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Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem a bit heavier than they should be? Dogs, like humans, can face weight issues, and it's crucial to ensure that they are in their best shape. In today's world of treats and limited exercise, more and more pet parents find themselves asking, 'Why is my dog fat?'. Dealing with dogs and weight loss can be tricky to work along if you don’t know how to go about on this journey of weight loss in dogs. Yet, how should you know if your dog is gaining weight and how to make your dog lose weight?
These days, dogs are grappling with weight issues. And as a dog parent, you must take a closer look at your pet’s body condition. Be curious about questions like, can you feel your dog's ribs easily? Is there a visible waistline? These observations play an essential role in assessing whether your canine companion needs assistance in the weight department. If you find your dog needing help with weight loss, then you must act promptly. Let's explore canine weight management and how to help dog lose weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is not just about the appearance; it's about their overall well-being. Dogs with excess weight face health risks, including diabetes and heart diseases. Understanding why your dog is gaining weight would be the first step towards ensuring a longer and healthier life for your furry friend. Overweight and obese dogs often have shorter life spans, emphasising the need to act promptly. This is why it is essential for you to start considering weight loss by providing your pooch with a healthy and hearty lifestyle.
Struggling with dogs and weight loss can be stressful for pet parents. However, fret not. Here is what you need to do to start your dog’s journey towards weight loss:
A balanced diet contains all essential nutrients required for your pooch’s healthy growth. Consulting your vet for a tailored meal plan is suggested when planning your dog’s weight loss journey. It is also important to choose high-quality, low-calorie dog food to maintain a balanced diet. Portion control should be practiced to avoid overfeeding and excessive calorie intake.
One of the key elements to dogs losing weight is regular and consistent exercise. Develop a regular exercise routine tailored to your dog's breed and age. Take your floof for brisk walks, play a game of fetch, or simply plunge into the pool for swimming to keep them active. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise for gradual weight loss. It is also recommended to combine regular exercising with healthier food for best results.
Your pooch’s weight problem can also be linked to numerous medical conditions. It is best to schedule regular vet visits to rule out underlying health issues causing weight gain. Conditions like thyroid problems may contribute to weight gain in dogs. Discuss appropriate medications or supplements with your vet for well-guided canine weight loss.
Consistently monitor your dog's progress and adjust the plan as needed. Gradual weight loss is ideal to prevent health complications. If you notice your fur baby losing or gaining too much weight within a short period, then you should get them checked by a vet. Stick to the plan even after your dog achieves their target weight for overall well-being.
While it's essential to encourage weight loss, it's equally crucial to ensure your dog doesn't lose weight too quickly or in an unhealthy manner.
While shedding that extra weight is essential, you need to make sure your fur baby’s weight loss journey is healthy and effective for a longer period. Given below are a few things you should be mindful of to avoid abnormal weight loss in dogs:
Helping your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight is essential for their overall well-being. By following the aforementioned steps, consulting your vet, and observing your furry friend closely, you can contribute to a happier life together. Create a healthy weight loss plan, so your dog leads a happy life.
Regular exercising, healthy eating, and treating any underlying illness can lead to adequate weight loss in dogs.
Dog’s ideal weight is determined by its breed, age, and size. If you feel your dog is turning lethargic, low in energy, and overeating then it might be overweight.
Overeating or odd eating habits, lesser energy, little to no exercise, and poor frequent illness are some of the many signs of an unhealthy dog.
Beet pulp is an important source of fiber that is good for helping your dog maintain intestinal health and can enhance his ability to absorb ingredients. Beet pulp is the material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets.
There are two types of fiber: Nonfermentable and fermentable. Nonfermentable fiber remains undigested as it passes through a dog's intestines, providing bulk to move wastes out. Cellulose is an example of a nonfermentable fiber.
In contrast, fermentable fiber is broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for cells that line the intestine.
Moderately fermentable fiber does both: It provides bulk to move waste and supplies energy to cells lining the intestine. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber. IAMS™ products contain a patented, moderately fermentable fiber, beet pulp, to keep your dog's digestive system healthy.
Beet pulp contains no toxins and is not harmful. It is a very safe fiber source. Beet pulp does not affect coat color. There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment—the inside is light in color, and the dark outside peel is not used in our foods.
By definition, beet pulp is the material left over after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar.
There is no evidence that beet pulp causes bloat. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is related to a stomach defect that delays the stomach’s emptying. It is believed that bloat is not related to diet or ingredients, such as beet pulp. However, the cause of bloat remains unknown.
IAMS has conducted extensive research on many types of fiber. The results of this research point to the fact that beet pulp maintains intestinal health and works with other nutrients to provide optimal nutrition in all of our products, including IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult MiniChunks. No other food manufacturer can match our formulas. Only IAMS holds a patent for moderately fermentable beet pulp.
