Obesity in Dogs | How to Manage Your Dog’s Weight

Obesity in Dogs is the most common nutritional disorder seen in dogs.

Almost 25% to 40% of dogs are overweight, but we often do not identify this problem in our canine friends till either they are visibly obese or either we take them to our vet for a different reason.

Obesity is the storehouse for many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease & arthritis.

And, as the ideal weight keeps varying according to the dog’s breed, size, and type, we might find it a nerve-wracking task to manage obesity in our furry friends.

Therefore, identifying the causes of obesity and then following a proper weight management plan to help your dog lose those extra pounds is a must for all dog parents.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk for Becoming Obese?

Dogs that are overfed as well as those that lack exercise or have a tendency to put on weight are the most at risk for becoming obese.

Obesity can occur in dogs of all ages, however, the condition is most common in middle-aged dogs of age between 5 and 10.

Neutered and indoor dogs have a higher risk of becoming overweight.

Symptoms of Obesity in Dogs

Below are the most common symptoms of an overweight dog:

• Weight gain
• Excess body fat
• Inability (or unwillingness) to exercise

Causes of Dog Obesity

Just like humans, the reason for obesity in dogs is no different!

Dogs become overweight when their calorie intake is more than their calorie expenditure. To put it in simple words, when your doggo s overfed, he becomes obese.

Some of the reasons that lead to obesity in dogs are:-

• Inactivity
• Overfeeding
• Age and Sex (With an increase in age, metabolism decreases)
• Breed
• Spay/Neuter Status
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperadrenocorticism

Why is Obesity Harmful For Your Dog

Obesity in our dogs can often lead to serious health hazards. Here are Some of the diseases that your dog can get because of being overweight:

1. Arthritis

Extra weight in dogs can put extreme pressure on the joints of the dogs, often leading to arthritis & other Joint Problems.

2. ACL

One of the most common reasons for tearing up of anterior cruciate ligament is the extra weight in dogs. Once torn up, the only way to repair them is surgery.

3. Cardiovascular Diseases

Just like in humans, the problem of being overweight can lead to Cardiovascular diseases in our canine friends.

4. Tumors & Skin Related Diseases

Due to the extra fats in the dog’s body, many times, our Furry Friends may suffer from tumors and skin diseases. Being overweight can increase the risks of tumors like lipomas ( fatty tumors ) in dogs and can also lead to several skin diseases.

5. Shortening Of Lifespan

Dogs who are overweight tend to live two years less than fit dogs.

Treatment And Management Of Obesity in Dogs

Treatment for obesity focuses on moderate & slow weight loss that is sustainable in the long term. You should focus on reducing 2-3% weight each month. Your dog can easily achieve it’s weight loss goals within 8-10 months.

This is accomplished by reducing your dog’s calorie intake and increasing his activity levels. Gradual weight loss is important to avoid malnutrition in your dog.

Here are a few tips that can help your doggo lose those extra pounds:

1. Change the Diet

Change your dog’s diet to a diet rich in dietary protein and fiber but low in fat. Protein provides a feeling of fullness, so your doggo will not feel hungry for a long time.

Dietary fiber also keeps your dog satiate for long, but unlike protein, fiber contains little to zero energy

2. Don’t Overfed

One might feel that feeding hearty meals, table scraps, and treats is a sign of love and caring for the dog, but it is not.

You need to stop that and stick to a planned diet chart. If required, take the help of your vet in preparing a well-balanced diet chart & schedule for your furry friend.

3. Physical Activity

Dogs need some form of physical activity to stay fit & healthy. Make sure to take your dog for frequent walks. Start with short walks and gradually make them longer. You can also indulge your dog by playing fetch and other fun activities.

Physical activities will increase the metabolism and help your dog burn those extra pounds faster.

4. Consult Your Vet

If your doggo is overweight, don’t hesitate to consult your vet for a special diet, food, and medications.

Best Dog Foods For Weight Management in Obese Dogs

Below is the list of the best dog food brands which can help to reduce and manage the weight of your furry friend.

1. Pedigree Pro Adult Weight Management

Incorrect feeding, unbalanced diet, and sedentary lifestyles often lead to obesity in dogs.

Pedigree PRO Weight Management meals provide expert nutrition for weight management in dogs.

