Weight management for dogs
Weight management for dogs
Is your dog overweight? Don’t take it lightly!
Many of us don’t realise that our dog is overweight because the weight gain often happens gradually. Even though it’s happening right in front of you, a little extra weight here and there can add up to some serious health issues.
Being as little as 10% overweight can greatly increase the risks associated with serious health conditions which can impact your dog's quality of life
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. You can also see what we call an 'abdominal tuck' from the side, where your dogs shape reduces significantly in the 'tuck' behind the ribs. Ask your Veteinary Nurse to show you.
Signs your pet is overweight:
You can’t feel yur pet's 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. Ask your Veterinary Nurse to show you.
Still not sure?
Take our L.O.V.E. test to find out. You’ll even receive a personalised 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, 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 will contribute to weight gain. This can be due to unlimited or inconsistent portions of food. Always weighing your pet's food is recommended to ensure you don't over feed.
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, 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 will contribute to weight gain. This can be due to unlimited or inconsistent portions of food. Always weighing your pet's food is recommended to ensure you don't over feed.
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 maintain a healthy weight. Here are a few workout tips and exercises you and your dog can do together.
- Toys and Games
- Walking or Jogging
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.
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 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 weight management foods to help your dog maintain a lean body condition as well as a healthy & active lifestyle.
Related products for healthy pets prone to weight gain
Multi-Benefit + Dental Adult 1+ Medium And Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Chicken recipe dry dog food for medium breed dogs, with Dental Kibble Technology that helps reduce plaque & tartar buildup, and helps freshen breath and keep gums healthy as pets chew.
Multi-Benefit + Dental Adult 1+ Small & Mini Dry Dog Food
Chicken recipe dry dog food for small breed dogs, with Dental Kibble Technology that helps reduce plaque & tartar buildup, and helps freshen breath and keep gums healthy as pets chew.
Healthy Weight Dog Treats
Hill's Healthy Weight Dog Treats - a tasty, complementary pet food formulated for adult dogs over the age of 1 to support healthy weight loss and maintenance.
Multi-Benefit Puppy Wet Food
Hill's Vet Essentials Multi-Benefit Puppy wet dog food with tender Chicken (in a can for Small & Mini and Medium breed puppies up to 12 months old) is vet-exclusive, multi-benefit nutrition clinically proven to support your puppy's growth and developmental needs. For healthy digestion and well-being, our ActivBiome+ prebiotic blend nourishes their developing microbiome and is formulated with omega-3s to support brain development and antioxidants to support a developing immune system — for a better today, and many more tomorrows.
With nutritional benefits that are comparable to our dry food, wet foods can help increase your pet’s water intake and are a great way to satisfy your dog’s need for variety, with many ways to mix wet and dry foods.
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.
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.
Why Does My Dog Eat So Fast?
It's common for dogs to eat faster than humans, but learn why exactly some dogs might eat too fast and any health issues that can come up because of it.
What Is The Best Dog Food For Small Breeds?
Find the best nutrition for small breed dogs and what makes the perfect food choice for their health. Explore more guidance for small dogs at Hill's Pet UK.
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. Ensuring your pet is ahealthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your pet.