Signs & Symptoms
Most often it falls Overweight in Dogs only becomes noticeable when the belly swings from side to side while running. However, in this case, your dog has already gained quite a bit of weight.
First signs of overweight are that you cannot feel your dog's ribs when you touch them. Ribs no longer easy you can feel. Additionally, the figure should suggest the shape of an hourglass, thus making the waist the narrowest part of the body. If it is gno waist shape If it's noticeable, your dog probably weighs too much.
Causes
If your dog is healthy, the main cause of overweight is usually too much food and too little exercise. To ensure your dog maintains its ideal weight, it's important that you adhere to the recommended feed amount of the food you have chosen.
Snacks and additional treats should definitely be deducted from the daily food ration. Based on the size of your dog, even a few treats can cause weight gain.
Kalorien- und fettreduziertes Futter für Hunde mit Übergewicht
A common problem with dog nutrition is obesity, which can be promoted by unsuitable food. To optimally support you, we have specially selected Food for overweight dogs compiled.
To determine if your dog is overweight, feel its ribs: You should be able to feel them without too much pressure. The waist should also be visible from above. A round belly is often a sign of being overweight. Also, observe its behavior - is it less active or quickly out of breath? A visit to your vet can also provide clarity, as they can professionally assess your dog's physical condition and determine the Body Condition Score (BCS).
If your dog is carrying too much weight, you should support them in losing it. If your dog is too fat, it can indeed have health consequences. Achieving and maintaining the ideal weight for your pet is no problem with the right food, the appropriate amount of food, and sufficient exercise. There is also special diet and weight management food for dogs, which is calorie-reduced yet still satisfying.
Pay attention to the daily food intake and also consider the snacks. Especially breeds with a large appetite tend to be overweight. In addition to your daily walks, you can increase the exercise depending on the severity of the overweight by walking faster or longer. Swimming can also help water-loving dogs lose weight and is also gentle on the joints.
A healthy and species-appropriate diet for a dog consists of food with high-quality ingredients and without unnecessary additives such as grains, sugar, or flavorings. Pay attention to the appropriate amount of food and also consider snacks, and your dog will naturally lose weight. Additionally, you can also feed special diet and weight management food for dogs. This is usually a calorie-reduced food that still satisfies and tastes delicious.
Helping your dog lose weight begins with a balanced, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise. Avoid treats and instead give healthy snacks like carrots or cucumbers. Plan daily walks and gradually increase activity through games like fetch or agility training. Consult your veterinarian for a tailored nutrition and exercise plan to ensure your dog loses weight healthily.
Calorie-reduced dog food should be rich in high-quality proteins to maintain muscle mass, and contain fibers that promote a feeling of fullness. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for joint health, especially in overweight dogs. Vitamins and minerals should also be included to support overall health. Make sure that the food contains little fat and easily digestible carbohydrates to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing nutrients.