Obese Dogs: The Importance of a Balanced Diet

Diusa, Inc.

An obese dog may be prone to various health problems, such as joint issues, increased surgical and anesthetic risks, reduced endurance during physical activity, cardiovascular disease, and a lower quality of life. That is why it is important not to underestimate the issue of obesity in our four-legged friends. 

You’ve probably heard that“dogs regulate their ownintake.” At the same time, you must always consider certain external factors, such as how easily your dog has access to food—that is, how often we offer it to them and how appealing it is to them. It is therefore advisable, unless there are special circumstances, to feed them according to a daily ration (rather than leaving food out all the time). 

To improve our dogs’ quality of life and protect their health, it is important to provide them with a proper, balanced diet and ensure they get daily exercise.

Obesity in Dogs

Obesity is a common condition in dogs and can be linked to much more serious health issues (especially in older dogs). First and foremost, the most important thing you can do is keep your dog’s weight under control. But first, let’s take a step back and look at the difference between an overweight dog and an obese dog. 

When is a dog considered obese?

Although both terms refer to an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, a dog is considered overweight if its weight is 5–20% above its ideal weight. On the other hand, it is considered obese if its body weight is more than 20% above its ideal weight. 

However, it is not always easy to tell whether weight gain is a sign of a more or less serious underlying condition. Obesity is considered a medical condition in itself, but it is also important to conduct further tests to ensure there are no other underlying medical conditions or factors that could cause weight gain without an actual accumulation of fat in the body. 

Obese Dogs: Main Causes

There are many possible causes of obesity in dogs, such as: 

• a decrease in metabolism due to aging;
• insufficient physical activity;
• poor diet; 
• genetic factors;
• hormonal issues.

Spaying or neutering can also lead to significant weight gain, as it results in a decrease in energy expenditure due to a reduction in basal metabolic rate.

In addition, the presence of related conditions (such as hypothyroidism) can also lead to abnormal weight gain.

Some dog breeds are more prone to becoming obese. For example, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Pugs. 

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Obese Dogs

A balanced and appropriate diet is essential for preventing and managing obesity in dogs. The main cause of obesity is, in fact, a caloric intake that exceeds energy requirements, often due to overly large portions, frequent snacks, or an inappropriate diet.

If you start to notice unusual weight gain, we recommend paying close attention to portion sizes. These should be tailored to your dog’s specific needs, taking into account factors such as health, breed, age, and daily activity level. Consulting your veterinarian is essential for developing a customized nutrition plan and monitoring your dog’s weight.

Always choose high-quality foods that are well-balanced in essential nutrients, and avoid foods high in fat or sugar. 

Remember: A proper diet must be accompanied by regular exercise. However, excessive or too rapid weight loss can be dangerous for your dog. It is therefore important for your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s weight loss regularly.

So, what should you feed an obese dog?

Obesity Glycemic Control Dry Food: the ideal solution for managing your dog's weight 

The Obesity Glycemic Control dog kibble from the Alleva Care line is the ideal solution for managing your four-legged friend’s metabolism and obesity. 

• They help your dog lose weight quickly and sustainably;
• They help optimize blood sugar control in dogs with diabetes;
• They arehigh in protein, which helps preserve muscle mass while burning body fat;
• They contain large amounts of fiber, which helps maintain optimal blood sugar control and promotes a feeling of fullness
• Taurine and carnitine, for heart health and proper fat metabolism; maximizes weight loss;
• They contain ingredients that help reduce inflammation caused by adipose tissue and lower blood fat levels (such as fish oil and spirulina).

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