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Why Is Obesity Dangerous for Your Dog?

Obesity is not just an aesthetic issue; it is a disease that can have devastating consequences for your dog's health:

• **Joint problems:** Extra weight puts strain on joints and increases the risk of osteoarthritis and other orthopedic problems, leading to pain and reduced mobility. We also have specialized food for joint and movement health dogs .
• **Diabetes:** Being overweight increases the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. See our diabetes control dog food for dogs with this diagnosis.
• **Cardiovascular Disease:** The heart and lungs have to work harder, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Discover our dog food for heart disease if necessary.
• **Respiratory problems:** Fat accumulation can limit lung capacity.
• **Shorter lifespan:** Studies show that overweight dogs live up to two years shorter on average.
• **Increased risk during surgery/anesthesia:** Greater risk of complications.
• **Reduced quality of life:** Less activity, play and more pain.
• **Skin and coat problems:** Difficulty maintaining hygiene can lead to skin infections. We also offer food for skin health dogs .

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Overweight?

An easy way to assess your dog's weight is with the Body Condition Score (BCS). You should be able to easily feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, but they should not be visible (except for slender breeds). Your dog should have a distinct waistline when viewed from above and a taut abdominal line from the side. If you are unsure, always consult your veterinarian.

Weight Management Diet: The Key to Success

A specially formulated weight management food is designed to help your dog lose weight in a safe and healthy way:

• **Lower Calorie Content:** Reduced fat content to reduce energy intake without the dog feeling hungry.
• **High Fiber Content:** Provides a feeling of satiety and supports healthy digestion, important for dogs with stomach and intestinal diseases .
• **High Protein Content:** Maintains muscle mass during weight loss.
• **Enriched with Vitamins & Minerals:** Ensures that the dog receives all necessary nutrition despite reduced calorie intake.
• **Health Supplements:** Often contains L-Carnitine for fat burning, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is especially important for overweight dogs.

At Zoostar.se you will find both veterinary food for weight control (often recommended by veterinarians for more significant weight loss) and "light" food for maintenance weight or minor overweight.

More than Just Food: A Holistic Approach to Weight Management

Successful and long-term weight control requires a combination of factors:

1. **Accurate Portioning:** Always weigh your dog's food with a kitchen scale and follow the recommendations based on your dog's ideal weight, not their current weight.
2. **Controlled Sweets:** Minimize sweets and leftovers from the table. Choose low-calorie options like small pieces of carrot or cucumber.
3. **Adapted Exercise:** Gradually increase physical activity. Start slowly and increase intensity as your dog's fitness improves. Swimming is a gentle alternative for the joints.
4. **Regular Vet Visits:** Get a professional assessment, rule out medical causes of weight gain, and get a customized plan. Your vet may also recommend specific veterinary foods for underlying issues such as kidney disease , liver disease , urinary tract problems , or if your dog needs a hypoallergenic diet .
5. **Mental Stimulation:** An activated dog eats less out of boredom. Use activation toys and play to keep the dog occupied. This can also help dogs with stress and nervousness .
6. **Consequentiality:** Everyone in the household must be involved in the plan.

Maintaining a healthy weight is an investment in your dog's future. Explore our range of weight control dog food at Zoostar.se and give your best friend the best conditions for a long, healthy and happy life! Don't forget that good dental health is important, and we also have food for dental health dogs .

Frequently Asked Questions about Weight Control for Dogs

Here we answer some of the most frequent questions we receive regarding weight control for dogs.

How do I know if my dog is overweight and why is it dangerous?

