Although the dog with some extra weight may appear cute and healthy, what is happening within her body is concerning. Excess weight can harm your dog's health, well-being, and longevity. Controlling your dog's food intake and providing adequate exercise opportunities are essential to maintaining your dog's weight.

Canine obesity is an epidemic in the United States. In 2007, it was estimated that 42% of dogs were either overweight or obese. But that number soared to over 56% in 2021. The percentage of obese dogs is growing faster than that of overweight dogs. 

Dog parents need to know the dangers of obesity and ways to prevent it. Understanding the contents of the food they are feeding and how exercise impacts their dog's health will aid them in making the right choices for their dog.

Choosing the right food for your dog is the foundation for her excellent health. A biologically-appropriate diet has high-quality protein and fat with minimal carbohydrates. Although wolves and other wild canids consume some vegetation, the total percentage of carbohydrates in their diet is less than 5% on average, and the carbs are raw, whole foods or the stomach contents of their prey. 

Dogs have no requirement for carbohydrates, yet commercial dry kibble can have up to 70%. The excess carbohydrate intake causes constant metabolic stress and systemic inflammation in your dog's body, leading to diabetes, cancer, and obesity. 

Feeding whole and unprocessed food is a healthy alternative to a kibble-only diet. 

While most dog parents are aware of the harmful health effects of sugar consumption and understand that their dogs do not require it, they may not be aware of the large amounts of sugar in the form of carbohydrates in their dog's kibble. Although not listed in the ingredients of your dog's food, sugar lurks within the kibble in the form of grains, potatoes, soy, rice, and peas. 

Starch, sugar, and fiber are all examples of carbohydrates. The term "soluble carbohydrate" refers to a mixture of starch and sugar devoid of fiber. Pet food manufacturers are not required to disclose the carbohydrate content on the assured analysis of the dog food despite being unable to extrude kibble without including starch.

Because fiber is mainly indigestible, it delays the digestion of carbohydrates, lowering insulin levels and encouraging regular bowel movements. Because of this effect, we do not count fiber as sugar when calculating the carbohydrate percentage of dog food.

Elevated blood sugar levels cause a rapid increase in insulin levels in the bloodstream. Insulin then transports the sugars to muscle and fat cells, which are used for energy. Muscle cells run out of storage space over time (especially in sedentary dogs), but fat cells store extra energy indefinitely.

The enzyme amylase digests starch and sugar, while cellulase and bacteria in the gut digest fiber. Although just a small amount of fiber is digestible by dogs, it is necessary for intestinal health and modulating insulin levels.

Fostering a good rapport with a team of veterinary professionals is critical for your dog's wellness plan. During routine office visits, your dog's weight will be charted, allowing the veterinary team to track her weight over time. Veterinarians use a Body Condition Score (BCS), a scale of 1-5 or 1-9, to record your dog's body fitness. 

Using the BCS allows you and the veterinary team to detect slight body fat and weight increases. Establishing your dog's score involves both a visual and physical examination of her body. The veterinarian will palpate your dog's body along the ribcage, spine, and base of the tail to determine the amount of fat covering the musculature. The physical exam is crucial for long-haired dogs as they carry more weight and fat than is easily seen.

The feeding directions on a bag of kibble are blanket statements about the average dog. The directions are based on weight only. You must adjust the feeding recommendations to match your dog's age and activity level. Adjustments may need to be made seasonally as we all tend to have lower activity levels in those cold winter months.

Food measurements must be accurate, especially for small and toy breeds, as their caloric needs are minimal. Measuring a meal with a scoop or cup can result in excessive calories and weight gain.

The standard method of free feeding or free choice is having food available to a dog at all times; allowing her to eat when and how much she wants can lead to several problems. The intake of food is more challenging to monitor. Loss of appetite or excessive eating are both clinical signs of various diseases. It may take several days to realize that a dog's eating patterns have changed significantly if more than one household member adds food to its bowl.

A restricted feeding method allows you to provide the exact amount of calories your dog needs. There are two types of restricted or controlled feeding: restriction of the amount supplied and regulation of the time the food is available to the dog. Amount restriction offers a specific amount of food each day, leaving it out if necessary for the dog to consume over time. This allows a dog to choose when it eats, but the amount is controlled.

Time restriction makes food available to a dog within a feeding window and removes it after the set time. Time windows can be short, but the dog should feel free to finish its meal before removing it. 

An active lifestyle is critical in maintaining your dog's weight. Exercise aids in the stability of your dog's metabolism and fat management. It also strengthens your dog's bones as they respond to the activity of the skeletal muscles. Bone density increases with regular exercise.

Your dog's enthusiasm for exercise is always a good indication of her health. An overweight or obese dog will, by nature, be less active. However, as you increase your dog's activity level, you will soon notice her becoming more eager to exercise. A dog losing interest in activity may need to be examined for illness or weight gain.

As the dog parent, you are the most in tune with your dog. Daily observations on feeding habits and exercise tolerance are critical indicators of how your dog is feeling. Maintaining a journal that details your dog's habits can be of great value when an issue arises. 

You need to schedule a veterinary visit if you notice sudden weight, endurance, and mobility changes. Your dog will display clinical signs of weight gain, such as decreased interest in exercise, increased or decreased appetite, excessive thirst, lethargy, or a general change in demeanor. 

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Do not let your dog fall into this category, as it can decrease her health, well-being, and longevity. Taking the actions outlined above to become an informed, conscientious, and loving dog parent will be an asset to your dog.

Canine obesity has reached epidemic levels, with the latest statistics indicating that 56% of dogs are overweight or obese!

Regular veterinary visits that include a weigh-in and a physical examination to determine your dog's Body Condition Score will inform you about her weight status.

Provide the correct level of food and exercise to help maintain your dog's ideal weight.

Prevalence of Canine Obesity, Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction, and Relationship with Owner Obesity in an Obesogenic Region of Spain - PMC 

Study finds overweight dogs live shorter lives | American Veterinary Medical Association 

Canine obesity: is there a difference between veterinarian and owner perception? - White - 2011 - Journal of Small Animal Practice - Wiley Online Library 

Faecal microbiota in lean and obese dogs 

Weight loss in obese dogs: evaluation of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet 

High-Protein Low-Carbohydrate Diets Enhance Weight Loss in Dogs 

Proposed Revisions Edited per Comments for 2014 Official Publication 1 AAFCO METHODS FOR SUBSTANTIATING NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY 


The Canine Obesity Epidemic

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