Weight Loss For Dogs

Fat Dogs are not cute. They look uncomfortable and this should never happen to any dog. It is only through overfeeding (I know we think this is showing love) and giving the wrong foods that cause this type of obesity in your dog. This not one of my dogs, but a picture I found HERE. You can see the before and after weight gain picture more clearly.

DISEASES CAUSED BY DOG OBESITY

If your have an overweight dog and want him to lose weight the first thing you should do is consult your vet and get approval for the diet. That said and done, there are many reasons and tips to help you achieve the goal of a healthy pet.

Obesity in our pets is ultimately our responsibility. After all we are in control of their nutrition. It has become an epidemic that is associated with our own "couch potato" lifestyle. There are many problems that can be caused by obesity in our dogs which will be prevented when they are fed an all natural healthy organic diet. Some of these ailments include:

JOINT AND WALKING DIFFICULTIES - this is due to added weight and stress put on joints, bones, and muscles. This can cause back problems, hip dysplasia, lethargy, and aggravation of arthritis.

HEART AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES - Obesity causes extra stress on the heart and lungs, making them work harder than a dog that is physically fit.

DIABETES - This is more prevalent in obese pets.

LIVER DISEASE - This is also associated with obese pets.

SKIN PROBLEMS - Being fat causes difficulty in your pet's grooming ability. Just as overweight humans have trouble reaching their feet to tie their shoes when a fat belly is in the way, a dog can't reach all areas that need self cleaning. Dirt and bacteria can become imbedded in fat rolls and cause infections.

STOMACH PROBLEMS - There is a painful and life threatening condition, called pancreatitis, which is seen more and more in obese pets.

As you see the above conditions described, you should notice that most are easily preventable, just as with us, if you keep your pet fit and healthy.

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR DOGS

Putting your pet on a fat reducing diet and increasing exercise, as prescribed by your vet, is the best way to show your love to your pet. There are many excellent healthy organic dog foods available that are high in protein and low in fat.

A reduction of treats, especially the bad kind, (like leftover pizza) will speed up the weight loss process. Extra calories from treats pile up quickly. Here are a few examples of good and bad treats and there calorie content. Choose healthy!

TREATS

At 40 kcals is KARMA ORGANIC DOG TREATS

Bonz treats for small dogs 70 kcals

Milk Bone Dog Biscuit - one large 115 kcals

Fresh Carrot - baby size 3 kcals

Green Beans - 1 cup canned (this in my girls favorite) 25 kcals

Air popped popcorn (1/2 ounce) 54 kcals

1 slice Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza (NOT RECOMMENDED) 259 kcals

20 Dorito brand chips (NOT RECOMMENDED) 260 kcals

At 17 kcals is: MOTHER NATURE NATURAL DOG BISCUITS


At 45 kcals is: SOLID GOLD NATUR-BONE BISCUITS


At 50 kcals is: INNOVA HEALTH BARS - SMALL SIZE


Oreo Cookies - 2 (NOT RECOMMENDED) 130 kcals

MacDonalds Quarter Pounder with cheese (YUCK!) 525 kcals

A kcal is a kilocalorie per unit or calorie as we call it in every day terms.

As I'm sure you can see by the above examples, picking the right treat is very important. (A 20 pound dog needs 690 kcals daily for optimum health.) A few doritos here, a oreo cookie there and sharing a Quarter Pounder will equal your dogs total calorie need for a whole day. This on top of his regular dinner is simply unhealthy and easy to change.

Sometimes, just eliminating the unhealthy treats and going on a daily walk is all that is necessary is helping your pet become fit and energetic again.

Remember, we speak for our pets, and taking proper care and giving them the best that we can is what makes our bond with animals so special.

Check out my main website for other dog health information and fun stuff for dogs at : www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com