Identifying overweight in dogs is crucial for their health, as obesity can lead to a number of serious health problems and shorten your dog's lifespan. How do I know if my dog is overweight? There are several ways to assess whether your dog is at a healthy weight, although it is always best to consult a veterinarian. 1. Body Condition Score (BCS): This is the most commonly used tool by veterinarians and a great way to assess your dog's weight at home. There are scales from 1 to 5 or 1 to 9, with the middle representing ideal weight. Here is a simplified version for a 1-5 scale: - Too thin (1/5): Ribs, spine and pelvic bones are clearly visible. No fatty tissue is felt. - Underweight (2/5): Ribs are easily visible. Spine and pelvic bones visible but less pronounced. Minimal fatty tissue. - Ideal weight (3/5): Ribs should be easily felt but not visible (for most breeds). The waist should be clearly defined when you look at the dog from above (hourglass shape). The belly should be tucked up when you look at the dog from the side. - Overweight (4/5): Ribs are felt with some difficulty. The waist is faintly defined or completely absent. The belly is less tucked up or droops. Fat deposits can be seen over the base of the tail and back. - Obese (5/5): Ribs cannot be felt at all. No waist or belly line. Clear fat deposits all over the body, especially around the neck, back, base of the tail and in the groin. 2. Visual inspection and palpation (feeling): - Feel the ribs: Place the palms of your hands on your dog's sides, just behind the front legs. You should be able to easily feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat. If you have to press to feel them, your dog is probably overweight. If you can see the ribs clearly (except in very thin breeds such as greyhounds), he is underweight. - Check the waist: Look at your dog from above. It should have a visible “waist” between the chest and hips. If it is straight or bulging, the dog is overweight. - Check the belly line: Look at your dog from the side. The belly line should “pull up” from the chest to the hind legs. If it hangs straight or downwards, it is a sign of overweight. 3. Weighing: Regular weighing at home or at the vet can help you detect weight gain in time. A sudden or steady weight gain is a warning sign. Why is overweight dangerous for dogs? Overweight and obesity are not just a matter of aesthetics; it is a serious disease that can shorten a dog’s life and drastically reduce its quality of life. Here are some of the most common risks: 1. Joint problems and osteoarthritis: Extra weight puts pressure on the joints and leads to faster wear of the cartilage, which increases the risk of osteoarthritis, disc problems and other orthopedic problems. This leads to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. 2. Diabetes mellitus: Obesity increases the risk of insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in dogs. 3. Cardiovascular disease: The heart and lungs have to work harder to support a larger body, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. 4. Respiratory problems: Fat accumulation around the chest and abdomen can limit the lungs' ability to expand, leading to shortness of breath, especially in hot weather or during exercise. Brachycephalic breeds (short-headed) are especially susceptible. 5. Shorter lifespan: Studies have shown that obese dogs live up to two years less than dogs of ideal weight, on average. 6. Increased risk during surgery/anesthesia: Obese dogs are at higher risk of complications during surgery and recovery due to increased strain on vital organs and difficulty regulating body temperature. 7. Reduced quality of life: Obese dogs are often less active, play less, and may experience pain, which leads to a lower quality of life. 8. Skin and coat problems: Overweight dogs can have difficulty maintaining their hygiene, which can lead to skin fold infections and other dermatological problems. Managing your dog's weight is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long, healthy and happy life for your best friend. At Zoostar.se we have a large selection of weight management foods, including veterinary foods for overweight dogs.

What type of food is best for weight loss and weight control in dogs?

