Advertisements online and on TV usually display dog food bowls brimming with kibble and round-bodied dogs chowing down happily. We’ve grown accustomed to these images as normal representations of canine happiness and health, and dog owners are more likely to think that an overweight dog is, in fact, a healthy dog. However, weigh-ins at annual veterinary wellness appointments tell a bit of the reality we see as veterinarians: weight gain is common, and dogs being classified as obese occurs more frequently than we would like to see! In fact, in North America about 25% of adult dogs are obese, and 50% of dogs are considered overweight! 

Carrying extra pounds may be considered endearing and adorable, however, when we discuss the serious impacts that long term weight gain and obesity can have on the health of our pets, it becomes clear that a fit and trim dog is best positioned for a long and healthy life.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Overweight?

Just like in our own human bodies, canine weight gain and changes in body mass over time can be hard to detect! Humans do have some daily indicators, though … tighter jeans and struggles to get that belt buckle hooked might hint at some extra padding. Since dogs don’t wear clothes, how do we really tell if they are overweight? 

Veterinarians take into account breed standards and also use a handy Body Condition Score (BCS) Chart to assess key points around a dog’s body looking for the presence of extra fat deposits. At your dog’s next vet appointment, watch carefully as the vet is talking to you. It may look like they are petting and massaging your dog, but they are probably actually assessing their body condition and feeling around with their fingers for abnormalities… and taking notes!

Indicators of a Dog’s Body Condition:

• Ribs – Ideally, the ridges of the ribs should be felt easily by running hands down each side of the dog’s chest. If ribs are not present with a light touch, and fingers need to poke in a bit in order to find them (fluffy hair aside), this means that excess layers of fat exist.
• Waist – Dogs can have an hourglass appearance too! Looking down at their back from above, a nice indentation around the dog’s natural waist is ideal. If you are just seeing a rectangle from above, this can mean that there are extra fat deposits filling in space around the muscles.
• Abdominal Tuck/Distention – Take a look at your dog from across the room. They should still exhibit that hourglass appearance– from the side view, pay attention to the hips and abdomen. A nice tuck up just before the legs should be appreciated. A potbelly or rectangular appearance of the body can indicate abdominal enlargement and extra fat storage.
• Fat Pads – Extremely overweight dogs will have extra fat deposits over the base of the tail, along the lower back, and even around the neck, shoulders, and legs. All body contours will be obscured, and the dog will take on a round shape. They will often exhibit an altered gait and difficulty moving, too.

Health Problems That Arise From Weight Gain in Dogs

Dogs LOVE food and are so cute and happy when they are fat — why is it so important to keep them in an ideal healthy body condition? Research in dogs has proven that a healthy body condition maintained over time will lead to a longer and more comfortable life, with a decreased risk of health issues associated with being overweight or obese. Keeping a dog at the ideal body condition score of a 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1-9) based on the BCS chart, will improve their longevity by 1-2 years and maintain their overall happiness and comfort level, especially during those senior years. Aside from the changes that arise from long-term stress on the joints and bones due to carrying around extra weight, fat is known to be biologically active as well, secreting inflammatory hormones that can actually contribute to and cause diseases. The following are some diseases and health conditions that have been associated with obesity:

–   Skin Problems

–   Arthritis, back injuries, and mobility issues

–   Diabetes

–   Kidney and liver disease

–   Hypertension and Heart Disease

–   Breathing problems

–   Some types of cancer

–   Complications with anesthesia

Health Conditions That Can Cause Weight Gain and Changes in Body Condition

To complicate things a bit, sometimes a dog’s weight gain is not simply due to eating too many treats or lack of exercise. Sometimes it is actually an indicator of a disease! Dogs will retain fluid and fat due to certain disease processes, the most common being Cushing’s Disease (overactive adrenal glands) and Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). If your family veterinarian has noticed that your dog’s weight gain correlates with some classic changes in the skin and coat, abdominal appearance (“potbelly”), energy level, water consumption, or urination habits, the recommendation may be made to run some further blood and urine testing in order to rule out a metabolic cause of the weight gain. It is very important to identify any health conditions as a cause of dog weight gain before immediately jumping to lifestyle changes so that appropriate medical treatment is initiated if needed.

