{"id":47730,"date":"2026-04-15T18:16:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T18:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dogchef.com\/?page_id=47730"},"modified":"2026-04-27T14:14:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T14:14:29","slug":"overweight-dogs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dogchef.com\/en\/overweight-dogs","title":{"rendered":"Overweight in dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Overweight in dogs: understand it, prevent it and take action with the right diet<\/h1>\n \n

Overweight in dogs is a growing health issue that directly affects quality of life<\/strong> and lifespan<\/strong>. Carrying extra kilos is not just a cosmetic concern: it puts strain on the heart, stresses the joints and alters metabolism. But excess weight is not inevitable.<\/p>\n

By spotting early signs of weight gain and choosing high-quality nutrition<\/strong>, you can help your dog get back to a healthy weight. Discover how an approach based on fresh ingredients and personalised portions can combine mealtime enjoyment with long-term health.<\/p>\n

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What is overweight<\/strong> in dogs<\/strong>?\n<\/h2>\n \n
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Overweight is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat, usually 10% to 20% above<\/strong> the breed\u2019s ideal weight. When the gap exceeds 20%<\/strong>, it is considered obesity.<\/p>\n

Contrary to a common belief, weighing your dog alone isn\u2019t enough to diagnose overweight. Vets use the Body Condition Score (BCS)<\/strong>: in an ideal silhouette, the ribs are not visible but should be easy to feel, and the waist should be visible from above.<\/p>\n

In an overweight dog, a layer of fat makes the ribs hard to feel<\/strong> and the waistline disappears. Identifying this matters because fat tissue produces inflammatory hormones that harm the body over time, increases joint<\/strong> load (promoting osteoarthritis), and adds cardiovascular strain with every movement.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Whatcauses overweight<\/b> in dogs?<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n

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