The Eukanuba Adult
Dog Guide.

Just because he's no longer a puppy does not mean his
owner cannot learn a few new tricks.

The Right Nutrition for Overweight Dogs

Admit it: Your pup has a belly. We know you've been conscientious about portioning his meals. You've offered appropriate treats sparingly. You've exercised him daily. But his weight crept up anyhow. It isn't your fault. He's probably just getting a little bit more, well, mature. Know that he's in good company — between 25 and 40 percent of dogs are overweight. That said, we're here to serve up this gentle reminder: Overweight dogs aren't healthy. But, as the politicians like to say, help is on the way. Follow our easy plan and return Roscoe to his fighting weight. He'll feel better — and so will you.

Is He Fat or Just Fluffy?

Before you begin a weight loss plan, make sure that your hunch is correct by assessing him. Do not depend upon average sizes for his breed to determine whether or not he is obese, as a dog's individual height and particular bone structure must factor into the equation. Instead, try to objectively look at him. Place your hands on either side of his rib cage and carefully run your palms along it.

  • If the ribs are protruding, he is too thin
  • If you can feel his ribs individually and the dog's abdomen is slightly tucked up when you view him, he's at a good weight
  • If you can't discern his ribs easily, he lacks a waist and his belly drags, he needs help

(Please note that you'll also want the expert eyes of your vet to help give you guidance.)

The Cause of Canine Obesity

Like people, several variables may contribute to a dog's increased weight.

  • They eat more calories than they burn
  • They don't exercise quite enough
  • Their metabolism slows (especially true following surgery to spay or neuter)
  • They indulge in too many doggie treats
Helping Your Dog Diet

The good thing about putting your pup on a diet is that you — not Doggie — are the one required to show discipline. And since you're not the only who's this side of hungry, getting him to stick with the program won't be hard. (Okay, it might be tricky when he casts those big brown eyes at you and licks his lips. You'll have to consol yourself by remembering that you're elongating his life.) Here's how to do it:

  • Reduce caloric intake by 25 percent of his maintenance intake, then decrease it by 10 percent increments every 2-3 days until a 1 percent weight loss per week is achieved. (If your dog weights 15 pounds, a 1 percent loss would be about 2.5 ounces.)
  • If you feed only one large meal per day, try dividing it into two or three mini-meals and pick up what has not been eaten 30 minutes after each meal. This will sustain him longer.
  • Substitute affection for treats. Remember, every calorie counts.
  • Increase his exercise routine somewhat to burn more energy. Try playing fetch with a new toy to get him interested or go for an extra-long walk after work. (But don't suddenly ask him to jog your 5-mile circuit with you if he's not used to it. Just like people, dogs need time to get used to a new exercise routine.)
  • Get the entire family on board. Ensure no one is feeding him treats on the sly, and explain how such behavior can harm your pet.
The New Diet Dog Food

Your dog doesn't have to starve during his diet. Instead, feed him nutritionally sound food made especially for pudgy pups. Premium brands like Eukanuba offer formulas that maintain an excellent ratio of protein, fat and fiber while allowing him to feel full. (Please note that many competitors may simply punch up the fibre content to help pets feel sated, but such meals actually end up irritating the digestive tract.) Once he makes his goal weight, try a premium maintenance food. (Yes, we offer one of those too.)

We love our dogs no matter what they look like. But if you feed them right, you can love them longer.

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