How to Keep Your Dog at a Constant and Healthy Weight

Of course, the easiest way to ensure that your dog does not suffer from the complications of long-term obesity is for pet parents to keep their dog’s diet, exercise, and weight constant and regulated. Dogs thrive with a predictable schedule. Once they reach adulthood, maintaining a steady diet, walking or playing outdoors 2-3 times per day (1-2 hours ideally!), and monitoring their treat intake will help keep them at a steady body weight. 

Your veterinarian can assist with estimating a healthy ideal weight range for your adult dog to help track any fluctuations and keep trends in check. Home weigh-ins are useful too! If your dog is small enough to pick up, you can use a scale at home; just weigh yourself, then weigh yourself carrying your pup, and subtract! 

Visits with your veterinarian every 6 months to 1 year are important for tracking weight changes and gauging if tweaks in your dog’s feeding and exercise schedule are needed. For example, as lifestyles shift and dogs advance in age, there may be some necessary changes in caloric intake or exercise that are recommended by your family veterinarian to maintain your dog’s health. For assistance with dietary changes and needs as dogs enter their senior years (7+ years old), or if you are curious about how much to feed a dog daily, your veterinarian is also a great resource for diet planning and advice.

What to Do If Your Dog is Overweight or Obese

If it has been determined that your dog is surpassing their ideal weight and lifestyle habits are likely the culprit, what to do now? Weight loss in dogs can be a challenge for both dog and pet parent, but it is entirely achievable with determination and consistency! Are you asking yourself: Is my dog overweight? If you have a hunch that your dog might be overweight and would like guidance on how to address weight gain in dogs, your family veterinarian will gladly devise a diet plan to help you both through the process.

Your veterinarian will start out by estimating the ideal weight goal and calculate the caloric requirement for a healthy rate of weight loss. Success can come with shifting to a lower calorie/higher fiber diet for dogs or even a reduced-calorie prescription diet, along with accurately measuring volumes of food at each meal, and maintaining a regular dog exercise plan at least twice daily for 20 minutes at a time. Restricting treats to an acceptable predetermined amount, and monthly weigh-ins at home or with your vet are also important. A healthy approach to exercise, feeding, and weight loss will help establish better long-term management and a happier dog and pet parent!

Keeping It All Balanced

Dogs tend to have an intense love for food, and their instinctual drive to always be looking for snacks makes it very easy to overfeed and treat them at their request. Learning the happy balance for feeding, exercise, and treat-ing, paired with veterinary checkups and body condition assessments will ensure that your dog is maintaining their healthiest weight over its lifetime– resulting in longevity and happiness for your beloved buddy!

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, have different jobs and lifestyles, and after years of selective breeding, some of their features could not BE more different (a dachshund, a pug, and a greyhound?)! But what is one major characteristic that dogs have in common? Their love of food, of course! Occasionally, there is a pup who seems to eat just enough to survive, but the norm for dogs and their relationship with food is that they love it, never have enough of it, and if the opportunity arises, will sometimes eat enough to make themselves sick! 

As pet parents, it is our responsibility as their rationally-thinking caretakers to ensure that the dog food they are receiving is nutritious, well balanced for their stage in life, contains adequate calories to match their metabolism and exercise level, and is rationed appropriately. The same goes for treats and “extras” that they are given throughout the day. Since weight gain in dogs can have negative effects, maintaining your dog’s physique and body condition is important and will have long-term benefits in comfort and health. So, if you’re wondering is my dog overweight and how can I address it, we’re here to help!

Addressing the Overweight Dog

Acknowledging the Problem

The first step, and sometimes the hardest, is acknowledging that your dog is overweight and realizing that you, as the pet parent, are the one who can change things and help them shed those pounds! Just like weight loss in humans, it takes time, dedication, and consistency. Your veterinarian is your partner on this journey as well and following their advice is key to dog weight loss success.