Choosing the right food is essential for successful weight loss and long-term weight management in dogs. Weight loss foods are specially formulated to help your dog lose weight safely and effectively, while still providing all the necessary nutrients. What type of food is best? The best foods for weight loss and weight management have specific characteristics: 1. Lower calorie content: This is the most important aspect. The food must have fewer calories per serving than a standard food. This is often achieved by reducing the fat content and/or increasing the fiber content. 2. High fiber content: Fiber is crucial in weight loss foods. It provides a feeling of satiety, which helps the dog feel satisfied despite eating fewer calories. Fiber also contributes to healthy intestinal function. 3. High protein content (of good quality): Even during weight loss, it is important to maintain muscle mass. A high, but balanced, protein content helps to preserve muscle while reducing fat mass. Protein also contributes to satiety. 4. Enriched with vitamins and minerals: When calorie intake is reduced, it is especially important to ensure that the dog still gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals to avoid nutritional deficiencies. 5. Additives for metabolism and joint health: - L-Carnitine: An amino acid that helps the body convert fat into energy, which can support weight loss. - Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Very important for overweight dogs as their joints are under heavy strain. These substances contribute to joint health and can relieve discomfort. - Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for joints and general health. Types of weight control food: - Weight loss food/Veterinary food for weight control: These are the most effective foods for active weight loss. They are often part of a larger treatment plan and are often sold as veterinary food. They have a carefully controlled composition to ensure safe and effective weight loss. These foods may sometimes require a recommendation from a veterinarian. - Light food/Weight control food for maintenance: These foods are intended for dogs that are slightly overweight or that have reached their ideal weight and need a food to maintain it. They have lower calories than a standard food but are not as drastic as a pure weight loss food. Important to consider: 1. Consult a veterinarian: Before starting a weight loss journey for your dog, always consult your veterinarian. They can rule out medical causes of weight gain, set a realistic goal, and recommend the most appropriate food and activity level. 2. Accurate portioning: Always weigh your dog's food! Use a kitchen scale to ensure that you are giving exactly the right amount according to the manufacturer's recommendations and your veterinarian's instructions. Just scooping with a spoon is a common reason for weight loss failure. 3. No food from the table/too much treats: These extra calories can quickly sabotage a diet. If you have to give treats, use low-calorie alternatives or subtract the equivalent amount from the day's food. 4. Increased exercise: Food change must be combined with increased physical activity for best results. Start carefully and increase gradually. At Zoostar.se we have a large selection of food for weight control for dogs, including effective veterinary food and light options for different needs. We also offer food that supports related health problems such as food for joint and movement health dogs.

What factors other than food are important for successful weight management in dogs?

Although food is a cornerstone of weight management for dogs, it is only part of the solution. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight requires a holistic approach that includes several other important factors. Here are the most important complements to a customized food: 1. Regular and customized exercise: Increased physical activity is essential for burning calories and building muscle. - Customize the exercise: Start carefully with short, leisurely walks if your dog is very overweight or has joint problems. Gradually increase the intensity and duration. - Variety: Walks are good, but also consider playing, swimming (gentle on the joints), or other activities that your dog enjoys. - Routine: A daily routine of exercise is important to ensure that your dog gets enough activity. 2. Accurate portioning and weighing of food: This cannot be emphasized enough. - Use a scale: Measuring bowls are rarely accurate. A kitchen scale ensures that you are giving exactly the recommended amount of food. - Follow directions: Carefully follow the feeding guide on the food package or your veterinarian's specific instructions. These recommendations are based on your dog's ideal weight, not current weight, to facilitate weight loss. 3. Control treats and extras: This is often a big culprit when dogs become overweight. - Reduce or eliminate treats: Be extremely restrictive with treats and table scraps. Remember that even small pieces add significant calories. - Low-calorie alternatives: If you must give treats, choose low-calorie alternatives such as small pieces of carrot, cucumber, apple (without seeds) or special light treats. Subtract the corresponding amount from the day's food. - Use food as treats: Some of your dog's daily kibble can be used as a reward during training. 4. Regular veterinary visits and follow-up: - Evaluation: Your veterinarian can make a professional assessment of your dog's body condition, rule out underlying medical causes of weight gain (such as hypothyroidism), and set up a customized weight loss plan. - Follow-up: Regular visits to the vet for weighing and food intake adjustments are essential to monitor progress and adjust the plan if necessary. 5. Activation and mental stimulation: - Combat boredom: A bored dog may eat out of boredom. Provide your dog with toys, activation toys and regular mental stimulation to keep him occupied. - Slow food bowls/activation toys: Use bowls that make your dog eat more slowly or toys that portion out food gradually. This can help to promote satiety and reduce binge eating. 6. Everyone in the household must be aware: Make sure everyone who interacts with your dog (family members, friends, dog sitters) is aware of the weight loss plan and follows the rules for feeding and treats. A consistent approach is key. 7. Patience and consistency: Weight loss takes time and requires patience. It is a long-term process that requires commitment and consistency. Reward progress and focus on health rather than quick results. By combining a suitable food from Zoostar.se with these lifestyle changes, you give your dog the best conditions to reach and maintain a healthy weight, which in turn leads to a healthier, happier and longer life. Remember that Zoostar.se also has special food for dogs with other problems such as food for joint disease or food for stress/nervousness, which can sometimes be related to being overweight. Always consult your veterinarian in case of health problems.