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• Nutrition for Inactive Adult Dogs

  Managing the nutritional needs of an older, less active dog requires more than simply reducing food intake. This article explains how veterinarians assess the causes of inactivity, recommend appropriate diets, and guide weight-management strategies for individual cats. It also reviews the role of treats, activity, and regular weight monitoring.

• Nutrition: Commercial Fresh Meals and Home-Prepared Recipes for Pets

  This handout discusses the risks and benefits of feeding commercially prepared fresh, whole-food diets, as well as home-prepared recipes for your cat or dog. Topics highlighted include food safety, nutritional imbalances, and the need to ensure that any diet has been well-researched for nutritional safety and completeness.

• Nutrition: General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs

  Feeding your dog the appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to their overall health and well-being. Each dog has unique nutrition needs, dependent on individual preferences and activity levels. In addition, nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of the dog's lifetime.

• Nutritional Considerations for Large and Giant Breed Dogs

  Despite requiring more energy daily than smaller dogs, large/giant breed dogs need fewer calories per unit of body weight (kcal/lb) per day. They also have a more sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recommendations are included for selecting an appropriate diet and feeding management for a large or giant breed dog.

• Nutritional Considerations for Toy and Small Dogs

  Despite their size, toy/small dogs require more energy per unit of body weight (kcal/lb) per day and require nutrient-dense foods to consume adequate calories. This handout provides guidance on how to feed your toy/small dog to ensure optimal growth, health, and body condition.

• Obesidad en perros

  Contenido en español actualizado.
  Translated from the original English article Obesity in Dogs

• Obesity in Dogs

  In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 60% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications That May Be Safe for Dogs

  Some over-the-counter human medications can be used for common ailments in dogs, but you must consult your veterinarian before using them to determine the correct dose and to ensure they will not interact with other medications your dog is taking. Some medications are toxic. If the condition you are treating does not respond to treatment, contact your veterinarian.

• Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Dogs: Overview

  Obesity is the most common problem in dogs in North America. The negative effects of obesity are far-reaching because it contributes to other diseases and shortens dogs’ lives. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and exercise.

• Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Dogs: Prevention and Action Plans

  Obesity is a common problem in dogs and results from too many calories being eaten and not enough calories being burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis and joint disease. To prevent your dog from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about your dog's calorie needs and an appropriate food for your dog's life stage.