Fat Dog Food Recipes

Unfortunately it has been reported that in the United States thirty to forty percent of dogs are overweight. Being overweight can add to the downfall of your dog's health, strength, and energy. Dogs who are overweight do not have a long life span and often times have health problems. Some of the problems that could arise in an overweight dog are:

• skin disease
• gastrointestinal problems
• pancreatitis
• diabetes
• liver, lung or heart disease
• hip dysplasia
• arthritis

Remember, that if your dog is overweight he will not be able to enjoy his life to the full. Being overweight is not comfortable for a dog, and it will make for a very unhappy and grouchy dog. It is difficult for a fat dog to exercise since it is hard for them to even get around. Heat can become a problem for them too and they do not handle it well. Overweight dogs have encounters with the vet much more so than thinner dogs because their defenses are down. Obese dogs that are in need of surgery also run a big risk because of the increased amount of strain on its heart and circulation. One idea is to test your dog's fat level. This is not a complicated thing to do: Make sure your dog is standing, put the palms of your hands over the dogs rib cage on the sides, (not on the stomach underneath).

Run your fingers lightly along the sides of the dog and you should be able to feel a bone. If you cannot feel anything, ask someone else for a second opinion and study your dog. It is difficult to admit to oneself that your dog is overweight but once you know that there is a problem than it just means you need to make a dieting plan. If you are able to count the rib bones on the side of the dog this means that your dog is underweight. Take your dog to your vet if you suspect that your dog is overweight. It is also a good idea to weigh your dog several times a year rather than just on his yearly visit to the vet. It's pretty obvious that for a dog that has a weight problem the amount of food he is eating must be reduced. Although it doesn't sound like something very complicated it can actually be quite a difficult thing to handle if you let your emotions get in the way. The fact is that dieting is actually something more difficult for you than it is for your dog. You need to be able to help him by being his willpower. In the end, your dog will only eat what you give him.

Another valid thing to mention is that you should always take your dog to the vet before attempting to put your dog on a diet and let your vet you your concern and the dieting plan that you have. Some rules to follow to put a dog on a diet are these:

• Before putting your dog on a diet, consult your veterinarian to give you a practical weight loss plan.
• Make sure your family agrees to help you with the problem.
• Don't allow your dog to eat with other animals while he is on a diet.
• Divide the allowed portion of food into 2 or 3 portions per day.
• Remain steady with the dieting program and don't allow your dog to cheat.
• If your dog starts to beg while you are eating at the dinner table feed him some lettuce.
• Decrease the amounts of food you are giving him little by little. Do not do this though if your veterinarian thinks that this is health threatening to your dog.
• Exercise daily

The amount of weight a dog should lose varies between smaller and bigger dogs. Usually smaller dogs can lose up to ½ a kilo a week. Medium sized dogs can lose up to 1 kilo and larger dogs can lose up to 1 ½ kilos. Usually diets last for about two to three months. Thin dogs