Dog Obesity and Why Are Dogs Getting More and More Obese Today?
Obesity in dogs is not uncommon. Moreover, the beloved Labradors, known eaters of the dog world, are more often overweight than the recommended body weight.
Obesity in dogs is not rare. Moreover, the beloved Labradors, known eaters of the dog world, are more often overweight than the recommended body weight. We know very well how hard it is to resist the sad hungry eyes of our pets and how often we have the urge to express our love with food. We need to make people aware that obesity is a big problem that needs to be put to an end.
Why are dogs getting fatter today? Carbohydrates are the main ingredient of all industrial dry dog food. And very often it's the same with canned dog food, those delicious pieces of meat in gelatin are actually 'cubes' that resemble meat from stew, but in composition they are more similar to potatoes from stew than meat. It is extremely important to read the declaration correctly in order to know how much meat is actually in a food. If the percentage of meat (this includes both meat and offal) in the food is less than 75%, it is not a food that meets the nutritional needs of carnivores. And don't be fooled, grain free food does not automatically mean that the food has more meat and less carbohydrates. Cereals in such foods are replaced by foods such as:
- potatoes,
- peas,
- sweet potatoes, etc.
foods that are generally a source of carbohydrates.
What is most often recommended for obese dogs?
Of course - food for fat dogs, so-called. light food. Large amounts of raw fiber are often added to food intended for obese dogs. A small amount of raw fiber from vegetables and fruits is desirable in the diet because of its prebiotic properties. However, in large quantities they irritate the intestines. Trying to make your dog lose weight by feeding him food that will only fill his stomach, and he won't be able to use it, is not healthy. It's also a question of whether you want to spend money on food that isn't actually food, but just mass passing through the digestive system. So the saddest part of the story is that obese dogs often do not get enough quality fats and proteins, and their bodies actually starve. Reducing the amount of food that makes a dog fat usually does not solve the problem. Because the dog will continue to starve for protein and fat, and the unused carbohydrates will be stored in fat tissue.
How best to help an obese dog?
Switch him as soon as possible to food that his body can use in the best quality without side effects. A dog is a carnivore and its digestive system is designed to digest raw food rich in protein and fat. And as such, there is no need for carbohydrates, at least not in terms of the necessary energy for the body's work. Fats are the best source of energy!