If a dog is carrying excess weight, this not only affects its general vitality - it can also cause serious health problems.
Excess weight (obesity) damages joints, the heart and circulation and can lead to other conditions such as diabetes. Dog owners should therefore keep a careful eye on their dog, ensuring their canine friend maintains a slender figure. Genuine devotion to your pet is not shown by always keeping its food bowl full, but by interacting with it responsibly. This includes extended time playing, exercising and - not least - providing the right food in the right quantity.
Excess weight in dogs
Is my dog too fat?
The first question is whether the animal is at an ideal weight. Assessment by a vet is often helpful in this regard. A general rule of thumb is that if you can no longer feel the dog’s ribs, or only feel them with difficulty, you have obviously been too generous with food in the past. In such a case it is high time to counter this. Taking regular, small steps is a more promising approach than implementing a radical diet.
Helping a dog to lose weight
Three points ensure long-term success in controlling weight: Firstly, the dog must consume less energy than it has in the past. To avoid any impairment in the supply of nutrients, a well-balanced, low-calorie diet is recommended.
Secondly, all additional titbits e.g. treats and snacks should be stopped temporarily or deducted from the daily ration of the low-calorie food. Many snacks contain more calories than is generally assumed.
Thirdly, it is very important to increase the physical activity of the animal. Dogs benefit from regular walks, games and dog sports