Obesity: let’s talk about it. Not to body shame your dog, but if they’ve stepped on the scales recently and are carrying a little extra, we’re here to empower you with ways to help them live a longer, healthier life.
At Lyka, we know food is love. Whether you’re paying the cheese tax or serving up gently cooked, real food meals, a yummy tidbit gives you a moment of connection with your dog: the key is moderation.
As veterinary nutrition experts, we’re here to guide your dog’s weight loss journey with the latest scientific research. Let’s work together, to put your pup on a path towards a healthier weight.
How to tell if your dog is overweight
You can tell if your dog is overweight if you have difficulty feeling their ribs due to heavy fat deposits, there isn’t a clear abdominal tuck and no noticeable waist. Dogs are considered overweight if they’re 10-20% over their ideal body weight.
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If your dog is obese, you may see fat deposits around their neck and legs, and they’ll likely have a protruding abdomen. If they’re weighing in at more than 20% above ideal, they’re classified as obese.
Unsure if your dog is the right weight? Check out our handy guide (with diagrams) to help you analyse your pup’s weight and shape. Always speak to your veterinarian if you’re worried about your dog's body condition.
⚖ Read more: Decoding dog weight: is your dog the right weight? →
What role does the microbiome play in my dog's weight?
Your dog's gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, which play a vital role in the extraction of calories and nutrients from food. The composition of this ecosystem, found inside the gastrointestinal tract, is directly related to a dog’s diet: studies1 have found that obese dogs have a different microbiome to lean dogs, and have more difficulty losing weight due to their gut microbiome composition.
An increasing body of research2 has linked healthy weight to a balanced and diverse microbiome – it’s all about fuelling their optimal body condition with gut-friendly, digestible ingredients.
6 common causes of weight gain in dogs and how to manage them
It’s easy for excess stores of fat to creep up on a dog, especially if they’re ingesting more calories than what they’re burning.
The cause of obesity in dogs goes beyond lack of exercise and excess food, however: the type of food you provide can also play a role.
1. Nutrition
Weight gain is connected to the variety and quality of a food that a dog eats.
Many highly processed pet foods are made with high-GI carbohydrates (like rice and potatoes), and ingredients like legumes, wheat, and beet pulp: these inclusions have minimal nutritional value, and can lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain. Even those marked “grain-free” often contain high amounts of carbohydrates with ingredients like peas, legumes, and potato.
If your dog is overweight but always hungry, their diet might lack the nutrients they need and they’re trying to address the deficit by eating more.
Next steps: opt for a high protein, low carbohydrate diet made from various wholefood ingredients, rich in prebiotic fibre to support a diverse and balanced microbiome for peak health and wellbeing.
Choose healthy dog food that contains low GI carbohydrates, like Lyka, to nourish your pup and release energy slowly. It also helps keep them feeling fuller for longer, minimising cravings for food or snacks in between meals.
2. Portion control
Like humans, dogs need a certain number of calories each day to maintain optimal health and weight, depending on their age, breed and activity levels. Free feeding your pup without calculating portion sizes can be an easy route to weight gain
Next steps: if your pup is overweight, your vet might suggest a change to their diet and portion sizes with a controlled deficit in calories to help them return to their healthy dog weight.
Lyka meals are delivered in customised portions based on your dog’s profile to make calorie control easy. We can also adjust the quantity to aid your pup’s weight loss journey.
3. Snacks and treats
Humans aren’t the only ones tempted by a sneaky snack between meals; dogs can also chow down on one too many treats. It’s easy to throw them a quick tidbit as a reward, but they add up.
Like your dog’s meals, the quality of treats can also impact their health with many containing additives, sugar and salt. They can be the equivalent of junk food — very tasty but not very nutritious.
Next steps: when calculating how many treats your dog should get each day, the rule of thumb is no more than 10% of their daily recommended calorie intake.
Dogs require approximately 60 calories for every 1kg of their ideal body weight. A 10kg dog should only be given 60 calories worth of treats. To give you an idea of what this looks like:
One inch cube of cheddar cheese = 68 calories
One pig’s ear = 125-200 calories
Cooked chicken breast (approx ½) = 142 calories
When buying treats, choose single-protein products that don’t contain added ingredients, artificial flavours or preservatives. Protein also suppresses appetite by reducing the hunger hormone. Lyka’s range of air-dried, healthy single-protein treats are tasty and ideal for pups of all ages.
Vegetables like carrots, broccoli and celery are also great treats to give your dog and make a nutritious alternative to meat-based products.
4. Exercise
Regular exercise is vital for every dog to keep their body fit and their mind sharp.
Support your dog’s weight management by creating a balance between calorie intake through diet and calorie expenditure through metabolism and exercise.
But not all exercise is equal, and not all dogs have the same requirements. High-energy working breeds, like Australian Shepherds, require up to two hours of vigorous exercise per day, yet brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs, only need up to 45 minutes of low-intensity exercise.
If you’re unsure what type and length of exercise your dog needs, have a quick chat with your vet.
Next steps: establish a regular exercise routine with your pup according to your dog’s individual needs — it’s a great opportunity to bond with your dog through play or exploration. Bear in mind that their energy levels can change with the seasons but their need for exercise isn’t weather dependent.
5. Health conditions
Diseases and illnesses like Cushing’s disease, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and some medications can impact your dog’s digestion or metabolism, affecting their weight.
Excess weight, often in the form of a potbelly, can be a sign of Cushing's disease in dogs. The disease is caused by an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, and may cause symptoms such as skin infections, lethargy, hair loss, and increased appetite.
If your dog is overweight but doesn’t eat much it could indicate hypothyroidism, which slows the metabolism down.
Next steps: if you’re worried about your dog’s size and shape as a result of ongoing illness, your veterinarian can advise you, based on their individual needs. This may include a change to their diet or alternative medication.
6. Breed
Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to obesity, including Cavaliers, Beagles, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels. Research3 has identified a gene in Labradors that affects their ability to feel full and satisfied, making them prone to weight gain.
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A happier, healthier dog is one meal plan away
What we feed our dogs profoundly impacts their overall health, from maintaining an ideal weight to supporting long-term wellbeing.
At Lyka, every meal is formulated with real, wholesome ingredients, tailored to meet your dog's unique needs. Thoughtful portion control ensures your dog's optimal weight, helping them thrive with energy and vitality.
Make the switch to Lyka today.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5677773
