Keeping your dog at a healthy weight

Canine overweight isn't just cosmetic. It accelerates arthritis, strains the heart, increases diabetes risk and shortens life expectancy. Luckily, it's one of the easiest problems to fix with a bit of discipline.

Recognizing an overweight dog

The home test: run your hand over their ribs. You should feel them easily without pressing. From above, their waist should be defined behind the ribs. From the side, their belly should tuck up, not hang.

Adjusting portions

• Weigh portions to the gram, don't eyeball it
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for the target weight (not current weight)
• Reduce gradually (-10% per week) to avoid frustration
• Count treats: no more than 10% of daily calorie intake
• Split meals: two or three small meals rather than one big one

Increasing activity

Longer walks, active play, object retrieval, agility, canicross: multiply sources of activity. For an obese dog, start gently (10 minutes twice a day) and increase gradually to avoid injuries.

Choosing a suitable formula

"Light" or "Adult neutered" kibble contains less fat and more fiber for a satiating effect. They maintain meal volume without calorie excess.

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A dog at a healthy weight lives on average 1.8 years longer than an overweight dog. That's the best gift you can give them.

— Estelle, dog trainer