Fat Dogs Are Not Fit Dogs

Running in the field or lying at your feet, fat dogs are probably unhealthy dogs. Keep your hunting dog looking leaner, living longer, and healthier by feeding them just the right amount.

If they are overfed with limited exercise you could end up with an unhealthy overweight dog.

The ideal body condition for your pooch is when the ribs are somewhat visible and the belly is tucked up higher than the chest.

If the belly drops closer to the level of the chest and you can’t really see the ribs, you may have a chunky looking dog.

You should decrease feeding for 2 to 3 weeks. Then reassess your dogs condition and adjust the diet as necessary.

Likewise, if the ribs are too visible, you may want to increase meal portions for several weeks and then reassess or adjust the diet as necessary.

The importance of keeping your dog fit is one concern many people overlook.

With an ideal body condition as described, your dog will maintain a healthy blood sugar level, blood pressure, heart rate. You can help prevent health conditions related to being overweight.

All of this amounts to having fit dogs not fat dogs. Maintain an appropriate diet for a happier healthier dog…

ADULT Feeding to ideal body condition provides real, long-term health benefits, and the chart below should be used to monitor your dog’s body condition. Since every dog is different, modify your feeding amounts as needed to help your dog reach ideal body condition. Underfed Dog Ribs are highly visible. Increase the amount you are feeding. After 2 or 3 weeks, compare again. Adjust until dog exhibits ideal body condition. Ideal Body Condition Can feel and see outline of ribs. Dog has a waist when viewed from above. Belly is tucked up when viewed from the side. Maintain current feeding regimen. Overfed Dog Dog has no waist when viewed from above. Belly is rounded when viewed from the side. Decrease amount you are feeding. After 2 or 3 weeks, compare again. Adjust as necessary. BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING IDEAL BODY CONDITION: • Promotes a leaner, longer, healthier life • Reduces potential for developing weight-related health conditions • Reduces a dog’s percentage of body fat for better health • Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels • Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and heart rate The Body Condition System was developed and tested at the Purina Pet Care Center, and has been documented in the following publications: Laflamme, DP. Body Condition Scoring and Weight Maintenance. Proc N Am Vet Conf Jan 16-21, 1993, Orlando FL, pp 290-291. Laflamme DP, Kealy RD, Schmidt DA. Estimation of Body Fat by Body Condition Score. J Vet Int Med 1994; 8:154. Laflamme DP, Kuhlman G, Lawler DF, Kealy RD, Schmidt DA. Obesity Management in Dogs. J Vet Clin Nutr 1994; 1:59-65.

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