Did you know that according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 54% of dogs in the United States are overweight? Yet studies found overweight pets live two years less than healthy body-weight pets, which is not what you want. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need about feeding your dog to prevent obesity. By the end of this article, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions about your dog’s diet, ensuring they live a long, healthy life.
Reasons Dogs Easily Become Overweight
- Age: Dogs have different metabolic rates at various ages. As dogs get older, their metabolism slows down. If their diet is not controlled, they can quickly become overweight.
- Breed & Individual Differences: Every dog is different. Some breeds, like herding dogs, naturally have high energy levels and are less likely to gain weight. Others with low activity levels or poor digestion are more prone to obesity.
- Spaying/Neutering: Spayed or neutered dogs, especially females, tend to gain weight more quickly due to hormonal changes. Their more stable mood post-surgery also leads to less activity, increasing the risk of obesity. Spaying or neutering dogs before their first heat is advisable to minimize weight gain.
- Treats: Many dog treats, like jerky, are concentrated sources of protein and fat. Overuse can lead to excessive protein and fat intake. Additionally, products like dental chews often contain starch, adding unnecessary carbohydrates.
Dog Nutrition Needs
Dogs are primarily omnivores, eating both meat and plant-based foods. They need a diet comprising 57% carbohydrates, 25% protein, and 18% fat daily. Humans need only 17% protein, while cats need 40%, being strict carnivores. Feeding dogs according to this ratio ensures they get the essential nutrients.
Dog Meal Portions
How Much Kibble to Feed Dog?
Dog food packages usually include feeding guidelines. Start by following these recommendations and adjust based on your dog’s weight. However, as each dog’s metabolism and health differ, unthinkingly following these guidelines might lead to over- or under-feeding. The best approach is to use a Calorie Calculator to determine your dog’s daily calorie needs and convert this to the appropriate amount of food.
How Much to Feed a Dog by Weight KG?
If feeding fresh food, the general guideline is 4%-6% of the dog’s body weight per day. Adult dogs should be fed around 4%, while puppies can be fed around 6%. For example, an 18kg adult dog would need 18kg x 0.04 = 720g of food daily, split into 360g for breakfast and 360g for dinner.
Feeding Frequency
Feeding frequency should vary with the dog’s growth stages:
Puppies: Under one year old, puppies proliferate and need lots of nutrition, but they can’t eat large amounts at once. Feed them 4-6 times a day.
Adult Dogs: Adult dogs need a balanced diet from 1.5 to 7-8 years old. Feeding them twice a day is sufficient.
Senior Dogs: Seniors over 8-9 years old have slower metabolisms and weaker teeth. Feed them once or twice a day with softer or moistened food for easier consumption.
Monitoring Dog’s Weight and Body Condition
After establishing a feeding routine, monitor your dog’s weight and body condition:
- Weigh your dog weekly by standing on a scale while holding them, then subtracting your weight.
- Check their body shape by feeling their ribs. You should be able to touch them with your hand with slight pressure but not see them easily. For more detailed information, you can read “Body Condition Score” to assess whether your dog’s body condition is healthy.
Using the methods mentioned above, you can check your dog’s weight and body condition every one to two weeks and adjust the amount of food you provide based on the results.
5 Best Tips to Avoid Obesity
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Choose Low-Fat Meats
Avoid animal fats like lard and fatty meats. Opt for plant oils, fish oils, and high-quality proteins like chicken breast, salmon, and eggs to maintain muscle and boost metabolism.
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Increase High-Satiety Foods
Add water-soluble dietary fibers like apples, pumpkin, oats, and carrots. These foods help your dog feel full and reduce hunger pangs.
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Enhance Immunity
During weight loss, metabolic increase can lead to more free radicals. To boost immunity, include antioxidants in their diet with green vegetables, blueberries, purple sweet potatoes, and salmon.
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Feed Weight Loss Prescription Diets
If you don’t have time to prepare food, consider weight loss prescription diets available in the market. Consult your vet to ensure your dog doesn’t have allergies or other conditions and follow the diet’s guidelines.
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Adjust Feeding Frequency
While one to two meals a day is ideal for adult dogs, if hunger is a concern, feed smaller, more frequent meals (3-4 times a day) while maintaining the same total daily amount. Offer high-quality treats or fruits, but keep them within 10% of the dog’s daily food intake.
Conclusion
Proper meal portions and feeding practices are essential to your dog’s health. To recap, understanding your dog’s nutritional needs, determining the appropriate meal portions, and tracking your dog’s body condition and weight are the foundational steps to prevent obesity and keep your dog healthy. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice, as each dog’s condition varies. For more dog care tips, read 11 Best Tips for First-Time Dog Owners.
