Causes, risks & what really helps
Overweight in dogs
Obesity in dogs is a widespread problem - and often harder to recognise than you might think. At first glance, anoverweight dog often simply appears to be "well-fed", but long-term obesity can have serious consequences for health, mobility and quality of life.
How can I recognise if my dog is overweight?
Not all weight gain is immediately visible. Typical signs of overweight in dogs are:
- Ribs are no longer easily palpable
- No recognisable waistline from above
- Belly line hangs or runs straight
- Your dog gets tired more quickly or is less active
- Shortness of breath with little exertion
The Body Condition Score (BCS) provides a helpful guide. It rates your dog's body condition on a scale of 1 to 9. A healthy score is usually between 4 and 5.
If you are unsure whether your dog is overweight or how severe it is, ourveterinary nutritional counsellingat PERRO will be happy to help you with an individual assessment.
Causes & risks of obesity in dogs
Common causes of obesity in dogs
- Too large portions of food
- Lots of snacks & chews in addition to the main food
- Lack of exercise
- Castration (altered metabolism)
- Age (lower energy requirements)
- Hormonal diseases
Important: A dog can also become overweight even though it is fed little food if calorie requirements and food composition do not match.
Health risks
Adog that is overweight has a significantly increased risk of:
- Joint problems & osteoarthritis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Respiratory problems
- Shortened life expectancy
Suitable products for overweight dogs from our PERRO range
- Single-protein recipe with hypoallergenic goat - ideal for sensitive dogs
- Semi-moist croquette with soft bite - extra flavourful & high acceptance
- Reduced energy content - ideal for overweight or senior dogs
- Grain and gluten-free - with potatoes & peas as a digestible source of energy
- With chondroitin & glucosamine - supports joints & mobility
- Herbal mix for digestion, immune system & general well-being
- Also available in our Sensitive Starter Box Goat
- Extra low in fat - ideal for metabolic problems & pancreatic insufficiency
- Wholesome supply despite reduced fat intake
- With fibre to support digestion & intestinal flora
- Can contribute to the stabilisation of blood sugar levels
- Omega-3 & -6 fatty acids for skin, coat & immune system
- Quick feeling of satiety and optimal nutrient absorption
- Low in energy & fat - for weight control or weight reduction
- High crude fibre content for long-lasting satiety
- Mussel extracts support bones & joints despite diet
- With omega-3 & -6 fatty acids for heart, skin & shine
- Natural fibre promotes healthy digestion
- Complete nutrient supply despite reduced calorie intake
- Lean poultry meat for high-quality proteins with a low fat content
- Exotic ostrich meat - hypoallergenic, low in cholesterol and very well tolerated
- Gluten-free rice as a gentle source of energy for sensitive stomachs - also as a light diet
- Safflower oil provides essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Carrots provide natural vitamins and promote eyesight
- Ideal for weight management and a light, balanced diet
How much should my dog weigh? (depending on the stage of life)
The ideal weight for dogs depends on the following factors:
- Dog breed
- Size of the dog
- Age of the dog
- Activity level
- State of health
Rules of thumb:
- Puppies & young dogs: even growth, no "flab"
- Adult dogs: slim, well-muscled, visible waistline
- Seniors: Slightly less muscle mass is normal, fat gain is not
If you want to put your dog on a diet, an individually determined ideal weight is particularly important. Ourveterinary nutritional counselling at PERROwill help you to determine the right target weight and find a diet plan that really suits your dog.
Our tips for overweight dogs
Diet & exercise for obesity
Nutrition
- Weigh portion sizes exactly
- Reduce snacks or subtract them from the daily requirement
- Avoid high-calorie chews
- High qualityDiet food for dogsuse high quality diet food
Exercise your dog
- Several short walks instead of infrequent long ones
- Regular exercise (e.g. brisk walking)
- Gentle on joints, especially in the case of severe obesity
Mental activity (sniffing games, search tasks) also helps without burning calories.
