- Our Tuggs expert nutritionist, Katie McCaul, here sets out the breeds of dog with the lowest metabolism and how to alleviate the risks of your dog being overweight. The health implications for overweight dogs can be just as serious for them as it is to humans. It's for this reason that nutritious (and delicious) food is really important in your dogs diet.
- Pugs are one particular breed that have a lower metabolism than many other dogs. Any excess weight from not being able to metabolise effectively could cause issues such as painful arthritis, liver/kidney disease, cancer or heart failure. Unfortunately, due to diets that aren't curated for specific dogs and breeds, Dr Ernie Ward (founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) said that "we have normalized" obesity in dogs.
- Seeking to understand the issue properly, research by Tuggs revealed that "up to 65 percent of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese." This was despite 39% of dog owners viewing their own pet as overweight. We also found that over the past decade, "there had been a 108 percent increase in the number of overweight dogs in the U.S."
- Tuggs' expert nutritionist Katie McCaul established which breeds are more prone to being overweight, and how owners can combat it. She found the top five breeds with lowest metabolism are: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cairn Terriers, Pugs, and Cocker Spaniels. She stated "Dog owners should check their pet's face, ribs, back, and tummy, as these are the areas most likely to start collecting fat pads, which will give a good indication that your dog is gaining excess weight."
- Of course, it's important to note that there are other causes for a dog to gain weight. Katie said: "There are a plethora of reasons why your dog could be gaining weight, such as genetics, age, and gender, as females have a greater tendency to gain weight - as do dogs that are neutered. However, a big contributing factor to obesity in dogs is indulging your pets with excess treats and overfeeding, so it’s important to be mindful of the correct portion size and diet that suits your dog’s breed and requirements."
- At Tuggs, we use an algorithm that gives a more specific feeding guide rather than just ‘small, medium and large dog’ recommended portion sizes. Katie said that a number of vets will weigh your dog for free in order to prevent overweight issues.
- At home, it's important to consider your dogs diet when considering its weight. Tuggs specializes in providing fresh and calorie-dense dog food which will address the dietary requirements of your pooch and keeps them full. Through our use of insects in dog meals as a source of protein and quality fats, dogs stay satisfied for longer. "Dogs crave protein and fats over carbohydrates, so they'll be less likely to beg for food," McCaul said. She added: "Exercise is a powerful tool too. Keeping your dog active with walks and playtime will help to prevent a build-up of fat and keep them healthy, preventing disease and other health concerns, such as muscle and joint issues.
- “It’s important also to distinguish between hunger and greediness and limit the number of treats and scraps you feed them. Keep them active and you’ll have a healthy, happy pooch!”
- Katie outlined the healthy weights to aim for, for dogs that have a lower metabolism. The healthy weight ranges are:
- Labrador Retrievers: Males 29-36 kg. Females 24-31 kg
- Golden Retrievers Males: 29-34 kg. Females 24-29 kg
- Cairn Terriers: Males 6.3 kg. Females 5.8 kg
- Pugs: Males and females 6.3-8.16 kg
- Cocker Spaniels: Males 12-15 kg. Females 11-14 kg
