Overview
Canine obesity, often resulting from shared unhealthy habits with humans, can lead to significant health problems, such as diabetes, joint pain, and mobility issues (Mao et al., 2013; German, 2006). To combat obesity in dogs, dietary management and exercise are essential.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Overweight?
To check if your dog is overweight, feel for their ribs and assess if their waist is visible. If the ribs are hard to feel and the waist isn't easily visible, the dog might be overweight or obese, characterized by a prominent belly and undetectable ribs (German, 2010). Some breeds are more prone to obesity, so vigilance is key (Courcier et al., 2010).
Dog Breeds Prone to Obesity
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Dachshund
Pug
Cat Breeds Prone to Obesity
Domestic Shorthair
Persian
Siamese
Maine Coon
What is the Best Diet for an Overweight Dog
A balanced homemade diet can be a cost-effective and healthy option for overweight dogs (Laflamme et al., 2008). However, before altering your dog's diet, consult a veterinarian, as excess weight can lead to various health issues.
Basic Recipes for Overweight or Obese Dogs
For dogs, a balanced meal should include:
50% animal protein,
30% vegetables,
20% carbohydrates (cereals, potatoes) .
For cats, a balanced meal should include:
60-70% animal protein,
10-20% fat,
10-15% carbohydrates (Zoran, 2010).
Some suitable low-fat recipes include:
1. Potatoes and Beef Stew:
Cook potatoes, beef, and carrots with a small amount of olive oil.
2. Chicken with Rice and Vegetables:
Boil rice with spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. Grill low-fat chicken breast and mix it with the rice.
3. Potatoes with Hake (Cornish Salmon):
Bake thinly sliced potatoes with water for 15 minutes, then add skinless hake fillets.
4. Mixed Vegetables with Ham:
Boil potatoes, spinach, carrots, and leeks, then mix in bits of ham.
5. Pasta with Tuna and Tomato:
Fry a crushed tomato with oil, boil pasta, mix it with the tomato sauce, and add canned tuna.
6. Mashed Potatoes with Salmon:
Boil and mash potatoes with little oil, and steam or bake boneless salmon.
Feed your dog three moderate meals daily. Alongside a proper diet, regular exercise through walks, games, or dog sports is crucial for weight management and overall health (Tvarijonaviciute et al., 2013).
References
1. Björck, I., Liljeberg, H., & Ostman, E. (2000). Low glycaemic-index foods. British Journal of Nutrition, 83(S1), S149-S155.
2. Courcier, E. A., Thomson, R. M., Mellor, D. J., & Yam, P. S. (2010). An epidemiological study of environmental factors associated with canine obesity. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 51(7), 362–367. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00933.x
3. German, A. J. (2006). The growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(7), 1940S–1946S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.1940S
4. German, A. J. (2010). Obesity in companion animals. The Veterinary Journal, 184(1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.08.020
5. Laflamme, D., & Hannah, S. (2008). Discrepancy between use of lean body mass or nitrogen balance to determine protein requirements in adult cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 10(1), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2007.06.003
6. Mao, J., Xia, Z., Chen, J., & Yu, J. (2013). Prevalence and risk factors for canine obesity surveyed in veterinary practices in Beijing, China. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 112(3–4), 438–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.08.012
7. Tvarijonaviciute, A., Ceron, J. J., Holden, S. L., Cuthbertson, D. J., & German, A. J. (2013). Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction in dogs: a comparison with human metabolic syndrome. BMC Veterinary Research, 9(1), 146.https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-146
8. Zoran, D. L. (2010). Obesity in dogs and cats: a metabolic and endocrine disorder. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(2), 221–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.10.009
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