgers! So you can see that it is easy to plump up our pups! ga

PHStilts: I don't know if this is a question that you will be able to answer but, I have a 5 yr old Jcak Russell Terrier/ Beagle Cross That I have a Hard time even getting weight on him, I"d be happy if I could get him upto about 20 pounds he's about 16/17 right now. If I'm lucky I can get him to Eat about a 1/3 Cup of Grain Free Kibble 2 times a Day, and usually it's Doctored up with something to get him to Show some intrest in it. He Can go Days without Eating. Any Suggestions on how to get some weight on him? GA

ArdenMoore_nr: Good news is that the pet food business is thriving. We spend four times as much on pet food than we do on baby food. Also, now that the canine genome has been mapped out, we are seeing more advances in nutrition for our pets. Consult your vet about making some changes in your dog's diet. Glad you are serving grain-free, but he may need more quality canned meat (contains more water -- to prevent dehydration). Also, Jacks love to have jobs. Turn meal time into a "game show" like for your dog to win prizes -- great food you dole out that he earns. He may feel ho-hum about having food just provided in a bowl. ga

ArdenMoore_nr: the food should be warmed slightly to emit more aroma -- especially since you have a part-beagle. ga

PHStilts: Good to know Thank you

PHGinger: I have a breed that is hard to keep lean - the original couch potatoes - basset hounds. I keep them on a light dog food at all times. Do you think that compromises their nutrition?

ArdenMoore_nr: Please don't be fooled by the term, "light food." You risk the tendency of overfeeding because hey, it's light food. What is better for your beautiful basset is a quality diet that delivers more nutrient density per mouthful. Work with your vet on picking a better diet for your dog. ga

PHGinger: we carefully measure

PHGinger: I will talk to the vet - thanks

staffordmom: how do you feel about raw verses cooked?

ArdenMoore_nr: also check on digestibility -- pet foods must meet certain AAFCO standards, but look at the lable. If one brand says it takes 4 cups to feed a 20 pound dog and another says 1 cup of food -- that's digestibility. the one cup is better for your dog because each mouthful, he gets more nutrition. Also, the poop will be healthier, too ! Yuck, I know, but needed to share. ga

ArdenMoore_nr: I have fed my dogs commercial raw food on occasion, but I am extremely careful in the handling of the food. There is a risk of parasites and contamination if the food is left out at room temperature too long and if you use wooden cutting boards. You must truly commit the time and due dligence in serving raw diets. Bowls must be properly cleaned, etc. ga

staffordmom: ty ga

ArdenMoore_nr: I love sushi, but I would never serve it to my dogs. For me, cooked is safer. We live in a fast-paced, multi-task world. If you have the time and knowledge to serve raw, do so, but if not, why take the risk? ga

PHKeeper: Arden love to know which book was your favorite to write?

ArdenMoore_nr: It's a tie. Healthy DOg: The Ultimate Fitness Guide for You and Your Dog burned a lot of my brain cells in the making of it. But I enjoyed teaming up with top sports medicine physicians, vet nutritiionists, dog trainers and physical trainers in putting together the first cross training, cross species book. My second favorite to write is Real Food for Dogs because I worked with a vet nutritionist and shelter dogs served as my taste testers. The book soared to No. 6 among ALL books on Amazon for a whopping two weeks in 2007. Just five spots behind a book about a magical kid named Harry. ga

staffordmom: do you think grain-free is the way to go?

ArdenMoore_nr: I am a big advocate of having real meat listed as the first ingredient and shying away from grains in treats and meals for dogs. Our dogs don't live as long as we wish (imagine if they have the lifespan of say, a parrot), so I try to maximize my dogs time on this planet by paying attention to what I put in their food bowls and give out as treats. You also save money on vet bills when you serve dogs healthy food. ga

PHKeeper: When you work with experts like trainers etc are they very open and helpful to you? ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Yes. I credit that in part to the fact that I spent 20 years as an investigative newspaper reporter prior to entering the pet world. I live by my former editor's motto: If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out!

ArdenMoore_nr: So, when I approach experts, I make sure that they are not tied to a particular product or pet food company. Or that info is disclosed. ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Trainers want to bring out the best in people and pets. ga

PHRascal: keeper, do you want to re-ask your book question?

PHKeeper: Dog Parties: How to Party with Your Pup

Was that a fun book to write?

ArdenMoore_nr: Yes - it unleashed the true party animal inside me. It also led to having my dog, Chipper and I fly to NYC to stage a dog party for CNN. Dog parties are fun settings to work in good doggy manners. Highly recommend dog parties. It also led me to trademarking "America's Pet Edu-tainer" and now I host fun presentations all over the place. Just gave a talk about Pets in America to a bunch of visiting Chinese veterinarians at a local university. Wonder if they are game to trying a dog party? ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Dog parties can also address those "bullies around the food bowls." Dogs with food issues wear say red bandanas and easygoing dogs wear blue bandanas. Thats the color cue when it comes to dishing out doggy cake slides. We make sure all dogs are on leashes and have plenty of elbow room when eating their dog party goodies. ga.

staffordmom: what dog breeds do you have?

ArdenMoore_nr: Good question! Chipper is a Golden Retriever/Husky mix now 6. She spent the first two years in various shelters. Cleo is a 12 pound miniature poodle/Basset hound mix (confirmed by a blood DNA test). I now call her your royal hound-ness. YOu can check out their mini bios on my website: www.ardenmoore.com - go to the CONTACT page. ga

ArdenMoore_nr: My previous dog was a Corgi who acted like a cross between Robin Williams and the Three Stooges! ga

staffordmom: nice...cool dogs ga

PHKeeper: Arden Where is your books available? ga

ArdenMoore_nr: Everywhere - including bathrooms! Just kidding! All the major book stores, Amazon.com and directly from my web site. Just finished pet book NO. 20 about an amazing vet. Must have strong typing fingers and short attention span. ga

PHKeeper: Thank you

PHKeeper: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us here at all the Doghobbyist.com communities, we want to thank you for taking your time to chat with us. Transcripts will be posted with in a few days. Once again, Thank you Arden.

ArdenMoore_nr: Thank you for all your grrr-eat questions. ga

PHKeeper: Please visit Arden's website at http://www.ardenmoore.com/

PHKeeper: Arden thank you for sharing

PHRascal: thanks so much for joining us tonight, arden.

PHStilts: Thanks Arden

ArdenMoore_nr: Truly honored to be a guest on this site -- helping pets helps us! ga