This weight management dog food is suitable for all dog breeds especially, Labrador, Pug, Dachshund, and Beagle, which are genetically susceptible to weight gain and obesity.

Benefits:

• Provides 20% less fat per meal for dogs prone to weight gain
• Contains L-Carnitine to help in burning fat
• Contains Min. 26% Protein
• Formulated by research done by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition

Ingredients:

• Mannan Oligosaccharides
• Meat and Meat by-products
• Cereals and Cereal by-products
• Soya Oil
• Soy Protein Isolate
• Glucosamine and Omega Fatty Acids
• L-Carnitine
• Essential vitamins and minerals

Proximate Nutritional Analysis:

• Protein (Min) 26%
• Fat (Min) 7.50%
• Crude Fibre (Max) 5 %
• Moisture (Max) 10%

2. Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Dog Food

Managing your dog’s weight doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Hill’s Weight Management Dog Food 88% of Dogs lost approx 22% of weight at home within 2 months.

Benefits:

• Proven to boost metabolism in dogs
• Prevents from Further weight gains
• Clinically proven to provide safe weight loss

Ingredients:

• Chicken Meal,
• Coconut Oil,
• Whole Grain Wheat and Whole Grain Corn,
• Soybean Mill Run and Soybean Meal,
• Pea Fiber
• Dried Tomato Pomace,
• Dried Beet Pulp
• Essential vitamins and minerals

Proximate Nutritional Analysis:

• Protein (Min) 28.4%
• Fat (Min) 12.3%
• Carbohydrate (Min) 40.2%
• Crude Fibre (Max) 12.8 %

3. Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management

Royal Canin Canine Satiety is a special diet developed to increase appetite satisfaction in Dogs thereby helping in weight reduction.

This dry food contains a unique blend of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers that increase satiety in dogs.

Benefits:

• It contains essential nutrients and Dietary fibers that increase satiety
• Boosts Joints & Bones Health
• The high protein formula (Contains a Minimum of 28% Protein) of the product helps in maintaining muscle mass while simultaneously reducing the weight.

Ingredients:

• Chicken By-Product Meal,
• Wheat Gluten and Wheat
• Corn Gluten Meal,
• Dried Plain Beet Pulp
• Chicken Fat
• Natural Flavors
• Corn
• Fish Oil and Vegetable Oil
• Essential vitamins and minerals

Proximate Nutritional Analysis:

• Protein (Min) 28%
• Fat (Min) 7.5%
• Moisture (Max) 10%
• Crude Fibre (Max) 18.8 %

4. Purina Supercoat Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Purina SUPERCOAT Healthy Weight is specially formulated food for less active or obese dogs.
It has high protein & low-fat content that helps in maintaining your dog’s healthy weight. It also contains dietary fibers to increase satiety in dogs & helps them feel full throughout the day.

Benefits:

• Made with Real Chicken
• Calorie Controlled – to help your dog maintain a healthy weight
• High in Fibre – High in dietary fibers to increase satiety in dogs
• Natural – No added colors or flavors

Ingredients:

• Meat and meat by-products (chicken, lamb and/or pork)
• Chicken by-products
• Wholegrain Wheat
• Wholegrain Barley and/or Corn and/or Sorghum
• Cereal by-products and/or Vegetable Proteins
• Beet pulp and/or plant fibers
• Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Proximate Nutritional Analysis:

• Protein (Min) 25%
• Fat (Min) 8%
• Omega Fatty Acids (Min) 1.4%
• Crude Fibre (Max) 6.5 %

5. Farmina Vet Life Obesity Canine Formula for Dog

Farmina Vet Life Obesity is a complete dietetic food for adult dogs formulated to lose those extra pounds and to effectively manage blood glucose (diabetes mellitus).

Benefits:

• Helps in reducing excess body weight
• Helps in Managing Diabetes Miletus
• Provides Complete Diet & Nutrition

Ingredients:

• Dried beet pulp
• Whole oats
• Dehydrated chicken
• Dehydrated herring
• Chicken fat
• Salmon oil and soya oil
• Essential minerals and vitamins

Proximate Nutritional Analysis:

• Protein (Min) 22%
• Fat (Min) 6.2%
• Raw Ashes (Min) 7.8%
• Crude Fibre (Max) 7.8 %

Obesity in dogs is one of the fastest-growing health problems, however, it can easily be controlled with a proper diet and physical exercise.