Weight management for dogs
Weight management for dogs
Is your dog overweight? Don’t take it lightly.
Many of us don’t realize that our dog is overweight because it often happens gradually over time. Even though it’s happening right in front of you, a few ounces here and there can add up to some serious health issues.
Being as little as 10% overweight can greatly increase the risk of your dog developing serious health conditions.
Your dog may look just fine to you, but the ideal weight varies by size and breed. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if your dog is overweight.
Signs that your dog may be overweight include:
Signs that your dog may be overweight include:
Signs your pet is emaciated:
The ribs, spine and hip bones are visible from a distance, and there is no discernible body fat.
Signs your pet is healthy weight:
The ribs can be easily felt without excess fat, and you can see the waist behind the ribs from above. Abdominal tuck is present.
Signs your pet is overweight:
You can’t feel ribs because they are covered in fat. Large fat deposits are over the neck, chest, spine and base of tail. Both waist and abdominal tuck are absent.
Still not sure?
Take our L.O.V.E. test to find out. You’ll even receive a personalized weight report for your pet to share with your vet.
Why being overweight matters
Weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with a lack of exercise. But there can be other contributing factors, too.
Age
Older dogs are often less active and require fewer calories, which makes nutrition formulated for their age vital to their weight and overall health.
Breed
Different dog breeds can have different metabolisms, which means some breeds are more likely to become overweight.
Neutering / Spaying
Clinical studies have shown that the energy requirements of neutered dogs are lower, and they require fewer calories.
Medical Problems
Very occasionally, weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment.
Overfeeding
Consuming more calories than necessary can contribute to weight gain. This can be due to unlimited or inconsistent portions of food.
Feeding Habits
Feeding table scraps and “people food,” or too many treats, can lead to obesity.
Weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with a lack of exercise. But there can be other contributing factors, too.
Age
Older dogs are often less active and require fewer calories, which makes nutrition formulated for their age vital to their weight and overall health.
Breed
Different dog breeds can have different metabolisms, which means some breeds are more likely to become overweight.
Neutering / Spaying
Clinical studies have shown that the energy requirements of neutered dogs are lower, and they require fewer calories.
Medical Problems
Very occasionally, weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment.
Overfeeding
Consuming more calories than necessary can contribute to weight gain. This can be due to unlimited or inconsistent portions of food.
Feeding Habits
Feeding table scraps and “people food,” or too many treats, can lead to obesity.
See what those foods really mean for your pet
As well as feeding your dog the correct nutrition, promoting regular exercise will help with the process of healthy weight loss. Here are a few exercise and workout tips you and your dog can do together:
- Toys and Games
- Walking or Jogging
- Swimming
Toys and games
Who says exercise has to be a hassle? Your dog can also get a dose of exercise by playing a quick game of fetch or tug-of-war. If you want to mix things up, try building an obstacle course or teaching them a new trick.
Walking or jogging
Even a casual walk through nature every day can help your dog burn calories and stimulate their senses. Mix in some jogging or running to increase your pet’s heart rate.
Swimming
Taking a swim is a great low-impact exercise for humans and dogs alike, making it a great option for older pets. Visit the local beach or lake to let your dog get wet and wild.
Picking the right dog food for weight management
The food your dog eats directly affects their overall health and wellbeing. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. Too many snacks can cause weight gain.
Ask your vet about Hill’s line of weight management foods to help your dog maintain a lean body condition as well as a healthy & active lifestyle.
Picking the right dog food for weight management
The food your dog eats directly affects their overall health and wellbeing. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. Too many snacks can cause weight gain.
Ask your vet about Hill’s line of weight management foods to help your dog maintain a lean body condition as well as a healthy & active lifestyle.
Related Products
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Small Bites Dry Dog Food is highly digestible great tasting nutrition for small dogs clinically proven to help settle digestive upsets. Fortified with Hill's proprietary ActivBiome+ Ingredient Technology clinically shown to rapidly activate the gut microbiome to support digestive health and well-being.
Hill's Prescription Diet Multi-Organ Complex Support
Therapeutic nutrition for the complexity of feeding pets that may have conflicting nutritional needs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Natural Jerky Mini-Strips with Real Chicken Dog Treats
Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Potato & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
Limited ingredient dog food to support a dog's food sensitivities
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d starter kit Dog Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in a variety of forms and flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d with Chicken Wet Dog Food
Formulated to support your dog's heart health
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in multiple wet forms & flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d with Chicken Dog Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and increase appetite
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Prescription Diet Brain Care + j/d Dog Food
Clinical nutrition for dogs with cognitive dysfunction and compromised mobility
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Small Bites Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Small Bites Dog Dry Food is clinically shown to reduce plaque, stain & tartar buildup and clean up to the gum line in small dogs. It is formulated as a complete and balanced nutritional solution for your dog's daily health regimen. The kibble size is designed to meet the needs of your smaller dog.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Related articles
Is it Safe to Feed My Dog a Banana?
Are bananas good or bad for dogs? Find out if it's safe too feed him a banana treat and what to do if he's eaten a whole one, peel and all.
How to Handle Dogs Who are Picky Eaters
You feed tasty and nutritious dog food, yet your dog only sniffs and licks at it. It’s time for the next meal, but the previous meal still isn’t finished. You might have a finicky dog!
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
It's a tasty treat, but is pineapple safe for dogs? Discover the pros and cons of feeding your dog pineapple and how to do it safely.
Frozen & Fun Dog Treats for Hot Summer Days
Learn how to make frozen dog treat recipes that can help keep your pup cool in the summer heat, including which ingredients work best to keep him hydrated.
Put your overweight dog on the road to recovery
If your dog is already having trouble with weight problems, there are plenty of things you can do to improve their condition.