How do I determine if my dog is overweight?

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).

What to do if your dog is overweight?

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.

What's the Best Way for a Dog to Lose Weight?

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.

Which Food for Overweight Dogs?

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.

How can I help my dog lose weight?

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.

Which nutrients are important in calorie-reduced dog food?

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.

Diät für Haustiere - Fitnesstipps gegen Winterspeck beim Hund

When is a diet sensible for pets?

In case of overweight

A few extra kilos on the scale don't matter much for us humans. But for dogs, depending on size and breed, already 1-2 kilos mean that the →four-legged friend is overweight. Even if the "chubby look" is downplayed, it poses a health risk for our dogs if they have too much winter fat on their hips. Then it’s time to go on a diet!

Small tip: Your dog has ideal weight if it is within the normal range of its weight class. This is usually dependent on breed and age. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for advice. They can also assess well whether your mixed-breed dog has too much winter fat or not.

Unser Futter für Hunde: gesund, ehrlich, lecker.

In case of illness

If your dog needs a special diet due to a specific illness, it is also referred to as a "diet." For example, in cases of kidney disease, low-calorie food is often recommended to relieve the kidneys. Your veterinarian is happy to provide advice here.

[TRANSLATION ERROR] Gesundheit im Napf - dazu gehören hochwertige Komponenten wie knackige Obst- und Gemüsesorten, die Nährstoffe spenden und das Immunsystem unterstützen.

Is it normal for my dog to gain weight in winter?

When winter approaches, many dogs gain a little weight as if by magic (or human hands?). "It doesn't matter, because a little winter fat protects against the cold." - you think? That's right. If dogs look a little "chubbier" in winter and you can't feel their ribs as much as in summer, that's okay. The layer of fat actually provides some protection against the cold. Most dogs lose their little winter fat in spring all by themselves.

What’s important is that the weight gain doesn't get out of hand. Severe overweight should definitely be avoided! →Does your dog get cold quickly in winter, better buy him a coat - it keeps him warm and is much healthier than being overweight.

5 quick fitness tips for pets

Has your dog gained a little winter fat that now needs to come off? Unfortunately, we don't have a gym membership, but →our 5 fitness tips help just as well:

1. Reduce snacks & small treats in between and/or include them in the daily food ration. Read in our article, →how much food your dog needs per day.

2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Of course, a couch potato won't become a marathon runner overnight. But just a few (diet) food search games, a bit of tugging, or walking up and down the street once more helps.

3. No carrying around! If your four-legged friend is healthy, there’s really no reason to carry them around, right?

4. Tasty & healthy snacks! Carrots, cucumber, apple, and co. taste very good to many (especially greedy dogs).

5. Give diet food or calorie-reduced food! You shouldn't just reduce the daily food amount, otherwise, it can lead to a nutrient deficiency.

Undine Tackmann

Diet for Pets - Fitness Tips Against Winter Fat in Dogs