Dog Food and Nutrition – Your Dog's Diet |
Obesity in dogs is becoming a growing canine health concern. In a recent study, overfeeding dogs with an all-meat diet caused obesity. As many as 25% of dogs seen by veterinarians are overweight or obese. Excess caloric intake can lead to obesity. Obesity is associated with many health risks including musculoskeletal problems, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
Although avoiding obesity is the best approach to lifelong health, if your dog is overweight, your veterinarian can recommend a safe, effective weight loss program that includes a reduced calorie diet. The best diet for your dog is one that is low in calories. By controlling caloric intake, you can make your dog up to 15 DogAge years younger.
Use the chart below to see how your dog rates. An ideal body condition (4-5 on the 9-point scale) means that:
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the outline of your dog's ribs can be felt and seen |
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your dog's waist is visible when viewed from above |
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the abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side |
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[Chart courtesy of Nestle Purina Pet Care Co.]
To get a more accurate assessment of how your dog's diet is affecting his or her canine health and DogAge, take the free DogAge test.
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