The Veterinary Exam

Typically, a dog’s weight loss journey will begin in the veterinary clinic exam room. Using the standard Body Condition Scoring (BCS) Chart, the veterinarian determines that a dog rates somewhere above the ideal body condition score of 5 out of a scale from 1-9  (9 being grossly obese). Along with the BCS, your veterinarian will take into account your dog’s breed and typical adult size to estimate an Ideal Weight Range that might be a healthy goal for your dog. Before any diet programs are discussed, your veterinarian will likely rule out any metabolic causes of disease and weight gain by performing blood and urine testing. These tests will look at the overall function of the internal organs. Specialized tests related to metabolism may be recommended to assess the activity of the thyroid and adrenal glands. Any health conditions should be addressed and managed, and sometimes this alone will result in the eventual return of a healthy body condition, so it is very important to rule these out first! 

Daily Energy Requirements

Once your vet has determined that the weight gain is not linked to a health condition, let the real work begin! The vet will plug some numbers into a formula that calculates the daily energy requirement based on your dog’s weight, and then will make some additional calculations to determine the appropriate restriction of calories that will safely move that scale in a downward direction! 

Rapid weight loss through hunger and deprivation does not a happy dog make, and is not safe for your pup. The rate of weight loss depends on your dog’s size, health condition, and concurrent health issues. For smaller dogs, a goal of just 1/2 lb per month might be a good place to start! Larger dogs can probably shoot for 2-3lbs per month, but again, safe rates of weight loss can be determined by your family veterinarian. 

What About Diet food?

No, there really isn’t a Weight Watchers for dogs… yet, at least! We do have a variety of over-the-counter commercial diets that have a higher fiber/lower calorie content that can keep dogs satisfied while reducing calories at the same time. These dog diets, like Royal Canin Weight Care, and Science Diet Perfect Weight, are usually the first line of defense for overweight dogs and are especially useful if only a few pounds need to be shed. They are also designed to be maintenance diets too, meaning they are balanced and nutritious for adult dogs, and it is safe to administer them daily over long periods of time, or indefinitely if needed! 

And If Diet Food Doesn’t Work?

Occasionally there are some dogs that need next-level weight management… either they are considered clinically obese, or their first diet plan did not result in weight loss (or possibly, resulted in weight gain… ahh!). The veterinarian will start out the same way, with blood and urine testing to rule out disease-causing conditions, and calculations for daily caloric intake, allowing for weight loss. Then, they are more likely to reach for the “bigger guns”– the prescription reduced-calorie diets like Royal Canin Weight Control, Purina Pro Plan Overweight Management, and Hill’s R/D or Metabolic. 

So if you’re wondering, how much should I feed my dog if she’s overweight, consult your veterinarian before trying out a diet. Diets for dogs are designed to be used as a therapeutic “treatment” to get obesity under control. They are commonly used for a period of months, and once weight loss goals are reached, changing to a maintenance light/low-calorie diet for dogs might be attempted for the long term. Reaching the goal is often not the hardest part of the weight loss adventure though. It takes continued work, exercise, and regular weigh-ins to keep the pounds off too! Monitor their daily treat intake too, and try some healthy treats for dogs on diets!

Don’t Forget The Exercise!

So far, the focus has been mostly on the food aspect of obesity, but we cannot overlook the importance of getting that body moving! Staying active and burning those calories is good for the heart and mind of humans and canines alike! Your dog’s fitness level at the time they are determined to have a weight problem will define what kind of exercise routine they can handle alongside their dietary alterations. Dogs with a decent level of fitness can add 15-30 minutes to their daily routine right away, and even increase the duration or speed every couple of weeks. 

Dogs that have been sedentary or have mobility issues need to be a bit more conservative and practical with their exercise regimen so as to not injure themselves. Pet parents also may not enjoy this time with their pup if they find their partner is reluctant to engage in the workouts, so it is important to design a practical workout plan that works for everyone. Starting off just sauntering down to the end of the block and back, with the intention of increasing by 5 minutes every couple of weeks is very reasonable for most dogs! Underwater treadmills found at rehab facilities or swimming can also be great alternatives for dogs that need some exercise adaptations. It is generally recommended that dogs receive 30 minutes to 2 hours of activity and exercise per day (sometimes more depending on the dog breed!). Keeping up an active lifestyle and experiencing the outdoors together is one of the best ways to bond with your dog, while also working the muscles, and burning some energy.

