Pudgy Pooches – Should Your Dog Go on a Diet?
Is your dog too fat? Does he need to go on a diet? Many owners are blissfully unaware that their dog has gained too much weight. Since we see them every day, we may not really notice that they need to shed a few pounds.
Veterinary nutritionists generally agree that 25 to 40 percent of pet dogs in the United States are overweight (defined as more than 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight). As with people, the more excess weight a dog has, the higher the health risk. Some of these risks include diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, spinal degradation and difficulty breathing.
How can you tell if your dog is overweight? There are some very basic observations you can make. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he probably doesn’t have a weight problem. However, if you see his sides protruding, then its likely that your dog needs to lose some weight.
You can also run your hand over your dogs ribs. If you can feel them easily under a thin layer of skin and fat, then he is probably okay. If not, then some changes are in order.
Its always best to take your dog to your veterinarian before making any significant changes to his diet. Consult with the vet so that you can make sure that your diet plan will still include nutrients the dog needs.
One thing is certain: table scraps and high calorie treats must be eliminated.
Take your dog for daily walks and establish regular play and exercise periods. This activity will be helpful for both you and your dog.
Eliminating high calorie goodies and substituting lower calorie treats isn’t hard to do. A few healthy snacks include apples, carrots, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour these healthier choices. How about preparing your own healthy homemade dog treats? (see below)
Adult dogs, like adult humans, don’t lose weight easily or quickly. A proper low calorie, healthy diet will result in a very gradual weight loss.
When it comes to puppies, it is very important that you monitor your pups food intake. Undeniably, it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, but, over the long haul, its one of the best things you can do for your pup.
Veterinary nutritionists generally agree that puppies should be fed only dog food that is formulated specifically for puppies. For the first three months, they should be fed four times a day.Then, for the next three weeks, reduce feedings to three times a day. After six months, reduce feedings to twice a day and then to once daily feeding when he is one year old. At one year of age you should switch to adult dog food and monitor his weight regularly.
You’ll find that once your dog is at a proper weight he will be happier and more energetic. Unfortunately, we sometimes simply fail to pay attention and dont realize the impact that our feeding decisions have on their overall health and longevity.
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He has also been fascinated with dogs for longer than he’d care to remember. 
Check out his DogBurg web site for canine friends at http://www.dogburg.com. Once there, sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, “Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend.”