As promised – we have returned with Our Friend Ollie – Part II which will uncover, reveal and expose my ignorance to the importance of counting canine calories…

The idea of learning/knowing what my dogs caloric intake should be – was information I never thought I would need. I was clueless to the significant connection it has with maintaining a proper diet for the Boys. #duh

How could I have not known about – 

• Maintenance requirements
• Resting energy requirements

Good Lord!

Yet, here we be.

Just as confused as ever…

According to the FDA – all dog foods (dry and canned) are supposed to list “calorie content” but that’s not the same as providing a “caloric count.” Which leads me to this continuing saga.

In Our Friend Ollie – (Part I), I ended the post abruptly at the vet’s office leaving you to wonder about those 2 extra pounds.

Not sure which way you thought this would end, but here’s the rest of the story… 

THE BEGINNING –

When I agreed to switch the Boys from their 98% protein air-dried food to Ollie – (a dog food company that uses natural, human grade ingredients), I never thought about calories.

Ollie uses an algorithm to calculate the proper portions of customized meals, personalized for your dog. But it was my job to supply the information needed…

• Name: Harley
• Age: 10 years
• Breed: Goldendoodle
• Sex: Male
• Spay/neuter status: Neutered
• Activity level: Active
• Weight: 52 lbs
• Skinny/fat/just right: Just right
• Current diet (type): Dehydrated
• Current diet (protein): Lamb
• Food allergies: None

 In last weeks post when I told you the first two boxes arrived with what looked like enough food to feed four dogs. I later realized why.

CURRENT VS. IDEAL WEIGHT –

In all my excitement to get started, I failed to stop and think about what I was doing when I answered their initial questionnaire. 

This is precisely how I flunked as soon as I started!

My answer to the weight question was based on what they recently weighed a week earlier. Which, by the way, was NOT their ideal weight according to the vet.

• Harley’s weight range should be 49-50 pounds. The weight I entered into the algorithm for him was 52 pounds.
• Jaxson’s weight range should be 64 pounds. The weight I entered into the algorithm for him was 67 pounds.

When I provided their current weight vs. ideal weight, I sent two slightly overweight Doodles waddling down the wrong road.

HEAVYWEIGHTS IN THE HOUSE –

My proud Doodle Mom moment quickly disappeared when the Vet Tech checked us in –

• Harley weighed 53.6 pounds
• Jaxson (aka Biggie Smalls) weighed 70.8 pounds. #whatinthedoodle

I had no words. The silence in the room was unbearable. All I could hear was everybody breathing and my own heartbeat echoing in my ears – loudly. 

Doodle Doc remained quiet as she examined Harley very carefully from nose to tail…

My Grandmother used to say –

God takes care of fools and babies.

I understood the statement well that afternoon and trust me I was not the baby referenced! LOL

When Dr. Pruitt started asking questions about the new food – I regurgitated everything I did in preparation for the transition – including the weight information I provided. That’s when the light bulb flicked on.

Based on the current weight – 

• Harley’s caloric intake calculated at 521 per meal X 2 = 1,042 per day
• Jaxson’s caloric intake calculated at 707 per meal X 2 = 1,414 per day

This was too many calories for their size, age and activity levels. I had no idea.

BASIC CALORIE CALCULATIONS –

Having knowledge of the correct caloric intake for both Doods never entered my mental rolodex. 

When I think back to the days of kibble – the back (or side) of the package listed height, age and weight ranges, but I don’t recall ever paying attention to a caloric guide for reference.

But thanks to an incredible Vet and the team that #keepsitreal at Ollie – I am now better versed on the importance of calories in a dog’s diet.

The internet provides many charts and graphs. These are estimates calculated using a basic formula to determine how many calories your dog burns each day.

The mathematics behind determining how many calories your dog needs each day can be a bit confusing. Maintaining a healthy weight during a pets life stages depends on several factors. This is why I would highly recommend you discuss caloric intake with your vet the next time you have an appointment. 

Even now, from all that I’ve learned (and what Doodle Doc has outlined for each of the Boys) the total calories still differ from the “generic” formulas and charts. Listening to their vet who knows them and their health history makes me feel extremely comfortable.

THE HEALTHY ROAD – 

Doodle Doc is completely behind our friend Ollie, and before I left her office we had a plan. I was given new caloric intake numbers, to pass along to the Ollie team. 

• Harley was to consume 728 calories per day
• Jaxson was to consume 856 calories per day

Our friend Ollie adjusted their food packs, walked me through the right amount to feed, shipped new food to us and on July 23rd – we felt redeemed! 

• Harley weighed in at 52.2
• Jaxson weighed in at 67.4

We are on the road to weight recovery.

• When Harley reaches 49 lbs we are to adjust to 725 calories per day
• When Jaxson reaches 64 lbs we are to adjust to 875 calories per day  

Pet parents know achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has proven to reduce the risk of illness and add years to our pets life! This is what we strive to do. All of us!

I love how our friend Ollie is helping us do just that. The visible effects are beginning to shine brightly – but that’s another blog post!

If you’d like to try Ollie, you can get 100% of all the goodness for only 50% of the price. Simply click here. 

ONE MORE THING – 

In the wake of not one – but two mass shootings over the weekend, the Boys and I want to express our sincere condolences to all who felt the effects of these tragedies…

We must become the change we want to see in the world ❤️

DISCLAIMER: Groovy Goldendoodles™ is in a sponsored relationship with Ollie. GGD is being compensated for helping spread the word about Ollie dog food, but Groovy Goldendoodles™ will only share information about a product we feel is relevant and beneficial to our readers. Ollie is not responsible for the content of this article, only Harley and Jaxson’s tail wagging, lick smacking four paws up approval.