Weight Loss Success!

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for a dog is one of the best things that can be done at home for their health, happiness, and comfort. Dogs tend to instinctually have an intense love for food, so it is very easy to overfeed and treat them at their request. When an appropriate diet, portion control for meals and treats, an adequate and sustainable dog exercise plan that works for the family is determined, pet parents have an excellent chance of keeping their canine buddy in the best physical condition resulting in a longer and happier life together!

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need, such as questions about your pet’s weight, or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

You’re at your dog’s annual wellness appointment when your veterinarian breaks the news:  your sweet, food-and-treat-worshipping pup is tipping the scales a by few too many pounds! You leave the veterinary clinic with a bag of reduced-calorie food in hand, specific instructions on how much to feed your dog, a daily dog exercise plan, and some appointment dates down the road for weigh-ins to track weight loss progress. No doubt that calorie restriction extends into the “treat zone” too – but how do you explain to your buddy that the treats he has grown accustomed to receiving daily might have to be trimmed from his diet? Can dogs on diets still have treats? 

Understanding caloric intake and canine metabolism ultimately dictate the rate at which a dog will, or will not, lose weight. Putting your dog on a diet should be guided by your veterinarian for the healthiest approach and most sustainable outcome possible. Dogs are often overfed for both regular meals and treats, and on average, 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese! As a pet parent, you are not alone in helping your dog fight the battle of the bulge.

Caloric Intake 

Weight gain in dogs is a serious and very common problem and can be avoided with balancing the proper caloric intake with output. The average 15 lb pet dog only needs about 415 calories per day, and a 60 lb pet dog about 1170 calories per day. This includes treats! Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s diet, meaning that a 15 lb dog only needs 415 total calories per day: 40 calories max from treats and 375 calories should be from a well-balanced commercial dog food. Spoiler alert: that is not very much! Especially when you take into account the average caloric content in some common treats that we like to give our pups:

–   Greenies Original, Regular Size Dental Dog Treat – 90 calories

–   Original Milk Bone, 1 Medium Size Bone – 40 calories

–   Beggin Strips Originals, Per Piece – 36 calories

–   Pup-Peroni Original Beef Flavor, Per Stick – 28 calories

–   1 oz of cheddar cheese – 114 calories

So, if your pup is plump around the midsection, is he banned from treats forever? Luckily, the answer is no! Does he need an overhaul of his treat repertoire? Probably, yes. 

Treating Your Pup

Luckily, many dogs are not selective when it comes to receiving treats! Sometimes it is as easy as breaking a treat into many small pieces and delivering those pieces throughout the day. For a dog, it is not the size of the treat that matters… just the fact that they are getting positive attention from you and a tasty morsel for their tummy! Some dogs are easy too; if they love their kibbles like treats, section out a small portion of their daily measured kibbles into a designated “treat baggie” to distribute those to them throughout the day. This alone can satisfy the treat habit of many dogs (as well as the temptation to serve treats by their loving humans!). This method also makes it easy to track your dog’s daily calorie intake! Some of the prescription food brands also manufacture low-calorie treats and your vet can recommend those if they fit into your dog’s diet plan.

Most dogs do appreciate a small variety in their treats though, so here is a selection of healthy fruits, veggies, and snacks that you can try on your pup and see how they respond to these human foods. Always remember, especially if your dog has food allergies, a sensitive stomach, or is on a strict diet for other medical reasons, to consult your vet prior to trying any human foods or new treats. 