For your dog's ideal weight:
- Single-protein formula made from fresh horse meat and offal – hypoallergenic and easily digestible
- With gluten- and grain-free potato – provides gentle energy and supports digestion
- A minimalist recipe – ideal for elimination diets and dogs with allergies
- Gentle cold-filling – ensures the best possible retention of vitamins and minerals
- No unnecessary additives – natural, high-quality complete food
- Also ideally suited for healthy dogs that should be fed a grain-free diet
- Also included in the Sensitiv wet food box Horse
- Goat Monoprotein – ideal for elimination diets where tolerance is known
- Discover 3 textures – wet food, soft kibble and sausage
- High palatability – succulent recipes with an intense goat flavour
- Developed for sensitive dogs – carefully selected ingredients support digestibility
- The Allergy Specialist – Horse is the most tried-and-tested source of protein for veterinary elimination diets
- 3 textures to try risk-free – pure wet food, crunchy kibble or irresistible sausages – so you’re guaranteed to find out what your dog likes best and tolerates best
- Maximum flavour despite being on a diet – the hearty, natural flavour of horse meat ensures the highest level of acceptance
- 10% instant set discount – Try our life-changing premium quality at a fair bundle price and set your dog on the path to a carefree future
- Monoprotein Horse – high-quality wet food for dogs
- 2 varieties to try – Horse with Potato & Horse with Vegetables
- Developed in consultation with a vet – nutritional advice from our vet to help you make an informed choice
- Smart bulk buy with 10% off – 12 × 410 g grain-free wet food in a value pack
- Single-protein lamb – made from fresh lamb and offal
- Variety in the bowl – lamb with potatoes & lamb with vegetables
- Gluten- and grain-free – cold-filled and gently cooked
- 10% introductory offer – 12 tins (6+6) of high-quality, grain-free dog food
- Single-protein duck – suitable for elimination diets
- 100% grain- and gluten-free – no artificial colours or preservatives
- Variety in the set – two varieties: duck and potato, and duck with vegetables
- 10% introductory discount – high-quality wet food in a handy pack of 12
- Single-protein formula with fresh horse meat & offal – hypoallergenic & easily digestible
- Grain- and gluten-free formula – ideal for dogs with intolerances
- With pumpkin & apple – provides fibre, vitamins & antioxidants
- Simplified composition – ideal for elimination diets
- Gentle cold-filling process – maximises the retention of nutrients and flavour
- Also suitable for healthy dogs as a high-quality, grain-free complete diet
- Also included in the Sensitive Wet Food Box for Horses
- Extra low in fat - ideal for metabolic problems & pancreatic insufficiency
- Wholesome supply despite reduced fat intake
- With fibre to support digestion & intestinal flora
- Can contribute to the stabilisation of blood sugar levels
- Omega-3 & -6 fatty acids for skin, coat & immune system
- Quick feeling of satiety and optimal nutrient absorption
- Low in energy & fat - for weight control or weight reduction
- High crude fibre content for long-lasting satiety
- Mussel extracts support bones & joints despite diet
- With omega-3 & -6 fatty acids for heart, skin & shine
- Natural fibre promotes healthy digestion
- Complete nutrient supply despite reduced calorie intake
- Lean poultry meat for high-quality proteins with a low fat content
- Exotic ostrich meat - hypoallergenic, low in cholesterol and very well tolerated
- Gluten-free rice as a gentle source of energy for sensitive stomachs - also as a light diet
- Safflower oil provides essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Carrots provide natural vitamins and promote eyesight
- Ideal for weight management and a light, balanced diet
Individual support from our veterinary nutritional counselling service
Every dog is different - and many factors play a role in obesity in particular. In our veterinary nutritional counselling, we provide you with personal and professional support on the way to a healthy weight for your dog.
Among other things, our experts will support you with:
- Assessment of the current body condition
- Determining a realistic target weight
- Selection of asuitable diet food
- Creation of an individual feeding plan
Tips if you are switching to diet food but your dog is picky
Many dogs react sceptically to new food. This is how the changeover works:
- Slow changeover over 7-10 days
- Warm the diet food slightly
- Add a little water or low-sodium bone broth
- Stick to fixed feeding times
- Do not give in immediately if the dog "goes on strike"
Important: No extras on the side, otherwise the diet food will lose its effect.
