For the love of your dog, help them lose weight

The best body condition assessment I've seen

This post is for paid subscribers, but because it’s so important, I’m sending it free to everyone who receives the Nicholberry Dispatch

Here’s a startling statistic: the majority of dogs in the US are overweight (56%).

We have normalized extra weight in dogs. And by doing so, we are literally taking years off the lives of our dogs whom we love so much (and making their years with us less enjoyable). I know that none of us want to do this to our dogs, but I hear from so many people that they simply do not know how to help their dog lose weight, especially if they’ve been spayed/neutered (which can have a dramatic effect on weight).

I saw a brief clip the other day from Scott Galloway about the easy basics of wealth creation. Things like being on time and following through. It got me thinking about dogs and their weight (because hello - everything gets me thinking about dogs!).

There are some basics that really matter. One is the use of a real measuring cup and the requirement that whoever feeds actually uses level cups. Think of it like baking. We would never use a heaping cup of flour or a spoon that looks kind of like a teaspoon. We are exacting in baking, and we must be exacting in feeding our dogs in order to know what is actually going into them.

Another easy basic is snacks/treats. Swap them out for low calorie options like dried blueberries (no sugar added), carrots, tiny pieces of apple, tiny pieces of chicken, etc. Remember that we are merely rewarding the taste buds, not attempting to fill the stomach. It doesn’t take much!

And then, write it all down. Keep track of what actually goes into your dog’s mouth on a daily basis. Remember that pig ears and bully sticks are caloric, so they count too. By knowing what goes in, you’ll have a better sense of what changes you can make.

In addition to what they eat, pay close attention to movement. It isn’t enough for them to simply run around in the backyard, as sniffy walks are vital for cardiovascular health and fitness. Swimming is fantastic too.

Last, it can be challenging to assess whether your dog is, in fact, overweight. I have often sent home body condition score charts, but I hear back from so many people that they lack confidence in using those.

Well.

I am thrilled to provide you with this link, as it goes WAY beyond body condition score and helps you truly assess your dog’s weight. And incidentally, Dr. Gaylord is the veterinarian I have recommended for anyone wanting to do a consultation with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Food choices are overwhelming and quite frankly, we don’t have the knowledge necessary to truly discern the relevant considerations (the marketing for pet food is wildly effective, which is usually what drives our choices). I have trusted the counsel of board certified vets and been happy with the results. If you are considering switching foods, start with Dr. Gaylord!