If you have an overweight dog, it is time to take some action. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for health problems such as heart disease. If you have big dogs, joint problems can be one of the main health risks. No matter what size dog you have, small or medium sized dogs, being overweight can be quite uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips from fellow dog lovers on getting your pooch back on track!
Tips For Overweight Big Dogs
Limit treats for overweight dog
If you find your dog to be overweight, it is time to limit their treats. Don’t snatch away a big portion of their meal immediately. Do it gradually over a period of a few weeks. Give your dog time to adjust to their new diet. Be extra patient. This might make your dog a little cranky.
Keep your big dogs active
One significant reason for your dog being overweight can be its lethargy. Only walking will not do much good if your pet is already covered in layers of fat. Make them exercise and play more.
Healthy Human Food Dogs Can Eat
Cooked eggs are also something your dogs can handle in limited proportions.
In terms of fish, sardines and salmon are also suitable for your pets.
To moderate safety, dogs can handle cottage cheese and hard cheese. But do not overdo it. Give fewer portions only since it can tamper digestion. Mild cheeses are a better option.
Check this out for expert tips on healthy human food dogs can eat
Fruits:
Apples: The core and seeds of apples contain nutrients, but they also contain cyanide. Apple cores should be removed before feeding to your dog.
Bananas: Dogs can digest bananas, though some may have trouble with the high amount of sugar they contain.
Blueberries: High in antioxidants, blueberries are a good treat for dogs.
Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins A and C.
Cherries: Cherries are a good source of fiber and potassium.
Grapes: Grapes are high in sugar and can cause problems for some dogs.
Kiwifruit: Kiwis contain lots of fiber and vitamins A and C.
Watermelon: Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C.
Vegetables
Broccoli: Dogs can eat broccoli, which is good for their digestive system and contains lots of fiber.
Alfalfa sprouts: Dogs can eat alfalfa sprouts, which are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Carrots: Raw carrots are a great snack for dogs.
Celery: Celery is high in water and fiber, which makes it great for dogs.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are very hydrating and a good source of fiber.
Green beans: are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Spinach: Spinach is high in fiber and contains lots of iron and calcium.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B6.
Zucchini: Zucchini can satisfy a dog’s need to chew and is a good source of fiber.
Grains
Brown Rice: Brown rice is a good source of fiber and manganese
Oatmeal: Oatmeal may help reduce the chances of heart disease in dogs.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a good source of fiber and phosphorus.
Legumes
Lima beans: a good source of protein, folate, and manganese.
Pinto beans: a good source of protein, folate, and magnesium.
Soybeans: a good source of protein, fiber, and omega-3.
Nuts
Almonds: a good source of fiber, manganese, and vitamin E.
Cashews: good sources of manganese and copper.
Peanuts: a good source of antioxidants and omega-3.
Walnuts: high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Grass-fed beef: Dogs can eat lean beef, which is a good source of protein and B vitamins.
Carob: Carob powder can be used as a chocolate substitute for dogs
*Note that some of these foods might not be healthy for every dog. Make sure to check with your vet first before trying out new foods.
How Can Dog Owners Help Their Overweight Dogs Eat Better?
When it comes to getting an overweight dog to eat better, there are a few things that owners can do. Diet is one factor, but making sure your pet gets enough exercise is also key. Here are some tips on how to help your furry friend:
Make sure you have the correct food for your dog’s weight and age.
Overweight dogs can benefit from a diet that has fewer calories and more fiber. Talk to your veterinarian about the best food for your dog.
Don’t give your big dogs too many treats.
This is probably the biggest reason why dogs are overweight in the first place! Cut back on the number of treats you give your pet, and replace them with healthier snacks like carrots or apples.
Make sure your big dogs get enough exercise.
This is especially important if your dog spends most of its time inside. Take your dog for walks, play with it in the yard, or give it a toy to play with so it can get some exercise.
Monitor your dog’s progress.
Keep an eye on your dog‘s weight and monitor their progress. It’s important to make sure your dog is losing weight gradually and not becoming too thin.
Watch the food scraps.
Consider what kind of table scraps you’re feeding your dog and opt instead to share healthy dog-friendly foods like broccoli (my dog’s favorite) and carrots. Dogs love crunchy veggies, and it’s hard to go overboard on them, so be generous and snack on these tasty snacks with your pooch so you both can get the benefits!
Look after the counter surfer big dogs
If your dog is a counter surfer and stealing unhealthy snacks off of the counter, make a habit of putting all food away in cabinets so it can be grabbed by a sneaky hound. Or, if that won’t work, put a gate up around the kitchen to keep your dog out. Monitoring your dog’s calorie count is essential for helping them lose weight!
Overweight big dogs can be a challenge, but with proper diet and exercise they can get back to a healthy weight. Follow these tips to help your furry friend lose weight and stay healthy! Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
If you are looking for more expert advice on overweight dogs, make sure to check out our blog post on Expert Tips For An Overweight Dog.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Erin Mastopietro | Co-founder, Dope Dog
Leonardo Gomez | Founder, Try Runball
Meg Marrs | Dog Trainer, K9 of Mine
Shakir Malik | Dog owner, thelifehype.com
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