We may not think about dogs being overweight—it’s more of a human problem, right? After all, animals in the wild seem to manage their weight just fine. But domesticated pets? That’s a different story. Dogs can definitely be overweight—but it’s not inevitable. That’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about creating healthy dog food like Nextrition.
In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 50% of domesticated dogs in North America are overweight. If your dog is carrying around 10-20% more than their ideal weight, they’re considered overweight. Anything above 20%? That’s considered obese.
Why It Matters
Feeding your dog a healthy diet in the right portions is one of the most important ways you can help them maintain a healthy weight. But does it really matter if your dog carries a little extra weight? Absolutely. Just like with people, being overweight can cause serious health problems in dogs—starting with heart disease.
Excess weight adds stress to your dog’s cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease. It can also lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), which makes the heart work harder than it should.
Some other health issues linked to excess weight in dogs include:
- Diabetes: Canine diabetes comes with many of the same complications we see in humans, including weight loss challenges and energy issues.
- Respiratory Problems: Extra fat around the chest and abdomen can make it harder for dogs to breathe properly.
- Joint Issues: Carrying too much weight puts extra pressure on muscles and joints, leading to conditions like arthritis and general joint pain.
While there’s no concrete proof that obesity causes cancer, studies show that overweight dogs are more likely to develop certain types of cancer.
On top of all that, excess weight affects your dog’s quality of life. We all want our pets to live happy, healthy lives—so keeping their weight in check is a simple way to help them thrive.
What You Can Do to Help Your Dog
If you suspect your dog is overweight, the first step is to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet can assess your dog’s health and let you know if they need to shed some pounds. If your dog does need to slim down, here’s how you can help:
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Feed Healthy Food
Start with a healthy diet. Naturally, we recommend Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, which is made with high-quality ingredients that support optimal health. -
Practice Portion Control
Make sure you’re feeding the right amount based on your dog’s size, weight, and weight goal which could require feeding 10% less than their current weight would suggest. Controlling portions prevents overeating and helps maintain a healthy weight. Like people, a pup’s metabolism can vary from dog to dog so you may need to adjust portion sizes accordingly if your pup isn’t losing any weight or losing too much weight too fast. -
Manage Treats
Keep treats to a minimum and skip the table scraps. When you do offer treats, make sure they’re healthy and given in moderation. -
Encourage Regular Exercise
Dogs need exercise, just like we do. Regular walks, playtime, and activities that encourage movement will help your dog burn calories. As they lose weight, gradually increase the length and intensity of exercise sessions.
Once your dog reaches a healthy weight, it’s important to stick to good habits. Avoid falling back into old routines that may have contributed to weight gain. A consistent, healthy lifestyle will help your dog maintain their ideal weight for the long haul.
The Nextrition Difference
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is an excellent choice for most dogs. Our natural, nutrient-dense formula is easy on the stomach and packed with the nutrition your dog needs to stay healthy and active. Plus, it’s designed with optimal gut health in mind—perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Have questions about Nextrition? We’d love to help. Reach out anytime to learn more about how our food can support your dog’s health and well-being.
