Lighten Up!

Is your four-legged companion at a healthy weight? Before we go any further, I’ll admit – my dog Piper is overweight. I’m actively working to change this, but as anyone who’s tried to shed a few pounds themselves or helped an overweight pet do the same knows, it’s no easy task. I’m certainly not alone in this struggle, either. In the U.S., over 17 million dogs – about 40% of the canine population – are overweight. To make matters worse, cats are also facing their own obesity epidemic, so be sure to take a close look at your feline friends as well.

One of the key factors contributing to the growing waistlines of our four-legged companions is the misperception many owners have about their dog’s ideal weight. When asked if they think their dog is overweight, only 17% of dog owners are able to correctly recognize a weight issue, despite roughly 40% of dogs actually being overweight. It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal body weight and composition and to regularly weigh your dog to ensure they maintain a healthy size. Just like with people, weight gain in dogs can happen gradually and often goes unnoticed until it leads to significant health problems, making the process of losing the weight just that much more difficult. And remember, don’t compare your dog to others you may see at the park or around town – after all, 40% of them are overweight, too!

Why is there such a rise in obesity within our pet population? There are several contributing factors, but the simplest explanation comes down to calories in versus calories out. Many of us are overfeeding our pets with food and treats while simultaneously not providing enough exercise for the amount of food and calories they’re consuming. For example, did you know that one pig ear is roughly equivalent to six 12 oz. sodas for a 40 lb. dog? That small piece of pizza crust you gave your chihuahua last night after they gave you the best puppy eyes could be like feeding yourself three whole slices! It’s important to make smarter treat choices for our pets. For many dogs, a simple carrot or other fresh vegetable can be a satisfying and healthy alternative.

We all know the health risks associated with excess weight in humans, but many of these same issues can also affect dogs. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, back and ACL issues, premature arthritis, and cancer are just a few of the common complications linked to obesity in pets. Sadly, our pets are with us for too short of a time, and we should do everything we can to help them live a long, healthy life – even if that means ignoring them when they come to beg at the dinner table.

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing your pet’s weight. For a dog to start burning fat, they need to elevate their heart rate through physical activity for at least 20 minutes. Just think about how much they enjoy a long walk or chasing after a ball – I often wish I enjoyed exercise as much as they do! The next time you’re tempted to give them just one more extra treat, consider taking them for a walk as a reward, instead.

So, how do you determine how many calories your dog needs each day? Your veterinarian is the best resource for this and should be consulted before making any sort of significant change to your pet’s diet. Your vet can also help to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your dog’s weight issues and help develop a personalized weight-loss plan if needed.

As a general guideline, I recommend that most adult dogs with moderate activity levels consume about 17 calories per pound of ideal body weight each day. This means the weight that they should be, not necessarily the weight that they currently are. However, this guideline can vary based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, and whether the dog has been spayed or neutered.

Using this formula, if your dog currently weight 50 lbs. but should ideally weight 40 lbs., you would multiple 40 lbs. by 17 calories, which equals 680 calories per day. Next, divide the 680 calories by the number of calories in each cup of dog food you’re feeding to determine how much to serve them each day. Be sure to adjust the amount of food to account for any treats you may give throughout the day. However, keep in mind that this is just a guideline and each dog’s needs can differ. You may need to adjust based on your dog’s specific situation.

Unfortunately, overweight dogs are becoming more common in the U.S., so it’s important to do your best to ensure that your dog isn’t one of them. Below are a few helpful tips to guide you on the path to maintaining a healthy weight for your furry family member.

• AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) requires that all pet foods include a feeding chart on their labels based on the weight of the animal. Unfortunately, these guidelines are far too generous for the average pet as they are for unaltered dogs/cats with higher activity levels, something that must be taken into account when deciding how much to feed your pet.
• Carefully measure your pet’s food with a real measuring cup – not a coffee mug, McDonald’s cup, or anything else.
• Feed the amount of food your pet needs based on their ideal body weight, not their current weight.
• Measure out all of their food for the day in the morning alongside any treats they will get throughout the day. This helps you better keep track and control how much they are eating.
• Tough love – I know it’s hard and they may look at you like they have never eaten a day in their lives, but you need to make smart choices for them.
• Watch the treats! Everything you feed your pet has calories.
• Exercise! Dogs need to raise their heart rate for 20 minutes to enter a fat-burning mode.
• Weigh your dog on a regular basis.

Good luck!