I’m at my wit’s end. Our dog, who I never even wanted, was overweight when we got him, and I’ve worked hard to get him to a healthier weight. But my partner keeps feeding him fast food! Just the other day, she went to Arby’s and bought a roast beef and cheddar sandwich specifically for the dog, bun and all. And a few days before that, she got him a kids meal from McDonald’s. She even stocks up on pup cups from Dairy Queen and keeps them in the freezer. He gets one every day. This is a yellow lab, a breed already prone to obesity. I just don’t get why she keeps doing this after I’ve told her not to. I’m beyond frustrated and don’t know what to do.
This is seriously concerning. Maybe she thinks she’s being nice, but she’s actually putting your dog’s health at risk. Have you tried giving her healthier treats to offer the dog instead? It might help if she can still ‘spoil’ him, but in a safer way.
@Morgan
I’ve tried giving her alternatives, but she just doesn’t listen. We originally took the dog in because her dad was overfeeding him fast food, and now she’s doing the same thing. I don’t know what to do anymore.
Keaton said:
@Blakeley
Totally. I’ve read about what people used to feed their dogs in ancient times, and it wasn’t great either. But they didn’t have as many options back then.
How long did your dog live? I think it’s important to find what works best for them.
Keaton said:
@Micah
You need to make a vet appointment and have her come along. Let the vet explain how dangerous this is. Maybe hearing it from a professional will get through to her.
My mother-in-law killed a dog the same way. Overfed it with junk food, and it ended up dying. It’s so sad.
@Hollis
I give my dog treats too, but there’s a difference between a little treat and a whole fast food meal. Your partner needs to see the harm she’s doing.
Keaton said:
@Hollis
I give my dog treats too, but there’s a difference between a little treat and a whole fast food meal. Your partner needs to see the harm she’s doing.
I give my dog bits of my food now and then, but she’s a Great Dane who eats well-balanced meals and gets plenty of exercise. I can’t imagine feeding her so much junk that she’d get overweight.
@Tan
It’s all about balance. I spoil my dog sometimes, but I don’t give her so much that it affects her health. Your partner needs to learn that.
Keaton said:
@Tan
It’s all about balance. I spoil my dog sometimes, but I don’t give her so much that it affects her health. Your partner needs to learn that.
My dog is almost 15, and she gets the occasional treat too. But she also eats veggies, takes daily walks, and I make sure she’s healthy. It’s all about moderation.
@Parker
Exactly! I had a dog that lived to 17 because I kept a balance. Treats are fine, but not at the expense of their health.
Keaton said:
@Tan
It’s all about balance. I spoil my dog sometimes, but I don’t give her so much that it affects her health. Your partner needs to learn that.
Moderation is key. I give my dog small bites of my food now and then, but she gets proper meals too. I wish more people understood that.
Keaton said:
@Hollis
I give my dog treats too, but there’s a difference between a little treat and a whole fast food meal. Your partner needs to see the harm she’s doing.
Feeding dogs fast food regularly isn’t just about the calories—it’s also about the salt and fat. That stuff isn’t good for dogs.
@Eli
I don’t just feed my dog McDonald’s. A little bit of meat and a couple of fries once in a while won’t hurt, but a whole sandwich is way too much.
Keaton said:
@Eli
I don’t just feed my dog McDonald’s. A little bit of meat and a couple of fries once in a while won’t hurt, but a whole sandwich is way too much.
I agree. It’s fine to share a little bit with your dog, but not like this. Moderation is everything.
Keaton said:
@Hollis
I give my dog treats too, but there’s a difference between a little treat and a whole fast food meal. Your partner needs to see the harm she’s doing.
I get it! I had to add extra calories for my dog during winter because she’s outside a lot. But it was healthy stuff, not fast food.
Keaton said:
@Hollis
I give my dog treats too, but there’s a difference between a little treat and a whole fast food meal. Your partner needs to see the harm she’s doing.
A lot of dogs were fed scraps before kibble was a thing. It’s okay if you’re careful about what they get.
@Blakeley
Totally. I’ve read about what people used to feed their dogs in ancient times, and it wasn’t great either. But they didn’t have as many options back then.
@Hollis
I’ve been through the same thing. Some people just don’t change no matter what you say.
@Blakeley
I doubt it would help. Some people just refuse to listen, no matter what experts say.
Monroe said:
@Blakeley
I doubt it would help. Some people just refuse to listen, no matter what experts say.
Yeah, but it’s worth a try. Dogs can’t advocate for themselves, so we have to do it for them.