Obesity is a growing problem in dogs worldwide. In 2007, it was estimated that 42% of dogs were either overweight or obese. In a survey completed in 2021, over 56% of dogs were overweight or obese. The percentage of obese dogs is growing faster than those that are overweight. 

By definition, obesity is a buildup of extra bodily fat. Because excess body weight and fat tend to go hand in hand, most overweight and obese dogs have excess body fat.

When characterizing a dog as overweight or obese, body weight is much easier to determine than body fat. Dogs are deemed overweight when they weigh 10-20% more than their ideal body weight. Obese dogs are 20% or more over their optimal body weight.

Using the feeding recommendations on a food label does not provide enough information about the caloric count. Many dogs are overweight despite the dog parent following the printed directions. A dog’s age and activity level must also be factored into caloric needs. Many of the ingredients in kibble, such as corn and soy, are calorie-dense with minimal nutrients. 

Obesity prevention begins as a pup is weaned from its mother. A puppy should be fed a measured amount of food, divided into two to four feedings, based on its size as it grows. A canine-appropriate diet consisting of 55% muscle meat, 10% seafood, 17% raw meat bones, 7% liver, 7% another secreting organ, and 4% fur or other fiber is recommended. Overfeeding puppies can lead to a lifetime of weight problems.

Although those additional pounds may make a dog look adorable, they can cause many health risks. To learn more about the canine obesity epidemic, click here .  Let’s examine some of the most common diseases associated with obesity.

Dog parents will notice differences in their dog as she gains excessive weight. Some of the most common indicators include the following:

Reluctance to hikes or walks - Dogs may no longer be enthusiastic about going for those long adventures. They may refuse to walk or just lag behind during the walks. 

Excessive panting-Overweight dogs often pant for no apparent reason, even when resting.

Fatigue and general lethargy - A normally active dog may slowly display signs of lethargy, not wanting to engage in play or other regular activities. 

Struggling to navigate stairs or get into the car - An overweight dog will struggle to jump into a car, climb onto a couch, or even climb stairs.

If the dog parent witnesses these trends, it is time to commit to a weight loss plan for a dog.

Many orthopedic conditions can be accelerated by obesity, including degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, chronic lameness, humeral condylar fractures, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and intervertebral disc disease. All of these problems are exacerbated by the fact that joint pain causes less movement, which leads to additional weight gain.

Obesity is not the only cause of bone and joint disorders. Excessive feeding of large and giant breed puppies can lead to degenerative orthopedic disorders, including osteochondritis dissecans and hip dysplasia. Slight underfeeding is a healthier option to avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

Weight loss can decrease pain and increase mobility in dogs!

Cardiovascular and Respiratory System Difficulties

Obesity has a significant impact on a dog’s cardiovascular system. Heart function is compromised as fat accumulates in the dog’s body. Fat layers form around a dog's chest area, which can cause a ribcage restriction and result in restricted breathing. A cough occurs when parts of the lungs are unable to inflate fully. Overheating and heatstroke occur more frequently in obese dogs.

A secondary condition to chronic respiratory difficulties is a collapsed trachea. This is most common in small-breed dogs, especially those that are overweight or obese. The collapsed trachea further restricts the dog's breathing and can become life-threatening if left untreated. The treatment plan for the collapsed trachea will include weight loss.

Weight loss will reduce the signs of respiratory problems and increase a dog’s energy level!

Adiponectin is a molecule secreted by fat cells that has been shown to protect against cancer. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells. However, excess fat does not mean the dog will have more adiponectin. Instead, it has been found that less adiponectin is released when there is too much fat within the body.

The contrary is also true: more adiponectin is released when fat is used to fuel the body, as in dogs with thin bodies. This suggests that dogs in better shape and burn fat for energy are less likely to acquire cancer than dogs that store excess fat.

Obese dogs are more likely to develop cancer. Weight loss alone can significantly reduce a dog’s cancer risk. 

Several endocrine disorders are attributed to obesity in dogs, including diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis, and hypothyroidism.

Diabetes is the most prevalent of the concerns as it is on the rise in both people and dogs in association with poor diet, and ultra-processed foods contribute to the increase in cases. Although diabetes has many causes, it is often triggered by obesity. The number one recommendation for people with diabetes is to drastically reduce carbohydrate intake, especially corn, soy, rice, and grains. This same recommendation should apply to dogs.

Weight loss and reduced consumption of carbohydrates will reduce a dog’s risk of diabetes.

Obesity increases the risks involved with anesthesia in dogs. Complications occur because the drug dose becomes less precise. It is difficult to calculate an obese dog’s lean body mass for anesthetic dosing. 

The anesthetic risk is exacerbated if the dog is already experiencing respiratory difficulties and possible cardiovascular disorders from carrying too much weight or if there is any degree of tracheal collapse. Furthermore, anesthesia suppresses respiration, making healthy air exchange more challenging.

A layer of additional fat complicates abdominal surgery. A thick layer of fat not only restricts easy access to the abdominal cavity but also obscures the anatomical structures within the cavity.

Weight loss alone could reduce the risk of complications during surgery. 

Obesity can shorten a dog's life by up to two years! When a dog is obese, its quality of life is significantly lower. The dog’s physical and mental health often suffers from carrying around the extra weight. Obese dogs are slower to get down and up and get winded easily. They are less likely to play, resulting in less physical and mental stimulation.

Weight loss alone could increase a dog’s quality of life and lifespan!

Although obesity is not a health risk, the cost of veterinary care should be addressed. As a dog develops obesity-related diseases, veterinary care costs become a significant issue for dog parents. Discussions about the potential costs should occur during the obesity conversation between veterinarians  and dog parents before the dog exhibits any clinical signs of obesity-related diseases.

It's vital to remember that every dog is different. The preferred option is placing the dog on a fresh diet, ideally, an ancestral raw or home-cooked diet, limiting unnecessary carbohydrates and fillers such as starchy vegetables, peas, rice, wheat, and millet.  However, simply preparing a chicken and rice diet , even with a few added vegetables, will create nutritional imbalances.

A diet such as the Real 6X Ancestral ™  diet that would meet the dog’s nutritional needs would include:

Six elements (protein, seafood, bone, liver, other secreting organs, and fiber/fur)

Variety: Aim for 5 to 9 protein variations throughout the month

Domesticated dogs are facultative carnivores. When fed kibble, they consume a diet formulated for omnivores. A species-appropriate diet does not include ultra-processed food but one with whole, fresh foods in the correct portions based on the dog’s age, size, health status, and activity level.

Generally, adult dogs can eat 2.5% of their body weight daily. Active dogs might need 3%. The Feed Real Calculator  is an excellent tool for determining a dog’s daily nutritional needs. If a dog is overweight, the feeding recommendation can be based on her ideal weight.

A dog’s weight and body condition must be continuously monitored. Dietary adjustments must be made accordingly. Recalculate on the Feed Real Calculator  as needed to provide the optimal food levels for a dog. 

Obesity is on the rise in dogs. It is estimated that over 56% of dogs are overweight or obese.

Medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, and bone and joint disorders are all linked to obesity.

Obesity can decrease a dog’s life by two or more years!

A species-appropriate diet does not include ultra-processed food but one with whole, fresh foods in the correct portions based on the dog’s age, size, health status, and activity level.

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<a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/obesity">Obesity</a> is a growing problem in dogs worldwide. In 2007, it was estimated that 42% of dogs were either overweight or obese. In a survey completed in 2021, over 56% of dogs were overweight or obese. The percentage of obese dogs is growing faster than those that are overweight. 

5 Ways Obesity Hurts Your Dog

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