Reviewed and fact checked by Bruce Whittle, DVM
Most people have heard of the “obesity epidemic” in people. There is a parallel obesity epidemic in our canine companions. There are some metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism and insulin resistance that can lead to obesity but, in general, it comes down to diet and exercise, or lack thereof. What and how much we feed our dogs is important, as is the amount of quality exercise they get.
What is obesity and why does it occur in dogs?
Obesity is a result of abnormal deposition of fat either under the skin or around the abdominal organs. Though at one time this fat was thought to be inert and just inconvenient, we realize increasingly that it is a very metabolic tissue and has effects on other body systems. For example, many obese dogs develop insulin resistance meaning they produce insulin, unlike with most cases of diabetes, but that insulin is not as effective at doing its job. Therefore it takes more insulin to move the same amount of sugar out of the bloodstream. The high blood sugar results in abnormal deposition of fat and also worsens the insulin resistance – a vicious cycle. Obesity can also predispose to joint problems due to the increased weight the joints have to endure.
How do I sort through the variety of available dog foods for my dog?
The vast number of different dog foods available on the market makes it very difficult for a dog owner to know what food is best for their dog, especially when every dog food manufacturer claims theirs is the best. Dogs are omnivores which means they eat a varied diet, unlike cats who are carnivores that are adapted to a meat-based diet. Grain-free diets have become popular in recent years but those diets do not necessarily have a reduced carbohydrate content because they substitute the grains with other carbohydrate sources. Additionally, there has been a loose association with grain-free diets and an increase in the number of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, in dog breeds not usually associated with this condition but more research is needed. Raw diets have also become popular but have been associated with severe illness and death in some cases due to contamination with deadly bacteria like Salmonella that would have otherwise been eliminated through proper cooking of the ingredients. It is no wonder most dog owners are confused when it comes to dog food!
What are some basic principles of dog nutrition?
Though this is oversimplified, the first tenet of nutrition in animals is to feed to desired body condition – if a dog is overweight, feed less, if it is underweight, feed more. When a dog starts out overweight, a veterinarian will often describe a diet that is designed for weight reduction. The dog is fed the amount recommended for their “ideal” weight, not their current weight. These foods have a reduced calorie content but with the other nutrients the dog needs to meet their daily nutrition requirements. Providing this balanced diet is very important because simple calorie restriction can lead to other health problems. Every dog has a different metabolic rate so once you achieve the dog’s desired weight you may have to adjust the amount fed to maintain that weight.
What is the role of exercise in weight management for my dog?
Exercise is a very important part of weight management. Exercise will build muscle. Muscle increases metabolism. An increased metabolism usually results in weight loss. Consistent exercise is also good for mental health and keeps joints working well if not overdone. The amount of exercise a dog needs is dependent upon their breed, age and any other underlying health concerns. For example, a Border Collie will need a lot more exercise than a Chihuahua. Regular walks are good for both the dog and the owner.
What will my veterinarian do to help my overweight dog?
Obesity is very detrimental to health. Your veterinarian will evaluate the body condition of your dog as part of a routine physical examination. A body condition score is determined for your dog most often based on a scale of one to nine with one being emaciated and nine being morbidly obese. The ideal body weight is usually around 5 but may depend upon the use of your dog. Your veterinarian may also recommend some routine blood testing to generally evaluate the liver, kidneys, muscles and blood as well as some specialized testing for the thyroid and adrenal glands. This will allow you and your veterinarian to develop a treatment and management plan to help keep your dog as healthy as possible.
Summary
Nutrition is such a huge part of health because it has huge impacts on various body systems. It is important not only to reduce the calories fed but also to provide a balanced diet that includes adequate protein, fat and carbohydrates as well as necessary vitamins and minerals. Ensuring regular exercise for our dogs also provides the added advantage that we can also reap the benefits from this exercise ourselves. Keeping our dogs at a healthy weight will help them remain healthier and have a longer lifespan for us to enjoy their companionship.
