How do I feed my dog to avoid overweight?Updated a month ago
Weight management in dogs
It is important to monitor your dog's body condition and prevent excess weight, as overweight and obesity can significantly increase the risk of health problems, such as excessive strain on the joints. At Alvar, we support successful weight management by providing precise feeding recommendations tailored to each dog, as well as recipes specifically designed for dogs that need help managing their weight (Alvar Light/Fish and Senior/Chicken). Remember that treats and table scraps also contribute to your dog's total daily energy intake, so the amount of dry food alone does not determine how many calories your dog consumes. If your dog is clearly overweight, it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian. This is especially important if your dog is showing weight-related symptoms, such as difficulty moving or reduced exercise tolerance, as a weight management plan should be developed together with your veterinarian.
Energy intake
Overweight is one of the most common and serious health problems affecting dogs today. It is estimated that up to half of all dogs worldwide are overweight or obese. Although every dog's energy requirement is influenced by individual factors and certain risk factors may contribute to weight gain, excess weight is ultimately caused by consuming more calories than are used. Energy intake from complete foods can be reduced by switching to a lower-calorie recipe or by reducing portion sizes. In addition, treats and table scraps should be limited, and the calories they provide should be included in your dog's daily energy intake. For example, two cocktail sausages slipped to a begging 5 kg dog provide around one-third of its daily energy requirement.
All Alvar feeding tables include recommended portion sizes for different activity levels. Since energy requirements vary between individual dogs, it is important to regularly monitor your dog's body condition and weight and adjust feeding accordingly.
Satiety and essential nutrient intake
Reducing portion sizes may naturally leave your dog feeling less satisfied and may even increase begging behaviour. Foods that are higher in dietary fibre can help improve satiety. Fibre lowers the calorie density of the food, allowing for slightly larger meal portions without increasing calorie intake. In other words, fibre helps fill the stomach without adding excess energy. Certain fibres, such as psyllium, may also slow stomach emptying and help your dog feel full for longer after meals. Alvar Light/Fish and Senior/Chicken contain a higher level of dietary fibre as well as added psyllium to help support satiety.
You can read more about feeding an overweight dog and weight management in our blog post here.