by Robin Shane

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

Finding the right diet for your beloved dog is crucial. Diet is essential, particularly if your loved one is overweight. Just as with "regular people," dogs can suffer a variety of health issues by being overly heavy. Feeding our dogs properly is part of loving them and caring for them. Determining if a dog is overweight, and how much over, is best determined by a veterinarian. Each breed, or mixture of breeds, has a healthy weight standard. The vet is knowledgeable of all the factors involved and can help set weight goals for your dog.

Dogs of all lifestyles have different activity levels. Some dogs go on two-mile runs with their owners while others are housebound companions. More active dogs need more nourishment. The housebound dog needs a large house to run and play in or a yard for exercise.

The best start for a proper diet is to only feed your dog food that is for dogs. When grandma's chihuahua is the size of a pomeranian, there's a diet issue! It can be terribly difficult to resist those sad little faces that beg us, "Please!" But for the health of the one we love we must resist those adorable eyes and keep the people food to ourselves. Dog treats are wonderful and our pets are deserving of them, but even snacks must be kept at a minimum. There are weight management dog foods on the market but should only be used under the direction of a vet. Dogs of different breeds, weights and activity levels need different nutrition. Feeding them the wrong dog food can leave them hungry and listless besides being overweight. A check-up is always the best idea before starting an entirely new regimen.

A dog who is already accustomed to overeating will benefit from a diet given specifically by a pet health professional. Weaning them off of too much food at once is not healthy for them either. Going from people food everyday to a diet of only appropriate dog food is necessary but will likely be difficult. Dogs can go on "strike" and eat nothing for days until you give in. The temptation on the owner's part can be overwhelming. Your dog will not starve and they will eat the dog food when they get hungry enough. Keeping communication with the vet's staff will help thrugh the trying times.

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