Weight Management in Dogs

by the K9 Guy, 10-03-17

October is pet wellness month and includes Pet Obesity Awareness Day (see calendar here). I know that keeping a dog fit and trim can sometimes be challenging. Some dogs regulate their intake well, some do not. In fact, recent studies have found a genetic basis for overeating in some breeds. In the end, it's up to a dog's owner to make sure their pet is getting appropriate types and amounts of nutrition. Here are a few tips that might be helpful...

Look at your dog. A dog that is too heavy will first lose definition around their waist and stomach. A dog of good weight should have a step off behind the ribs, and a stomach that tucks upward.
Measure what you feed - I've seen a lot of owners grossly mis-judge the amount of food their dog is given. If you don't measure every meal, you don't know what you're dog's really getting in terms of daily calories. Measuring allows you to make slight caloric adjustments as needed.
Don't free feed - Leaving food in your dog's bowl makes it difficult to track intake amounts, and in many dogs it can cause finicky eating habits. This can cause nutrition issues, especially as dogs age.
Read labels - You need to know how many calories are in the amount of food you're serving. If you vary foods, check with every change. Dog foods can vary from 250 to 450+ Kcal / cup. Using the same amount of a more caloric recipe can add weight to your pet very quickly.
Understand guidelines - Pet food labels will have some recommendation of how much to feed based on your dog's ideal weight. So feed based on desired weight, not current weight. These guidelines can vary substantially depending on a dog's age, activity level, metabolism, etc. Also, consult your Veterinarian if you dog is grossly over or under weight, regarding proper feeding amounts for safe weight change rates.
Limit treats - Treats typically offer poor nutrition. Your dog can have some treats, but they should account for less than 10% of their caloric intake each day. Many dogs enjoy carrots or other vegetables which will be lower in calories, and more nutritious than most of what will be bought in the store.

Increasing numbers of our pets are getting too heavy. Just like humans, this causes a multitude of health issues. In the end, calories in vs calories out is what decides if a dog is loosing, adding, or maintaining weight. Weight changes don't happen overnight! Keeping "an eye on your pet" is the best way to assure their weight remains healthy.

Similar comments, and a helpful video, were in an article I posted last year.