Is Your Dog's Weight Really Their Fault?

Whether I'm working with dogs in Bellingham, throughout Whatcom County, or traveling to clients in the Greater Seattle area, one of the most common health concerns I see is obesity.

More than half of dogs in North America are considered overweight or obese.

Unfortunately, many owners don't realize it because we've become so accustomed to seeing overweight dogs that they now look "normal."

Processed Food Adds Up

Most kibble is heavily processed and contains a significant amount of carbohydrates to hold the food together during manufacturing.

That doesn't automatically make kibble "bad," but it does mean many dogs consume more calories than they actually need—especially when meals are combined with treats, table scraps, and limited exercise.

Imagine eating fast food every day.

Even if you stayed within your calorie goals, your body likely wouldn't feel or perform its best. Highly processed foods often lack the freshness and variety found in whole foods.

Many dogs experience something similar when they eat the exact same processed meal, day after day, year after year.

Obesity Is About More Than Appearance

Extra weight places added stress on:

• Joints

• Ligaments

• The heart

• The respiratory system

• Overall mobility

It can also make existing health conditions harder to manage.

A Healthy Weight Starts in the Bowl

Exercise is important, but you can't out-exercise a poor diet.

Portion control, quality nutrition, appropriate treats, and regular activity all work together to help your dog maintain a healthy body condition.

Instead of asking, "How much food does the bag recommend?"

Ask, "How much food does my dog actually need to stay lean, healthy, and active?"

We live in one of the most dog-friendly regions in the country. The Pacific Northwest offers incredible hiking trails, beaches, parks, and outdoor adventures. Keeping our dogs at a healthy weight helps them enjoy all of those experiences for years to come.

About the Author

Chelsea Judge is the owner and head trainer at CKG Canine & Equine Services, serving dog owners throughout Whatcom County, Skagit County, Snohomish County, and the Greater Seattle area. She specializes in board-and-train programs, behavioral rehabilitation, puppy development, and canine nutrition, including raw feeding consultations.