Weight gain in dogs usually happens gradually, which makes it easy to ignore until your dog seems slower or the leash is too tight. Small, everyday habits often play a bigger role than you might think.

The good news is that some simple adjustments can help your dog stay lean, healthy, and full of energy all year round.

Interesting fact: Around half of the dogs in the UK are considered overweight, and even a few extra pounds can strain their joints, affect their mobility, and reduce their life expectancy.

1. Unlimited Feeding or Estimated Portions

Leaving food out all day or estimating portions "by eye" can easily lead to overfeeding. Dogs are opportunistic eaters and rarely stop on their own. Even high-quality foods can contribute to weight gain if offered in excess.

The simplest solution is to measure each meal based on your dog's ideal weight, not their current weight. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to ensure consistency and adjust portions according to their activity level.

2. Excess of Calorie Rewards

It's easy to underestimate how quickly extra calories add up throughout the day. Workout snacks, leftovers, and treats can sometimes amount to an extra meal without you even realizing it.

The key is quality, not quantity. Avoid snacks with empty calories, full of sugar or low-quality ingredients, and focus on functional rewards that truly contribute to your dog's health.

Functional chewable tablets or supplements with ingredients for joint care, digestion, or immunity can replace "bad" snacks, offering real benefits.

Veterinarian's tip: Not all treats are created equal. The goal isn't to eliminate rewards, but to make them contribute to your dog's health goals, rather than hindering them.

3. Lack of Regular Exercise

Many dogs simply don't get enough exercise to burn off the calories they consume. A brisk walk around the block is rarely sufficient, especially for working or high-energy breeds. Without enough activity, excess calories are stored as fat and muscle tone decrease.

Aim to provide at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity, adjusting the time according to your dog's breed, age, and ability. This can include brisk walks, fetch, swimming, or structured play. Regular movement also improves digestion and contributes to a healthy metabolism.

4. Ignoring changes due to age and metabolism.

As dogs age, their metabolism naturally slows down, meaning they burn fewer calories, even if their appetite remains the same. Hormonal changes after neutering can also affect energy expenditure and hunger regulation.

Check your dog's body condition regularly and adjust portions and exercise as needed.

5. Sharing snacks and human food

A bite of toast here and a piece of cheese there may seem harmless, but human food often contains far more calories, fat, and salt than dogs can digest. Even healthy foods like peanut butter or cheese can quickly tip the balance.

Instead of leftovers, focus on healthy and safe dog foods, such as simple vegetables or functional treats designed for specific health goals. This helps control calories while allowing your dog to enjoy a tasty reward.

6. Choosing dog food with low protein content or low quality.

Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining lean muscle mass and a healthy metabolism. Diets low in protein or full of low-quality ingredients can slow metabolism and promote fat storage. Dogs need high-quality animal protein to help them burn calories efficiently and stay active.

When protein intake is too low, muscle mass decreases and fat gain becomes more likely, even if total calorie intake remains the same. Choosing a balanced, protein-rich diet contributes to stronger muscles, better energy levels, and long-term weight management.

Look for foods with clearly identified protein sources (such as chicken, salmon, or beef) as the first ingredient and with minimal low-quality ingredients. This ensures your dog gets the nutrients it needs without unnecessary calories.

Quick checklist:

✅ Measure each meal precisely.

✅ Swap empty treats for functional treats

✅ Add daily activity

✅ Adjust portions according to age.

✅ Avoid feeding them food from the table.

✅ Choose balanced meals rich in protein.

Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog doesn't mean strict dietary restrictions. It's about balance. When you feed them nutritious meals, meaningful rewards, and regular exercise, they feel better, live longer, and stay active into old age.

PS: Small, consistent changes make all the difference. A healthy routine based on nutrition and smart rewards keeps your dog happy inside and out.

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