Here is a list of healthy treats to give dogs that each measure at about 5-10 calories per piece, depending on how they are served:

• Apple chunks or thinly sliced pieces (no seeds, stem, or core)
• Green beans (fresh or frozen–many dogs love the “crunch” of frozen green beans straight from the freezer)
• Baby carrots, carrot sticks, cooked carrots (no butter or seasoning)
• Cucumber slices
• Squash (no rind or seeds, serve raw or cooked) – butternut, yellow squash, pumpkin, zucchini
• Green peas (fresh or frozen)
• Small pieces of baked sweet potato
• Banana slices (peeled, room temperature or frozen)
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Cantaloupe (no rind)
• Watermelon (no rind)
• Raspberries
• Popcorn (no salt or butter)
• Low salt pretzel sticks, or tiny twists
• Rice cakes (broken into small pieces)

AskVet Tip: monitor your dog closely for a few days as you start to offer new food items. For instance, choking on small pieces can happen if you toss your pup certain types of treats (carrot chunks, peas, etc), and vomiting or diarrhea is always a concern in the days following the consumption of new foods. Start slow and once they seem to be tolerating the new treats well, just rotate between a select few types to keep things stable.

As always, stay away from toxic foods that can make your dog sick, like garlic, onions, raisins, grapes, chocolate, yeast dough, sugar-free candies and foods (due to the possibility of being sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sweetener ingredient) and other toxic foods. When in doubt, check with your vet before feeding anything new to be sure they are a good choice for your dog.

What if My Dog is on a Special Diet?

What to do with those pups who are on strict prescription diets for other medical conditions? If you search the Hill’s, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin Prescription Diet websites, there are some tips on how to turn slices of the canned food into treats and blend up pieces of the kibble to be formed and baked into cookies. Just by varying the texture, you can make their normal food a bit more fun and exciting!

Food Alternatives

Our dogs tend to love food so much that it can be easy to forget that food isn’t everything! There are some very satisfying healthy alternatives to treats. Some dogs are equally gratified when they are being brushed, offered a nice play session, are taken on a relaxing walk outdoors, or just given extra attention at home. These activities can be a great way to bond with and reward your dog too, with no calories added! Food puzzles and food games for dogs found online are also great ways for our pups to earn their healthy snack, burn some calories, and get their brains working too.

Stick to The Program for Weight Loss Success 

Hopefully, your pup will adapt to these lower-calorie healthy treat alternatives without too much fuss! Keeping track of how much they are consuming daily, and deliberately sticking to a set diet over time is the hardest part – or maybe it’s resisting those big hungry puppy dog eyes? Always keep in mind that your dog will live a longer and more comfortable life if he is maintained at a healthy weight and it is worth keeping their food intake in check using some of these tips!  

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

Unfortunately, dogs do not have much discretion when it comes to putting things in their mouths! While some items in our kitchen and cabinets are safe for animals, there are many foods that can be harmful for dogs. If you are concerned your dog ate something potentially harmful or toxic, it is important to note the type of food, the time it was ingested (even if you have to estimate!), and the quantity eaten before reaching out to your veterinarian or the AskVet Care Squad.   

With any potential toxin ingestion, there are two types of action your veterinarian can take. If the harmful food was ingested recently–usually within the first 30mins to few hours–your pet is still in the Decontamination Phase. This phase is the attempt to prevent any adverse symptoms or illness before they start. If a harmful food is ingested, it should be reported as soon as possible to allow preventative steps to be taken. The second phase is Treatment. This phase occurs after the toxic substances have been absorbed by your pet and they are  showing signs of illness. Check out the list below for some of the more common concerns.

Common Harmful Foods for Dogs:

Chocolate/Coffee/Caffeine

Chocolate is probably the most well-known toxin for dogs. The potential for toxicity is based on the amount ingested, the type of chocolate, and weight of a pet. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremoring, irregular heartbeat, and even seizures or death. Keep your dog away from caffeinated beverages as they can also cause the same reaction as chocolate. 

Grapes/Raisins

Grapes and raisins are harmful for dogs by causing an unknown reaction (idiosyncratic) within the body resulting in kidney failure. Symptoms can start within 12 hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Because the toxic reaction is not specific, there is no known toxic amount. Any ingestion can cause a big issue for some dogs!

Onions/Garlic/Chives

This type of toxicity can take several days to develop and leads to symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the red blood cells. Garlic is more potent than onions, but any seasonings with these items should never be used on foods intended for dogs. 

