Dog food for overweight dogs

As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that your dog's diet is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. For instance, if you're a hunter with an active hunting dog, the risk of your dog being or becoming overweight is relatively low. However, if your dog is a companion family pet with lower physical activity, managing their weight becomes more crucial—particularly if they belong to a breed that has a strong affinity for food. Even small aspects of daily life can influence the likelihood of your dog becoming overweight, such as the type and frequency of treats they receive, and whether these are incorporated into their regular diet or given occasionally. Also, feeding your dog leftovers from dinner can significantly impact their calorie intake and overall diet. If you suspect that your dog might be overweight, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for guidance.

What are the consequences of being overweight in dogs?

Being overweight can lead to a multitude of significant consequences for dogs, as they become more susceptible to various diseases. These include conditions like joint diseases such as arthrosis and osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, respiratory issues, reduced quality of life due to decreased mobility, and heightened risks during anesthesia. On average, it's estimated that obese dogs may have their lifespan shortened by around 2 years. Consequently, addressing excess weight in dogs is of utmost importance. Adjusting their diet and feeding them specially formulated dog food for this issue is crucial to their well-being.

What are the symptoms of obesity?

For dogs with abundant fur, detecting weight gain can prove challenging. Nonetheless, a few kilograms can represent a significant proportion of the dog's total body weight, particularly in cases where the dog's ideal weight might be around 10 kg. Consequently, it's advisable to be aware of your dog's target weight and consistently monitor their weight (unless the increase is visibly noticeable). Beyond the numerical value on the scale, signs of excess weight can manifest through altered and constrained movement patterns, as well as increased panting and breathlessness during activity

Why do dogs become overweight?

Similar to humans, dogs can become overweight when they consume more calories than their body expends. In this scenario, excess energy accumulates as fat deposits within the body since it remains unused. This energy is typically utilized by the body's cells during physical activity when muscles are engaged. However, in periods of inactivity, the energy may not be expended and consequently remains stored. To prevent overweight issues, understanding the dog's activity level is crucial to ensuring a balanced dietary intake of fats, avoiding both excessive and insufficient consumption.