Talk Tuesday - How Can I Keep My Dog's Weight at a Healthy Level?

Do you have a dog that is overweight? There are many things you can do as a pet parent to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is putting on excess weight, it is probably time to review three major categories to restore health: your dog food, treating habits, and overall exercise plan. I discussed this topic earlier this week on my second Talk Tuesday- thank you to everyone that watched the video! If you would like to watch the video now, here is the link to my Talk Tuesday: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CciBtO8t4uR/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

The Amelia team has compiled some product recommendations to get you started on your dog's healthy weight journey.  Let's work together to find solutions  to improve your dogs longevity and overall wellness. 

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG FOOD: When you are picking a dog food for weight control, or weight loss, it is very important to choose the right formula. I would recommend choosing a recipe that is lower in fat while still having high quality meat proteins as the first ingredient. My favourite food for less active seniors and overweight dogs is Fromm Whitefish. However, if you need a more budget friendly alternative I would also recommend Nutram Weight Control. 
2. MAKE HEALTHY TREAT CHOICES:  You are in charge of your pet's food and treat choices. In most cases, the dog is not getting into the treat cupboard alone. Often times it is the pet parent's treating habits that need to be adjusted to prevent a dog from consuming excess calories. If you want to treat your dog often throughout a day, I recommend you choose smaller low calorie treats like Fromm Crunchy O's. If you want to spoil your pup with a healthy dog bakery treat we recommend our Treaty Bites or a non dipped Amelia bakery cookie. A lot of bakery cookies out there are loaded with unnecessary high calorie ingredients and sugars. If you are battling the bulge an Amelia bakery treat is actually one of the only dog bakery cookies in Canada that has healthy fibres, ancient grains, and a company philosophy of minimal dipping. Finally, all dogs need to chew! A great chew for senior dogs, or dogs that are overweight, are the Amelia veal esophagus chews. The Amelia veal esophagus chew gives your dog a chance to zone out and enjoy a low fat treat that is packed with nutrients (did you know chewing is relaxing & lowers anxiety!) The Amelia esophagus chews are loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin, and a dog that is overweight (or a senior) can always use extra glucosamine. 
3. HAVE AN EXERCISE PLAN: Exercise is a key component of feeling good, maintaining a healthy body weight, and building muscles that help maintain your dog's joints. If your pet is overweight you may need to look at your exercise plan. If you are unable to spend more time exercising with your dog you can always try a dog walker, doggie daycare playdates, or even a treadmill to keep your dog moving. Anything you can do to get moving, and have fun, will benefit both you and your dog. 

If you feel your pet is not consuming an excess of calories but is still gaining weight it may be necessary to consult your veterinarian. There are some health issues that make it easy to gain weight or hard to loose weight. Your pet's doctor will be able to best determine if you have an underlining health issue that needs to be address beyond the development of healthier habits at the bowl and treat cupboard. I hope you have learned something today, and I welcome you to contact us if you need help with your pets nutrition or treat needs. 

Enjoy & See you next Tuesday on Instagram! 

Jen