he gets fed a premium dry dog food. about 4 cups a day. sometimes he gets pumpkin in his food to help fill him up.
It's time for your detective skills to come out.
When you say he gets premium food, what type is he getting?
Is it good quality or does the bag say premium?
I was reading or watching somewhere where premium on the label means nothing. It just allows the manufacturer to charge more.
My 7 year old, 162 pd, OEM gets 3 & 3/4 to 4 cups of Timberwolf Ocean Blue a day, split into 2 meals. I watch his waist and ribs very carefully and adjust almost daily. Each cup is a whopping 521 calories! Protein is 26% and fat is 16%. Fat is higher than I like. I have him on fish because he's allergic to beef (and off all red meats), and doesn't do well on chicken kibble (he's fine with real chicken). He gets at least one walk a day and play sessions with Beau.
Beau is a 2 year old, 205 pd OEM and gets 8 cups plus, a day. I can see his ribs when I look down the side of him (ribs are harder to see on brindles). He is fed Solid Gold mMillenium Beef and Barley. Each cup is 387 calories and there is 22% protein and 12% fat. Great combo there. He gets 2 walks a day plus play sessions with Luke. He is also on a bit of a growth spurt.
There is a huge difference right there between the 2 foods.
The black dane in the picture looks huge! He has a very large chest and looks big boned. He may be a bit overweight, but will never be petite! Four cups of food is not a lot.
As everyone suggested, add some carrots and green beans to his meals. Gently suggest to your father that the dog (and your dad) needs some exercise everyday. Are there any doggie daycares in your area? Even getting him there a couple of times a week would be good. Anyone else in your area have a giant breed for doggie play dates? How about a dog park. Just increasing his mobility will help a lot.
