My labrador, Bella, is about 11 months old, and weighs around 70 lbs. She does not look obese, like other dogs I have seen that are obviously fat, but you cannot see the ribs. I can feel her ribs, but there is definately a layer of loose skin over the ribs. I am pretty new at judging this, so could someone give me some idea as to how to feel the ribs to determine if she is overweight?

I have her eating raw for the last few weeks now, and she is lovin' it! I had been feeding her about 3% bodyweight, but then stepped it up to 5% after reading someone saying for puppies, you should feed 5-10% bodyweight. So, at 11 mo. old, is she past the puppy stage with regards to diet?

I like my dogs at a weight where I can see one, maybe two ribs when the dogs are not working and pretty much I want to see the ribcage when the dog is working.

Now, with this said, Labs are tough to do that with....or at least in my experience.....this is what my lab looks like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/FamilyandTraining019.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0058.jpg

Shoot, no standing pics here at the office so I will add those when I get home.

Marley is well muscled (conditiong program) and has great stamina. You can see three to four ribs when he is working and none when he is not. If you run your hands along his ribcage you can feel them (prominent) with a layer of skin, but you do not have to press into the skin to feel them.....
Geesh, I hope that made sense.

I forgot....I think you would be okay lowering her percentage of Raw at her age....just make sure you keep an eye on her and keep her diet stable with everything she needs.

Hi Rick,

Different breeds grow up at different speeds, but I would think a lab at 11 months would be nearing the end of the heavier puppy feeding (at 70 lbs she also sounds like she's nearing her adult weight). Certainly, if she's holding on to too much of what she's eating, you should lower her portions.

The rib test is a good one, though the exact feel of too fat or too thin is difficult to describe... Skin and coat have a natural thickness, but excess fat will feel spongy between the coat and the rib bones. Visually, you don't want to be able to count all her ribs - there should just be a "shadow" of them, more clearly visible if she's moving and flexing. If you NEVER see any indication of those bones, she may be a little heavy...

Another test - If you stand over her, can you see her waist? Is it clear where her rib cage ends and her pelvis begins - it should tuck in a bit there on a good lean dog.

Here's a link to little chart that shows 5 stages of weight (from too thin, to too fat):
http://www.placervillevet.com/canine%20body%20condition.htm

I've also found that the raw diet, within reason, is much better at regulating a dog's healthy body weight than kibble - along with all it's other amazing benefits ... good choice!

Good luck with her!
~Natalya