what is the best wet food?

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Chicken, beef, vegetables, gluten free … if the dog is overweightthere are many types of wet food on the market that can help Fido get back into shape.

Wet food is very effective in making dogs lose weight, as it is made up of more than 80% water, this means that the feeling of fullness comes quickly. To choose the best one, you need to take into consideration the animal’s tastes, its age, energy needs, size and state of health.

For example, an older dog that doesn’t get much exercise and gets fat will not have the same energy needs as a one-year-old dog that has just been neutered. To make your dog lose weight, you must also give him the opportunity to exercise (with games, walks, swimming, etc.) and not give him anything to eat between meals.

Can’t feel your dog’s ribs anymore when you pet him? Maybe it’s time to start a weight loss diet!

How to find out if your dog is overweight

Knowing if your dog is overweight is not very difficult. Normally, a normal weight specimen has a somewhat hollow abdomen and the rib cage is wider.

If Fido does not visually present these characteristics, he is overweight.

It is also possible to try to touch his ribs: if not available to the touch, Fido is normal weight, otherwise, he has a few extra pounds!

To find out how overweight your dog is, take him to a vet. Only a veterinarian can give an accurate diagnosis and suggest the best treatment.

What are the risks of being overweight in dogs?

As in humans, being overweight in dogs can lead to a variety of health problems, depending on the situation.

Even if it is only a small weight gain initially, it can quickly turn into obesity. An obese dog runs out of breath quickly and has difficulty moving, so he practices less and less sports and gets fatter … it’s a vicious circle.

Being overweight can lead to heart weakness, breathing problems, diabetes, and joint problems (arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.). This canine condition therefore risks reducing your pet’s life expectancy. This is why it is important to take care of it as soon as possible and make the dog lose weight.

How much should an overweight dog eat?

The answer to this question is related to the breed of the specimen: a Saint Bernard will not need the same amount of kibble as a Chihuahua.

The amount to give to the dog is also based on his activity level and his ideal weight. As a general rule, a rationing table is displayed on the packages of the kibble and therefore the proportions must be adapted to the specific needs of the specimen.

To make him lose weight, it is not possible to simply feed him less (and also runs the risk of creating deficiencies). This is why you should choose one specific food for overweight dogs which will give him all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy while limiting the amount of fat.

What to do if the dog is overweight?

If you notice that your pet is gaining weight, you need to change his habits: stop at premium snacks to replace with a session of cuddles or games.

He should also be taken to the vet to make sure the increase is not related to any health problems.

The specialist can also give you various tips to help Fido lose weight effectively.

Divide the meals into several small portionsie serve them to your dog throughout the day to reduce the feeling of hunger.

Which breeds are most at risk?

Some dog breeds are more prone to being overweight than others. This is the case with Labradors, for example. The weight of these greedy specimens must be constantly monitored. Same goes for Shetland Shepherds and all small breeds tend to gain weight.

Of course, a dog that doesn’t get a lot of exercise will develop body fat faster than an animal that runs every day, regardless of its breed.

I spayed or neutered dogs tend to gain weight after the operation. This is because they don’t have the same energy needs as before. If you keep feeding them the same food, they will gradually gain weight.

How to increase the physical activity of an overweight dog?

Since overweight animals have little stamina and joint pain, physical activity must be increased very gradually. Start playing with your dog outside for five extra minutes each day. Also increase the amount of time of the daily walk by 10 minutes at a time.

Swimming is a good sport for overweight dogs. It allows them to exercise their muscles without suffering joint damage. Don’t hesitate to take your big dog to the nearby water holes for a swim.