What is Canine Obesity?
Just like us humans, dogs can struggle with weight gain, leading to canine obesity. The number is slowly creeping up each year – and just like with us, it can be hard to notice weight creeping up!
Canine obesity, characterised by the excessive accumulation of body fat (adipose tissue), is one of the most common nutritional disorders encountered in veterinary practice today. Approximately 46-50% of dogs in the UK are considered overweight or obese by veterinary professionals. Some studies suggest this number could be as high as 65%. In South and West Yorkshire, it’s not slowing down.
It’s not just a cosmetic issue- canine obesity can quickly compromise the health of your pup.
What causes obesity in dogs?
The most common cause of obesity in otherwise healthy dogs is imperfect feeding patterns, just like with us.
For example, high-fat, low-fibre diets, excessive treats or pet owners’ leftovers, free-choice feeding and inactive lifestyles all contribute to a poor diet. Store-bought kibble is not nutritionally enriched, and many wet food pouches have far more sugar than necessary for your pet’s diet.
However, it is important to note that medical conditions and certain medications can also play a role. Particularly, conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and others can lead to weight creeping up.
Certain breeds can also be predisposed to obesity, including:
- Pugs
- Beagles
- Boxers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Golden Retrievers
Problems associated with obesity
Obesity is not just a superficial concern; it can have lasting consequences and can even be fatal. Overweight dogs’ lifespans can be up to two and a half years shorter compared to those of dogs with a healthy body weight. Not only this, but other health concerns arise with an obese dog, such as:
- Arthritis
- Heart problems
- Cancer
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Decreased quality of life
These are only a few of the risks associated with obesity in dogs; its consequences can manifest in many more ways.
Symptoms of obesity in dogs
Signs that your dog is becoming or already overweight are:
- Weight gain
- Lower energy levels
- Collar or harness seems tighter than before
- Being unable to feel the ribs
- Decreased exercise tolerance
Ways to Prevent Obesity
The good thing is that it’s possible to get your dog back up to scratch with a strong plan in place. We know it can seem impossible to deny them that leftover bacon – but trust us, it’s for the better!
Here are some ways in which you can prevent or reverse the effects of obesity in your dog:
- Increasing exercise: Take longer and more frequent walks
- Review their diet: Reflect on both the type and amount of food they eat. Switching to a raw food diet is also recommended.
- Meal plan: Create a feeding plan to manage portion sizes.
- Tracking: Track your progress to monitor success, with regular weigh-ins, for example.
- Switch treats: Replace traditional treats with 100% natural, air-dried treats.
- Adjust mealtimes: Divide your dog’s daily food into several smaller meals. Avoid feeding them late at night since they burn fewer calories while sleeping.
- Healthy habits: Do not feed your dog leftovers or table scraps.
Raw Feeding
If you’re currently feeding your dog a raw food diet or are contemplating making the switch for weight loss, you’re in the right place! Several lean meat options can help you get started. These meats are low in fat while still providing all the essential nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy.
Opting for leaner cuts of meat ensure that your dog gets plenty of protein without the extra fat that can contribute to weight gain. Great choices include:
- Turkey
- Chicken Breast
- Rabbit
- Venison
These options are rich in protein, essential vitamins and minerals, whilst being lower in calories compared to fattier meats. By incorporating these into your dogs raw diet, you can promote healthy weight loss while maintaining their energy levels and overall well-being.
We also recommend cutting out dry foods, unless they are 100% natural and air dried.
Body Condition Score
If you’re having trouble determining if your dog is obese, check out our body condition chart!
Please bear in mind that in some instances, it may be difficult to assess the natural physique of your dog using this system. For example, greyhounds and whippets have extremely lean physiques, whereas bulldogs have a much broader shape.
Make the switch
Want to make the switch to raw food but not sure where to begin? We can help! Just browse through our resources and see how shifting your dog’s diet could improve their health in the long term!
