Fat Weighing Your Dog Down?

Let's face it. Most dogs living in a first world country is a bit overweight, even if the dog's belly is not drastically dragging on the floor. First of all, if you free feed your dog (filling the bowl whenever the bowl is empty), your dog will be overweight. So why does it matter that your dog is overweight?  Just think of all the health problems you would encounter if you were obese, then apply it to your dog. It creates a series of health problems such as diabetes, joint problems, heart problems, cholesterol levels, etc.

Here is a summary breakdown of how to determine your dog's body fat:

Body Score of 1: 

• Ribs, pelvis, vertebra are all visible from a distance

Body Score of 3:

• Obvious waste line is tucked (between last rib and hip bone)
• Prominent hip bones
• Top of spine is visible

Body Score of 5 (IDEAL BODY SHAPE):

• Ribs, spine, and hip bones are easily felt without pressing through fat covering
• Waist is tucked in when viewing the dog from top
• Abdominal is tucked in

Body Score of 7 (most dogs are in this category):

• Ribs, spine, and hip bones are not easily felt, ie. you have to press into the body to feel those bones
• One or two ripples of fat behind the neck region

Body Score of 9: 

• Massive fat deposits on spine and ribs
• Numerous ripples of fat in neck region and limbs
• Abdominal tuck absent

Body Conditioning System made by Dr. Sophia Yin, modified from the Scoring System developed by Nestle Purina. 

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or a certified trainer (yet). All these reviews on products and training only reflects on what's worked for dogs I've trained and their lifestyles. Adjust to how you see fit for your dog.

After reading this, if you feel that your dog has more than a body condition score of 5, consider cutting your dog's food back a bit (start by feeding 75% of original diet), or stop free feeding. If you feel that your dog has a body score of 9, do not drastically change his diet because it can have devastating changes to the digestive system. Instead, consult with your veterinarian about a diet plan. Not only a balanced diet is important, but a developing a different exercising routine should be incorporated into the plan.