by Deborah Cummings

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Finding the Right Diet for an Overweight Dog

Have you noticed that your dog has been putting on a few extra pounds? It seemed to happen overnight. One day he was a bouncing, full of energy playmate and now he is the canine version of a couch potato. What happened to the fun loving dog that was always ready for a run in the park?

Instead of falling for that glazed over, pleading look he gets in his eyes when you are eating, put your pet on a healthy diet that is appropriate for his age and breed. This is the best way to make sure he lives a long and healthy life. There are many different foods that are formulated for the age, size, energy level, and life style of your pet.

Your veterinarian is your best source for finding the healthiest diet possible for your dog. He can tell you which brand is best, what requirements your dog needs for his build, and what is best for his age. Since being overweight can take its toll on his hips and certain breeds are susceptible to hip problems, your vet can tell you exactly what your pet needs to get back to his recommended weight. If he is seriously overweight, the sooner you start the better.

Stick to the recommended amount and do not give him table scraps. If you feel guilty about depriving him of treats, there are homemade snacks you can make that are healthy. This will make both of you feel better. He will be getting treats and you will not feel like the diet police.

When starting the diet, take him for walks just to get the exercise routine started. Even if he is an older dog who is not particularly energetic, starting out with short walks can help him to get the exercise he needs. This can be beneficial for you as well. The results you see when he starts to take the weight off and get more energetic will be reward enough for the perseverance you have shown.

Keeping the big picture in mind and realizing you are helping him to be healthy enough to live many more years will give you the incentive to stick to the diet he needs.

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