Oops, are you accidentally feeding your pup too much? Look out for these 4 signs you are overfeeding your dog and learn how to fix it!
4 Signs You Are Overfeeding Your Dog
Let’s face it – we all love spoiling our furry friends with treats and big portions! But the problem with this is that most dogs will eat far more than they should, and overfeeding can quickly lead to obesity and other health problems.
Keep an eye out for these four signs that you are overfeeding your dog:
1 – Weight Gain
When it comes to food, many dogs don’t have a stop button! They will eat far more than they need, and these extra calories quickly lead to weight gain and obesity. If your dog is losing its waistline, it might be time to cut back on the kibble.
2 – Reduced Energy Levels
Extra calories do not always mean extra energy! Overfeeding can lead to lethargy and a lack of energy, causing your dog to take more naps than usual and show less interest in walks and playtime.
3 – Digestive Problems
Overfed dogs may experience digestive issues – commonly passing normal stools in the morning, which then become softer through the day. If your pup’s poop is irregular, it could be a sign that they’re getting too much food.
4 – Abnormal Appetite
Does your dog often leave uneaten food in the bowl? Or are they always pestering you for more treats and food? Either of these could be a sign of overfeeding – a dog on a balanced diet should finish its daily rations with gusto, without begging for more.
Why Is Overfeeding Your Dog A Problem?
As much as we love spoiling our furry friends, overfeeding can lead to a whole host of health problems. Obesity, diabetes, and joint pain are just a few of the potential risks associated with overfeeding your dog. Plus, an overweight pup will lack the energy or enthusiasm for playtime and adventure, leading to a reduced quality of life.
How To Stop Overfeeding Your Dog
Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to help your dog slim down and stay healthy!
Start by cutting back on treats and reducing your dog’s portion sizes. Switch to high-quality, low-calorie dog food, weighing out your dog’s daily ration to ensure you are feeding the correct amount.
Add in healthy treats like carrots, apples, and broccoli, and don’t forget to get your pup moving with daily walks, hikes, and playtime!
If you need any help deciding how much to feed your dog, don’t forget that Maven’s vet team is here to lend you a hand!
We offer a personalized nutrition plan that is curated by our veterinary experts, who know your pet and monitor their health 24/7. Our nutrition plan is budget-minded and pet-specific, taking into consideration your pet’s breed, age, weight, and health status, as well as any specific dietary needs or preferences they may have, and your own lifestyle.
We also offer equally customized exercise plans, activity and sleep tracking with daily and weekly reports, and regular checkups to help you monitor your pup’s progress. And your Maven vet is always available to answer any questions you may have via chat or video calls!
Maven is all about proactive pet care. Be your best friend’s best friend by giving them 24/7, high-quality, industry-leading vet care to improve their mental health, physical health and more. No more frantic googling or unneeded stressful visits to the vet – Maven helps you save hundreds while also ensuring your pet lives the best life possible. Get your kit now!
I love my pup to death , but do not want to over feed her with food or treats. She is a 6. Month old HavaMalt. Weights 8.3 lbs, just has been spayed a week ago. I feed her wet duck and chicken with dry kibble Now Turkey Duck and salmon, then a liver treat crumbled on top. Is that a lot 1 large tablespoon wet, maybe 20 kibbles and one piece of dried liver sprinkled on top.
Then Duck dry breast treats maybe 4 a day.
Hi Maggie, thank you so much for reaching out! You are right to be concerned about your pup’s diet and weight. Optimal body condition is vital for our dogs to thrive and be healthy.
There are several aspects to be taken into account when choosing the proper diet plan. The food’s quality is highly important, but ensuring a proper daily amount of food is mandatory to prevent overweight issues.
The great majority of brands provide a chart on the package with the recommended daily amount of food considering the pet’s weight and age. These are generic guidelines to help pet parents.
For a more personalized recommendation of the daily amount of food, a more thorough assessment of the dog’s body condition and body fat is required – which involves taking several measurements of the dog’s body and a proper hands-on exam. The daily caloric requirements and feeding amount can then be calculated. Depending on the kind of food, that amount will change.
Regarding treats, they are often the reason why pets are overweight. Treats should never comprise more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric requirements!
Knowing how much a dog should be fed is not as straightforward as it seems, and a proper veterinary assessment is required. That being said, as previously mentioned, you can check the food’s package to have a clearer idea of what that should be!
Best regards
Thank you for your help…..
Thankses, I love my animals, you helped me much with taking care of them.
Its excellent as your other posts : D, regards for posting .