Pawsitive Steps to a Healthier Dog

Managing Your Furry Friend's Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is more than just a numbers game. A healthy weight for your pupper is also about ensuring their happiness, well-being, and overall quality of life.

In this article, we'll explore some 'pawsitive' steps you can take to help your beloved canine companion maintain a healthy weight.

Before we dive into the details, let's just say that each breed and even each individual dog is different and what we're covering today can flex based on your dog. In fact, we had a client in the store just last week who's dog was very healthy and happy and she was told that he was underweight and too skinny...he wasn't, he was in great shape!

A healthy weight is not just a number on a scale; it's a reflection of your dog's overall health. And, the opposite can be said for a dog that has weight challenges. Dogs that are too heavy are more susceptible to various health issues, from joint problems to heart disease, from diabetes to arthritis.
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We can both agree that avoiding this debilitating issues is important for the long term health of your pup.
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Here's how you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight:

It all starts with a Balanced Diet and Proper Nutrition.

A well-balanced diet is the bedrock of your dog's health. It's essential to feed them the right amount of food, taking into account their age, breed, and activity level. Plus you need to ensure that your dog gets the proper amount of calories, micro-nutrients and vitamins. This is all crucial.

So, how do you know if you're doing that?

Most of use would read the feeding guideline on food package and go from there. But, unfortunately it's not that easy.

Most commercially prepared cooked dog foods (also known as Kibble) is full of useless, empty calories, devoid of micro-nutrients and use unnatural synthetic vitamins. Most of these foods are designed to keep your dog alive, but not thriving.
Would you prefer your dog to just survive? Or would you love them to THRIVE!?

The criminally poor levels of nutrition in most commercially prepared dog and cat foods is one of he main reasons I feed raw, real food, and why it's our first recommendation to clients when they're asking about nutrition.

*Important note! You may want or find yourself sharing scraps from what you eat with your dog. This could be the occasional cracker, veggies, perhaps some cheese or even a chunk of that summer steak etc... These are real foods that your dog can eat. Sharing is really caring! But, you have to do so in moderation and with consideration of your pets size. In other words a small chunk of cheese for you, could in fact be more like a block for your Pom. That half a piece of bacon for your Beagle...more like 6 pieces of bacon for you!
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So, sharing with your pup is great, but please keep in mind portion size. You don't want to send your dog into pancreatic shock because of too many fatty food mornings.
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Now, let's talk exercise!

​Exercise is not just a means to burn calories; it's an opportunity for your dog to have fun and bond with you. Tailor your exercise routine to your dog's breed, age, and energy level. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated.

And this level of stimulation has been proven to burn more calories. As much as we'd like to complicate things with weight, the simple truth is that a body that eats more calories than it uses on a daily basis, tends to store fat. While a body that burns the calories it eats, doesn't store much fat.

This is true for most people and our pets.

Chilla, an Aussie Shepherd lived to be 32 years old and when her Dad was asked what the secret to her longevity was...he said she'd walk the farm by his tractor all day long, each and every day. They'd talk, they'd play and she got lots of exercise. (Plus she ate mostly a Fresh Food diet, with lots of Raw proteins and goats milk!!!)

Your job is to make the exercise fun for both of you! Incorporate enjoyable activities like hiking, agility training, or games of fetch to keep both you and your dog entertained. These activities not only help maintain a healthy weight but also strengthen the connection between you and your loyal companion.
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Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is not only a matter of physical well-being but also a demonstration of your love and care. By providing a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, you can ensure that your four-legged friend enjoys a long, active, and joy-filled life. Remember that the journey to a healthier dog is a pawsitive one, and it's worth every step you take together.

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