Diet is very important to dogs - and all pets for that matter. The old saying “you are what you eat” is true both for animals and humans. In dogs, one of the most frequent health problems encountered is obesity. In fact, the number of overweight dogs is increasing each year. Chubby dogs might seem cute, but in reality they are suffering from poor nutrition which often leads to some serious health problems.
The causes for dog obesity are numerous. Sometimes, it’s the owner’s fault for not feeding their dog properly. But there are people who take good care of their dogs yet their pet is still overweight. Genetics do play a large role in this, as some dogs are more likely to develop obesity than others. Another possible explanation is that the dog is eating food with a lot of fat in it. Many times, owners aren’t even aware of this, as they think the food they are buying for the dog is safe.
Obesity is a serious health problem and should be treated as such. An overweight dog can develop numerous conditions, such as diabetes, joint pain or respiratory problems. It is not something to be treated lightly. Sure we all love a big ball of fluff, but there must be a limit on how large the dog gets. Big doesn’t necessarily mean healthy.
This is why adopting a low fat diet is necessary if you want your dog to stay healthy and active. The first thing to do is to go see your vet and have your dog examined. If the pet is diagnosed as having clinical obesity or genetic conditions, medication might be necessary. However, if he just needs to lose a few pounds, try to make him adopt a low fat diet. When buying products, try to read the label, as there are certain products especially made for dogs with weight problems. Buy food with as few calories as possible. Another solution would be to make home cooked meals. If you have the knowledge, it is very easy to prepare, and you know exactly what ingredients go into it. You could also try a high protein diet or grain free. Don’t forget to exercise the dog daily, as this can help burn the calories.
It can be really hard to teach your dog to follow a proper diet. He may not like the food you give him at first. He may even refuse to eat it the first time, and maybe even the second time. Dogs might also whine and beg for their previous, unhealthy diets. You must learn to resist giving your dog unhealthy food, even if it will be difficult to accommodate him with it at first. But this will only be temporary and in time he will learn to enjoy his new meal. He might seem unhappy because of his new diet at first, but it is for the best. If you want your dog to have a healthy and long life, put him on a diet and convince him to follow it.
