In many respects, dogs are very similar to humans. For example, one of their biggest health problems is obesity. To many owners, a tubby dog is extra cuddly, but the fact of the matter is that a fat dog is an unhealthy dog! In much the same way as obesity affects humans, dogs too can suffer from diabetes exacerbated by over weight, and their life expectancy can be seriously shortened.

Some pet owners do not know if their dog is overweight or not. A layer of blubber around the dog’s midriff does not mean it has a comfortable weight. A simple way to find out is with a simple visual check. Your should be able to easily feel the ribs under the dog’s skin. If a dog is overweight then they will have a layer of fat over their ribs.

There are a number of factors that can effect a dog’s weight. Over feeding is probably the most common, but lack of exercise can compound the problem of over eating dramatically. There are other factors too though, some not as obvious as those just outlined. For example, and depending on the age, breed and sex of the dog, conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism can also play a part. If you suspect that you pet is overweight, then your first port of call should be to the vet, just in case something more serious is at play.

Once you have ruled out any serious health problems from the equation, you can start to deal with the other factors yourself. Make a plan of the quantity and quality of the food that you give your dog, and how many times you actually feed it. Many cheap brands of dog food are not fully nutritious, so one of the first things to do will be to get better quality food for your pet. If you have any doubts, talk to your veterinarian about the diet you give your dog, because they will be well placed to advise you with respect to the breed and age of the animal. If you do change your dog’s diet, do so over a period of time rather than all at once. Let your dog’s digestive system deal with the changes, especially if they are quite radical.

Treat your dog as you would treat yourself if you were on a diet. Cut out sweets for example, especially if they are high in calories. Make notes of exactly what you feed your dog, especially with respect to the calorific content. As with humans, losing weight is all about calorie deficit, and one of the first things to do is to check the dog’s calorie intake. Try and avoid feeding your dog leftovers as well, even if they are used to having them. Human food has not been prepared with dogs in mind, and will often have higher calorie content than a dog should have.

The other side of the weight loss coin is adequate exercise. Dogs need to have a huge amount of exercise to remain healthy, far more than you take yourself, no matter how fit you are. If your dog is overweight, they should go for at least two walks a day, of minimum duration of 30 to 45 minutes each. This will depend largely on the size of your dog. If you have such a thing as a dog park nearby, then take your dog there. Play lots of games which involve you throwing and the dog running. Less work for you and more for the dog, but that is the way that it should be. And it can be fun too!

Try to look at a long term plan for your dog’s weight loss, and not a crash diet. A gradual program will be more sustainable over the long term. Remember to record your dog’s weight too, a keep an eye on progress regularly.

By and large, dogs become overweight by overeating and inactivity, much as we do. Follow the feeding guidelines set by your vet, improve the quality of the food you give your dog, and increase the amount of exercise and activity your dog gets. Following these simple rules will get your dog back to being the way that nature intended. They will thank you for it!
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Is healthy dog food a myth? You’ve probably wondered, since hearing about the recent dog food recalls. Pet lovers like you fear that their dogs will suffer like so many others that ate food containing dangerous ingredients – wheat gluten and a product used in the production of plastics.

If you’re like other dog owners, you’re taking a much closer look at those dog food labels. They claim to offer the top quality, balanced diet for your pet, but how can you know if it’s true? How do you guarantee that your dog eats only healthy food? Is it even possible to get healthy dog food from manufacturers now?

It has become tougher to find inexpensive healthy dog food. They use high levels of preservatives and take a lot of processing that destroys nutrients. Many use filler to make up the quantity but it does nothing for quality. The most common fillers are wheat and corn. Dogs don’t need corn. In fact, it can be slow to digest, giving your dog no nutrients whatsoever.

Corn and wheat can also trigger allergies in some dogs. Any grain product should include the entire grain so your dog gets all the benefits including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Look for rolled oats, barley, millet and brown rice as these will provide the best nutritional value.

When you read the dog food label, look for those with the best ingredient ratio, which is 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% grains. The items are listed in order of quantity. You’ll want to make sure meat is at the top of the list.

Watch out for meat by-products as this can include indigestible parts of the animals such as feet and beaks. Also, be aware of manufacturers who list meat as the main product, and then follow it with meat by-products. This alters the nutritional ratio significantly.

Did you know that Vitamins A and B make good preservatives? Look for labels and slipcovers that list these instead of the cancer-causing chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin.

Choose a good quality, reputable dog food rather than economy brands as the premium food will contain ingredients of higher nutritional value.

Keep in mind that your dog might benefit more from a specific type of dog food, rather than a one-for-all brand. While both types of food offer value, some dogs have additional needs. Factors include your breed’s inherited health risks, your dog’s activity levels and any other underlying conditions that require certain dog food nutrients.

If you want to ensure your dog receives only healthy dog food, you can make it yourself. There are many recipes available online and in dog recipe books. Run an Internet search and you’re sure to find a wealth of choices. Look for dog-related forums. People love to go online and chat about their favorite subject – their pets – and share recipes.

Knowing how to read dog food labels will help you to identify the best product for your pet, but you can’t beat homemade for your peace of mind and to provide the best nutritional and healthy dog food to your beloved best friend.

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Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who is also a lifelong dog owner. You can read more dog training tips at http://ebook-haven.com/dogtraining.htm . Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of her latest booklet, “Unveiling the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy” at http://ebook-haven.com/PuppyGuide1.php