NomNomNow 4 Protein Options
Canidae Grain-Free PURE Resolve
Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Recipe
Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Recipe
How to tell if your dog is overweight
If you’re not sure your dog is overweight, consider using a body condition score for dogs, which is similar to a BMI for people. Ideally, your dog will land in the middle of the score. Check to see if you can feel your dog’s ribs. You should also be able to distinguish between your dog’s chest and stomach. Overweight dogs also might breathe heavier when walking, move slower or sleep more often.
How much should my dog weigh?
Not all dogs are the same. Your dog's ideal weight depends on several factors, including breed, gender and height. Here's a look at healthy weights for the country's top 10 dog breeds.
| Top 10 dog breeds | Healthy male weight | Healthy female weight |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 64–79 lbs. | 55–71 lbs. |
| German Shepherd | 66–88 lbs. | 49–71 lbs. |
| Golden Retriever | 65–70 lbs. | 55–65 lbs. |
| French Bulldog | Under 28 lbs. | Under 28 lbs. |
| Bulldog | 50 lbs. | 40 lbs. |
| Beagle | 20–30 lbs. | 20–30 lbs. |
| Standard Poodle | 60–70 lbs. | 40–50 lbs. |
| Rottweiler | 95–135 lbs. | 80–100 lbs. |
| Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) | 7 lbs. | 7 lbs. |
| German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) | 55–70 lbs. | 45–60 lbs. |
How to help a dog lose weight
More than half of dogs in the United States are overweight, according to research from Banfield Pet Hospital. Since 2007, the number of overweight canine pets has increased a staggering 158 percent. When dogs are heavier than they should be, they are more prone to suffer from conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes, as well as a lower life expectancy. Luckily, there are ways to help your dog return to a healthy weight:
- Increase your dog’s daily exercise
Almost every dog stands to benefit from 30 minutes to two hours of physical activity every day. Often, a casual walk around the neighborhood will suffice. - Decrease your dog’s food portion size
Instead of feeding once or twice a day, feed your dog smaller portions multiple times a day to keep blood sugar levels steady. Keep water available to your dog all day, but don’t leave food out after more than 15 minutes since dogs can’t self-regulate. - Feed your dog weight management dog food
Buying the best diet dog food for your pet’s nutritional needs is another important way to keep your dog’s weight under control. Look for a formula that offers more protein and less fat with a reduced calorie count.
By making a few simple changes, you can help your dog lose weight and live a healthier, happier life.
