A pet nutritionist has shared how to identify if your dog is overweight (Image: Getty)
For many of us the new year brings with it the intention to commit to a healthier lifestyle.
But have you ever considered that perhaps your pet should be doing the same?
If your pooch piled on the pounds in 2024 then maybe now is the time for your canine pal to embark on a weight loss journey of his or her own.
To help you manage the process as effectively as possible, pet nutritionist Laura Ward from Green Pantry is on hand to provide a list of “subtle signs” your dog is overweight – and how to check for them.
She began by pointing out that it can be tricky to know if your dog is on the heavy side – especially with their fluffy coats hiding those extra pounds.
READ MORE: Puppy power – how dogs are helping detect cancer and diabetes [DOGS]
You Can’t Easily Feel Their Ribs
“When you gently run your hands along your dog’s sides, you should be able to feel their ribs without much pressure,” Laura explained. “If you find you’re pressing harder than expected or can’t locate the ribs at all, it’s a good indicator that your dog may have packed on some extra weight.”
Their Waistline Is Hard to Spot
Laura added that healthy dogs will have a “defined waist” when you look down from above and you should be able to see a “slight tuck” where the body narrows behind the ribs. However, she warns: “If your dog’s shape looks more like an oval or a barrel with no visible indentation, it’s a sign they might be carrying a bit too much fat.”
Dog owner Kirra Graham, meanwhile, backs up this point as she took to TikTok with a Weinheimer breed of dog to show in video form that if there is “no prominent waistline visible” then you may have a problem. “You can see it starts to divot, but it’s quite straight” she said in her clip. “Also his ribs – I have to press down really hard just to even find them as they’re is quite a big layer of fat covering them.”
They’re Less Energetic or Seem Reluctant to Exercise
“If your dog isn’t as keen on playtime or starts to lag behind on walks, it could be due to excess weight making movement uncomfortable,” Laura continued. “This can become a vicious cycle where less exercise leads to more weight gain, so it’s worth paying attention if they’re suddenly more sluggish than usual.”
They’re Panting More Than Normal or Struggling to Get Up
While panting is normal after a vigorous play session, if you find your dog is huffing and puffing more than usual after light activity, it might be a sign that their body is working harder due to added weight. In addition, if they’re struggling to stand up from a lying position or seem stiff and uncomfortable, the blame could lie with excess pounds.
“When in doubt, check with your vet – If you’re still unsure whether your dog is at a healthy weight, don’t hesitate to get a professional opinion,” Laura said. “Your vet can assess their body condition, offer tailored feeding advice, and help you come up with a plan to get them back on track if needed.”
Just like us, dogs can gain extra pounds if we’re not mindful of their diet and exercise, which can lead to serious issues like joint pain, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan. So what can we do to combat this? Laura has provided a further list – this time of top tips to help keep your pet in shape.
Laura has provided a list of ways to help prevent your dog from piling on unnecessary pounds (Image: Getty)
Measure Meals Properly
It’s easy to assume that the feeding guidelines on the back of dog food packaging are one-size-fits-all, but in reality, these are just broad recommendations. “Your dog’s nutritional needs can vary significantly based on their age, activity level, size, and even breed,” Laura said. “For example, an energetic Border Collie will likely need more food than a more sedentary breed like a Bulldog.
“To get the portions right, use a measuring cup rather than thinking you know by sight what the perfect amount looks like – this helps you provide consistent and accurate portions every time.”
Track Treats
It’s easy to lose track of how many treats you give your dog throughout the day, especially if you’re using them for training or simply spoiling them for being a good boy. “Treats can significantly contribute to your dog’s daily calorie intake, and overfeeding treats can quickly lead to unwanted weight gain,” Laura added. “It’s best to limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.
“Opt for natural dog treats that are lower in calories and made with high-quality ingredients. Green Pantry’s natural treats provide a healthier option that supports your dog’s overall well-being while still giving them a tasty reward for being good.”
Only Share Healthy Leftovers
It can be hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes staring up at you during dinner, but sharing your leftovers isn’t as harmless as it seems. Laura closed: “While most human food can be too rich for dogs and contain high levels of fat, salt and seasonings that can be tough for them to digest, there are actually certain foods and leftovers that are safe to give to your dog.
“Avoid giving them ingredients such as onions, garlic and chocolate as these can be toxic to dogs. However, you can share scraps of fresh fruit and vegetables as these are high in water and a good source of fibre. For dogs who are picky drinkers, this can be a great way to support their water intake. Just remember to not share large amounts as this could result in gastrointestinal upset.”
She added: “Lean meat is also a great treat for your pooch. For example lean chicken, turkey, fish or beef are great sources of protein. Just make sure you monitor how many leftovers you give, to avoid overfeeding though. We always suggest saving a few small pieces of leftovers or adding these to their breakfast alongside high-quality natural dog food that’s specifically designed to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. This way, you’re ensuring they get a balanced diet without the risks that come with feeding them all of the table scraps.”