Sugar-free candy or gum containing Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some sugarless gums, candies, toothpaste, or vitamins. If ingested, dogs can experience an uncontrolled drop in blood sugar and liver damage. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures. Note that some brands of peanut butter have started including xylitol, so be sure to check the label before offering your dog a yummy treat!

Yeast Dough and Alcohol

Ethanol can be found in both products, resulting in symptoms similar to intoxication. These include restlessness, vomiting, disorientation, and tremors or seizures. Raw bread dough can also expand in the stomach causing damage to the lining of the stomach and difficulty breathing. 

Some harmful foods for dogs that are not toxic, but still may require veterinary attention include bones, cinnamon, foods high in fat like bacon, or pits from fruit such as peaches or avocado.  

Accidents can always happen. Your AskVet Care Squad is always here to help with your concerns and direct you to a licensed veterinarian if needed!

Science Diet, Wellness, Royal Canin, Purina … large breed, small breed, breed-specific puppy food … OH MY! If you and your new pup get overwhelmed in the dog food aisle at the pet store, you are not alone! One of the most frequent questions we field as veterinarians is, “what type of food should I feed my puppy, and how much?” The number of options can make it very complicated for pet parents, but here are some useful tips that might help clarify the puppy food selection process. Choosing carefully is worth the time, as it is well-established that starting your puppy off with a balanced and complete diet will have a positive impact on their long-term health.

What Brand and Variety of Dog Food is Best for My Puppy?

There is a wide variety of dog food brands available, but how do you know which one is right for your pet’s nutrition? Aside from burning calories doing zoomies around the yard, puppies are busy building muscles, nerve tissue, bones and internal organs. Because of the rapid growth during their first 6-12 months of life, they require different nutrients than they will as adults. Finding a healthy dog food brand is one of the most important things you need for a puppy. It is essential that puppies are offered a balanced diet that is formulated and specifically labeled “for growth.” The optimal levels of protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, calcium and DHA have been studied by veterinary nutritionists and extensively tested with respect to puppy growth and development. For these specific reasons, we do NOT recommend feeding a puppy formula that is labeled “for all life stages.”

To add another twist on the mission for the perfect puppy diet, large and giant breed puppies (Labs, Goldens, Danes) have different nutritional needs than small breed puppies (Yorkies, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Pomeranians)! Large breed puppies tend to grow very rapidly, which can pose some growth-related bone and cartilage problems. The caloric density, along with mineral levels of phosphorus and calcium, are specifically dialed in to keep a large breed pup’s rate of growth ideal for healthy development.      

Some brands of dog food, like Royal Canin, have gone a step further and created breed-specific formulations for puppies and adult dogs. These diets focus on the common breed-associated metabolic and growth needs for some purebred dogs.

How Do Veterinarians Know What Nutrients are Good for Puppies?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) implements regulations and standardizes the recommended nutrient profiles for dog and cat foods. The National Research Council of the US National Academy of Sciences is the leading provider of nutrient recommendations for dogs and cats, and their publications formulate the AAFCO nutrient profiles. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists are also constantly studying the effect of diets on animal health. Since pet food labels can be difficult to read and decipher, the best way to certify that the puppy diet in question has been extensively studied and proven as nutritious is to look at the bag for an AAFCO statement. These statements will indicate that the puppy’s diet is formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient guidelines, OR  that feeding trials following AAFCO guidelines have proven (even better!) that the diet provides good nutrition. Also, many brands of dog food will use words like “organic,” “natural,” “high protein” and “non-GMO” and these are largely a marketing appeal to pet owners and do not have any proven benefits.

One puppy diet type that veterinarians are cautioning against until further research is completed is the association of “grain-free” diets and a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Luckily, health problems related to consuming grain are extremely rare in dogs, so a balanced diet that includes grains is healthy and appropriate–without the risk of diet-associated heart disease.

Do I Choose Dry Kibbles or Canned Food for My Growing Puppy?

A common question veterinarians hear is, “Which is better for my dog–canned food or dry food? Does dry food help keep their teeth clean?” While there are some prescription dry foods for adult dogs that are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar, the reality is that other dry foods don’t do much to keep those pearly whites shining. Since the puppy kibble breaks apart when chewed, any benefit from the “brushing” action of kibble pieces is pretty minimal–so the canned versus dry debate is more about your pup’s preferences and what is convenient for your family. 

