Dog Weight Gain?
Dog Weight Loss?
What is Normal?
Are you noticing some extra doggie pounds on your pup? Dog weight gain have you worried? Or is you pal loosing weight and you don't know why? Dog weight loss? Dog weight control is an important way of maintaining a healthy, happy, and energetic dog. Dog weight gain or loss can deplete his or her energy and lead to other significant health issues. And since our site is talking about dog treats, and EVERYTHING about them, we thought it made sense to comment on a dog's weight with respect to dog treats.
Let us start by saying that we are not vetrenarians. It is ALWAYS best to talk to your vet when you have any questions about your dog's health or weight. But we have here some basic information that may be helpful.
One of the first things we'd like to cover is that weight for dogs is really no different than weight for people. What I mean by this is
Too Much Food + Too Little Exercise = Dog Weight Gain
Not Enough Food + Too Much Exertion = Dog Weight LossThe Right Balance of Food + Exercise
= Dog Weight Control
The key is understanding what is ideal for your dog. Different breeds have different calorie requirements. Different age dogs have different calorie requirements. If your dog is lactating or pregnant, then her calorie needs will be different than if she isn't. Is your dog a working dog? Does you dog sit home all day and wait for you while you are at work? Dog weight management is not a simple answer.
Below we have provided a chart for you to get an idea of how many calories your dog might need. This chart is for an adult dog that is of average activity levels (2 - 3 walks per day, plays throughout the day, free to roam, doesn't lay around all day). If you dog is a working dog or is pregnant or lactating, these numbers may not apply.
We also talk about calories on our
commercial dog treats page
and on our
dog treats label page.
Basically, knowing the calories your dog may need is only helpful if you are dealing with dog treats and foods that provide calorie information. Most dog food and especially dog treat makes DO NOT provide calorie information. From our experience, the best way to tell whether you have a dog weight gain or dog weight loss issue is to look at your dog and feel his ribs and back. Check out the picture below as a guide. Understand that different breeds are built differently, but the basic descriptions should help guide you:
1. Ribs, spine, pelvic bones are easy to see and feel. They stick out. Wasp type waist and not detectable fat.
2. Ribs are easy to see and feel, and there is barely any fat. Waist is easy to see from above.
3. Ribs can be easily felt but cannot be seen. Can see a waist area behind the ribs from above. Abdominal tuck is visible.
4. Ribs can be felt, but there is extra fat. Waist barely visible from above.
5. Cannot feel ribs, fat is over the spine and tail base. Waist is not visible from above. No abdominal tuck - the belly may actually be distended.
It is important to note your dog's weight and any changes to it. Are you giving him or her less treats, did you change your treat brand, are they getting the same exercise? Especially if you are dealing with small breeds, a single french fry or bite of your hamburger could be a significant addition of calories to them. Toy breeds just don't need that many calories.
Think about your dog treats. We absolutely encourage treats!!! But when you are trying to battle
dog weight gain, try these zero caloire goodies!!!
Responsible treating is an important way to make sure your dog is not only happy, but HEALTHY!!!
And remember, if you have concerns or questions about your dog's weight - PLEASE SEE YOUR VET!!!
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