'Chonky' may look cute, but it's not healthy. Did you know that over 50% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese?
As pet parents, it's important that we make the right nutritional choices for our pets so that they maintain a healthy body weight and enjoy a happy, active, and long life ahead.
Canine obesity is not just about how your pup looks; it significantly affects the quality of your dog's life, poses serious health risks and can even shorten their life span.
Excess pounds put a strain on your pup's joints, cause them to feel sluggish and uncomfortable, and can lead to severe health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Feeding a balanced, raw diet of unprocessed meat, organs, bones, and whole fruit and vegetables is the best way of keeping your pup in good shape. High in protein and low in carbohydrates, this natural way of eating supports digestion and helps keep dogs feeling fuller for longer.
How to know if your dog is overweight
A good way to assess your pup's weight is to look at their body condition.
Rib check: Look at your pup's rib cage. If they are a healthy weight, you should be able to feel their rib but not see them.
Waist check: View your dog from above; they should have a visible waistline. If your dog's sides are bulging outward, they are likely carrying excess weight.
You might also notice behavioural changes, such as excessive panting, lethargy, and showing less interest in walks, playtime, and activities they once loved.
It's recommended as a general rule that a healthy adult dog with good activity levels should eat 2-3% of its body weight daily.
Risk factors for canine obesity
To tackle weight management, it's good to understand why some pups are more prone to piling on extra pounds.
Factors include:
Breed - certain breeds naturally have a slower metabolism and are more likely to carry excess weight.
Age - as dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and they also tend to become less active, which can contribute to weight gain in older dogs.
Overfeeding - this is one of the main reasons for canine obesity, including portion sizes that are too large at mealtimes, excessive snacks, and high-calorie treats.
Dietary imbalances - a diet that is high in carbohydrates and fats can lead to weight gain.
Underlying health conditions and hormones - some health conditions can cause weight gain, as well as hormonal changes from spaying and neutering.
A fresh approach to feeding better
A diet of ultra-processed kibble, laden with sugars, carbohydrates and artificial preservatives, can contribute to weight gain and doesn't fuel their bodies with the nutrients they need to stay healthy, energised and lean.
Feeding a raw diet is a natural and species-appropriate approach to keeping your pup healthy, in good shape and full of vitality. Switching from high-carbohydrate kibble helps reduce excess weight, supports digestive health, boosts energy levels, and enhances the muscular system.
Feeding raw also means you can control what your pup eats and know exactly what is going into their bowl, allowing you to focus on high-quality ingredients, nutritious recipes and leaner options, as well as managing portion sizes effectively.
Lean protein choices
Lean proteins are a pup favorite, offering a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, and are lower in calories than their counterparts. This is beneficial if your pup needs to slim down to be at a healthy weight.
Chicken - is easily digestible and loaded with essential proteins, fats, enzymes and vital nutrients, such as zinc, which support the metabolism and immune system.
Turkey - is low in fat and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy skin and coat. It is also a great alternative to chicken if your pup suffers from sensitivities.
Salmon - is a nutritious source of lean protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is a great lower-calorie choice.
All Top Dog products are crafted with human-grade meat and are preservative, additive and filler-free.
Top tips for healthy weight management
- Be mindful of portion sizes - consider the amount of food you're feeding your pup, including any snacks and meal toppers, when looking at their overall daily calorie intake.
- Limit treats - the occasional treat can be great as an award or motivator during training, but we can easily overlook these when looking at our pup's overall calorie intake.
- Protein rotation - switch up your proteins to maximise the nutritional benefits of a natural raw diet and opt for leaner proteins when focusing on weight management, such as chicken and turkey.
- Add tripe - Tripe is rich in nutrients and can help with weight management by helping pups feel fuller for longer.
- Increase their exercise, try longer walks, swimming or going on a hike together.
Feed to thrive and not deprive
If you would like advice on switching to a raw diet or product recommendations for a healthier and happier pet, get in touch at ✉️ woof@topdogfoodandsupply.com 📱 203-345-0350.
