By Emily Segal, RVT. Reviewed by Elizabeth Davis, MVB
While we can’t prevent our dogs from developing certain health conditions, feeding an appropriate balanced diet throughout their lives is our best defence against conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer.
The amount we feed is especially important as overweight dogs tend to be overrepresented when it comes to developing cancer and other disease states. Ideally, you should weigh your dog’s food rather than using a measuring cup.
Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate foods, and also help you make sure you are feeding the right number of calories.
Pro Tip: Make sure you are feeding an appropriate amount of an appropriate diet. Weigh the food as opposed to using a measuring cup.
Make sure everyone in the house is on the same page when it comes to your dog’s feeding plan. If different people feed different volumes of food it is more difficult to notice when your dog’s appetite is off, and to determine if weight loss is diet-related.
Finally, become familiar with your dog’s body condition score and weigh them every few months so you know what their ‘normal’ weight is. While we can’t always prevent diseases from occurring, the earlier we can catch them, the easier they are to treat.
Pro Tip: Keep a log of your dog’s weight and Body Condition Score, ideally monthly.
