As a pet owner, keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to ensure they live a long, happy and active life. Whether your dog is underweight or overweight, it can result in a variety of health problems and being aware of how much your dog weighs is really important. If they haven’t gotten on the scales at the vets recently, it’s recommended that you book them in for a check-up as soon as possible.
To help your dog maintain a healthy weight at every stage of their life, below we have put together some practical advice for all pet owners.
Why Healthy Weight Matters
It’s typically more common for pets to be overweight than underweight. This usually happens not due to neglect, but from a place of love. Giving your pet a few too many treats, table scraps or extra portions of food can have long-term effects on their health and reduce the quality of their life. In fact, veterinary professionals estimate that 46% of dogs are overweight or obese, and only 56% of owners know what their dog’s ideal weight is.
When your dog is overweight, it puts them at greater risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory distress, high blood pressure and cancers. Ideally, you should be able to see and feel your dog's waist and the outline of their ribs. Many pet owners don’t realise that factors such as breed, age, sex and neuter status can increase the likelihood of obesity in dogs, and it’s important to do everything you can to prevent your pet from gaining too much weight.
Useful Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the best ways to support their long-term comfort, wellbeing and quality of life. Even some small changes can make a huge difference to a dog’s health and happiness.
- Measure Meals - Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup to portion your dog's meals. Estimating or free-pouring often leads to overfeeding and weight gain. Always check the recommended serving size for your dog on the back of the food bag.
- Choose Low Calorie Dog Food - If your dog is overweight, your vet might suggest swapping to a low calorie dog food. A calorie-controlled diet will help them lose weight safely, ensuring they still get all of the essential nutrients they need and stay fuller for longer. As well as having fewer calories per serving, low calorie dry dog food will support full-body health, digestion, immune function, and overall vitality.
- Limit Treats - While treats are handy for training and bonding, they should only be given sparingly and shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s caloric intake allowance. Opt for healthy, low-calorie treats and take them into account by slightly reducing meal portions.
- Stick to Set Feeding Times - Try to feed your dog at the same times every day, and remove any uneaten food after 15 - 20 minutes. Free feeding can encourage overeating, while structured schedules help reinforce good habits.
- Increase Daily Activity - Daily walks, playing, and interactive toys will enrich your dog mentally and physically, boosting calorie burn. Vary exercise based on your dog’s age and health, and make sure it’s suitable for their breed and energy levels.
- Monitor Body Condition - As well as weighing your dog regularly, also look at their body composition and check for excess fat. It can be useful to track their progress with “before and after” photos, adjusting portions as needed to maintain an ideal shape.
- Consult your Vet - If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s weight, diet or exercise plan, your vet is always the best person to contact. They can help you pick the best low calorie dog food and manage the weight loss to ensure your dog remains healthy. They will also check for any underlying health conditions related to weight.
Making some small adjustments now can help to improve a dog’s quality of life for years to come. Keep your dog active, reduce calorie intake if needed and don’t hesitate to ask for professional advice when needed.
Supporting Your Dog’s Lifelong Health
Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is a better way to show them you love them, rather than supplying them with endless amounts of treats. If you have been told your dog is overweight and you’re looking for a specially formulated, low calorie dog food, we have the ideal solution at Clinivet. Using our Adult Light Dog Food is a convenient and effective way to keep your four-legged friend happy, active, and living life to the fullest.
If you have any questions about maintaining your dog’s healthy weight or switching to a low calorie dog food, our team at Clinivet will be happy to help. You can complete the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.