If you decide to feed kibble, make sure the pieces are an appropriate size for your growing puppy’s mouth. Some small breed dogs require tiny kibble pieces (a feature of most “small breed puppy” formulations), and some short-nosed breeds, like Bulldogs, find it easier to eat specialized kibble shapes (like those found in the Royal Canin line of breed-specific puppy foods). 

On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a large breed puppy, make sure the kibble pieces are large enough that they aren’t tempted to vacuum up the food all at once (and sometimes vomit!). It is best for their digestion if they eat slowly! You can also try feeding from a slow-feeder bowl or food puzzle to minimize this issue, too.

How Much Do I Feed My Puppy and How Often?

Just like the foods we eat, dog foods all have a different calorie count per cup of food, which means that there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for the number of cups (or cans) of food your pup needs per day. So, how do you know what portion size is appropriate for your puppy?

Each package of food should have a puppy feeding chart on the packaging listing how much to feed based on their current age and weight or expected weight when they are fully grown. If you are having difficulties reading the puppy feeding guide, reach out to our vets on AskVet or your family veterinarian for some advice. Puppies grow quickly, so it’s also important to adjust the amount they eat per day along with increases in their current weight. In some large dogs, that means re-calculating their food every week!

To make sure your new puppy is maintaining a healthy weight and not becoming too thin or too chubby, you can evaluate their body condition score (BCS) at home. 

And as far as the frequency of meals? When they first arrive home as adorable tiny little bundles of fluff and until they are about six months of age, veterinarians recommend feeding a breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep that battery charged up all day long. Once they reach six months of age, twice-daily feeding is adequate, although some dogs prefer to take their meals once a day! Feeding a puppy diet is recommended until they are about one year of age, and veterinarians also recommend large and giant breed puppies to continue their puppy diets through about 18 months of age due to the longer time it takes for them to reach maturity. 

A word of caution, though: Any time a puppy’s diet is changed from one brand to the next, a slow transition over a minimum of 1-2 weeks is recommended to avoid stomach and intestinal upset due to new foods. Their stomachs are not adapted to varying diets like we are with our human food; find a high-quality food they love and stick with it.

Can I Feed My Puppy Treats?

As we all know, pups love treats – and we love treating them! How do you know what dog treats are healthy? It’s best to stick with products that are made in the USA, as there are more quality-control standards involved in the manufacturing of these products. When learning tricks, obedience skills, crate training your puppy and potty training your puppy, tiny “training treats” are designed to help you reward your dog and shower them with positivity. Try to keep your pup’s treats to 10% or less of their daily calorie intake, or they might start to decline their regular puppy food due to a treat-filled tummy. Too many treats can also lead to obesity and associated health issues.

Whenever you introduce a new treat to your puppy’s routine, make sure to watch for any signs of an upset stomach in case the treat doesn’t agree with them. If they have any diarrhea, vomiting or seem uninterested in their food, it may be that the new treat is too rich for them. Reach out to AskVet or your family veterinarian for advice and guidance.

What Foods are Dangerous or Toxic to My Puppy?

Although we consider our puppies to be members of our family, unfortunately, it is not safe for them to enjoy all of our foods with us! Common foods that we humans eat that are NOT safe for dogs include raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), garlic and raw meats. Meat bones also pose a risk of causing an obstruction in their stomach and intestines, so those are not recommended. If your dog has ingested any of these food items, or if you aren’t sure whether they may have, consult a veterinarian ASAP. We frequently help pet owners decide whether an issue is a true emergency or a close call!

Talk to a Trusted Vet

Next time you take your new puppy on a field trip to the pet store to replenish the food and snack bins, hopefully, you stride a bit more confidently down the food aisles armed with some new tips for identifying a healthy and complete diet for your puppy! AskVet and your family veterinarian are always wonderful resources for extra advice on the needs of your puppy too! Happy feeding… and growing!

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your account, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

…and…

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.