
17/06/2025
It is estimated that roughly 40% of dogs are overweight in Australia. We all know that being overweight puts strain on joints, organs and overall quality of life. Its important we rule out any underlying health conditions that could be causing weight issues, but in most cases, a dog’s weight is influenced by the choices WE make for them, we choose what they eat, how much they eat and how much they move.
‼️So why are there so many over weight dogs???‼️
Musculoskeletal conditions can be massively improved by keeping your dog lean. A common thing I hear from my clients is that they have cut back the food and become more consistent with exercise but the weight just won't shift. If you are having a similar battle below are some tips that might be useful for you:
🐾 Change their diet to a more age/health appropriate recipe.
🐾 Find out your dogs ideal weight so you can accurately portion out their meals.
🐾 Make meal times more engaging - use scatter feeding, food puzzles, hide & seek.
🐾 Choose dynamic exercise - include gentle hill climbs, walking through bush land, enrichment sessions or functional exercise are great ways to get your dog moving in different planes of movement.
🐾 Make informed choices - for example some teeth cleaning products and training treats are very high in calories.
🐾 When making exercise adjustments make them gradually; increasing exercise duration or intensity can lead to fatigue or injury making it harder for them to remain active in the long run.
If you require more specialized information a consultation with a qualified canine nutritionist can offer guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs - many of them offer online appointments.