Don’t Let Love Turn into Pounds: The Importance of Not Overfeeding Your Dog
We dog owners all want our dogs to feel loved, safe, and happy. It’s easy to show affection with treats and extra helpings at mealtime—after all, food is one of the ways many of us express care. But more isn't always better when it comes to feeding your dog. Overfeeding is one of the most common and preventable causes of health and behavior problems in dogs.
Why Overfeeding Is a Problem
1. Obesity Risks
Like in humans, excess weight in dogs can lead to serious health problems. Obesity puts extra stress on the joints, heart, and respiratory system. It increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Sadly, it can also shorten your dog’s lifespan and reduce their quality of life.
2. Digestive Discomfort
Overeating can lead to bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. In severe cases, especially in large breeds, overeating may contribute to a life-threatening condition called bloat (gastric torsion), where the stomach twists.
3. Behavioral Issues
An overfed dog often has lower energy and can become more lethargic or irritable. Extra weight can also interfere with play and training, making your dog less motivated and more prone to frustration or stubborn behavior.
4. Skewed Training Results
If you're using treats as training rewards, giving too many can reduce their value and turn your dog into a picky or pushy learner. The balance between affection and discipline gets thrown off, and it can be harder to maintain clear communication with your dog.
Is Your Dog at a Healthy Weight?
You don’t need a scale, or a vet visit to get a general sense of your dog’s weight status. Here’s a simple at-home check you can do:
- Ribs Check: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be visible. If you can’t feel them at all, your dog is likely to be overweight.
- Waistline: When viewed from above, your dog should have a visible waist—an inward curve between the ribs and hips.
- Tummy Tuck: From the side, your dog’s abdomen should slope upward from the ribcage toward the back legs, not hang low or appear level with the chest.
If you’re unsure, your veterinarian can perform a Body Condition Score (BCS) assessment and give you personalized recommendations.
How to Keep Feeding in Check
- Know the Right Amount: Use feeding guidelines on the dog food label as a starting point, but adjust based on your dog’s activity level, age, and metabolism. Your vet can help you find the right portion size.
- Watch the Treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Use small, healthy treats or bits of their regular food during training.
- Measure Meals: Use a measuring cup or a scale, not just your eyes. It’s easy to overfeed when you’re guessing.
- Don’t Give In to Begging: Dogs learn to beg if it works. If your dog gets snacks from the table or looks cute every time, you’re unintentionally training them to expect food.
- Weigh Regularly: Track your dog’s weight every few months to catch trends before they become problematic.
A Healthy Dog Is a Happy Dog
Food is essential, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Your dog needs a balanced combination of exercise, mental stimulation, rest, and affection to thrive. Feeding with intention shows real love because you’re looking out for their long-term health and happiness.
So next time those puppy eyes plead for another treat, pause and ask yourself: Am I doing this for them, or for me? Loving your dog means doing what’s best for them, even if that means saying no sometimes.