I have difficulties with Zhi because she's an "easy keeper" as well as being eight pounds. There are some foods that she truly eats, I swear, no more than maybe twenty kibbles. That's where the high volume, low energy supplemental treats come in handy.
Zhi loves fruit and veggies, fortunately. But even if she didn't, she can get things like low cal bones (beef ribs with most of the meat gone), and bully sticks, that give her the satisfaction of "eating" without adding much in the way of calories.
I also put a dab of canned tripe in her food and fill the bowl with warm water. Little dogs can never get too much water (assuming they have easy or frequent access to potty areas).
If canned is expensive, you can steam veggies (apples, pears, peas, carrots, zucchini, squash) and then for dogs that don't like veggies, blend with sauteed beef liver (in a blender on high, or a food processor) or canned fish, freeze in ice cube trays, and offer one per meal.
Becca Shouse: Irena Farm, Semora, NC
Cord, Ted, Gus, Zhi, Maggie, Lynn, Lu, Min and Tully - and Sam!
Waiting: Bubo & Ben
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