Healthy Weight Dog Hub

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Find out if your dog is at a healthy weight by assessing their Body Condition Score.

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Find the perfect portion size for your pet.

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Free and instant access to expert advice.

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OUR MISSION

LEARN

FEED

EXERCISE

OUR MISSION

59% of American dogs are overweight or obese and most dog parents don’t even realize it.

The IAMS™ Brand, in partnership with a real-life dog named Waylon, is putting a spotlight on the issue of overweight dogs and helping pet parents navigate this journey through science-based nutrition and pet health and wellness resources.

THE PREVALENCE AND IMPACT OF PET OBESITY

of American dogs are overweight or obese

increase in vets diagnosing overweight pets over the past 10 years

LEARN

Get a gauge on your dog’s weight and why that might be.

HEALTHY WEIGHT CONSIDERATIONS

BREED

Breed can have a big influence on a dog's weight however active or inactive they are. Some breeds are more at risk of weight gain then others, including Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and King Charles Spaniels.

GENETICS

While there is still lots of research to be done around the canine genome, it is thought that genetics play a part in whether your dog is prone to becoming overweight. Certain breeds are more susceptible to weight gain, but the average amount within breeds can vary. This tells us weight isn't just about the type of dog, but a complex set of genetic factors too.

Healthy Weight Dog Hub Key factors Age 433x244

AGE

Just like us, as our pets get older, it is easier to gain weight and harder to lose weight. It is important to recognize that as our dog’s get older, there is a greater need for them to have a healthy weight.

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NEUTER
STATUS

Whether your dog is neutered or not can affect their weight. Neutering or spaying can increase the risk of obesity for some dogs.

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PET
AND PARENT RELATIONSHIP

Often, food is used as a way to connect, when sometimes play is all that’s needed. Pet parents may sneak extra calories to their dog while they cook or at the dinner table whilst they eat without realizing the impact. Those extra calories can add up quickly and push them over their daily allowance and cause weight gain.

DIET

It’s not just what you feed your dog, but how you feed them. Extra snacks and kitchen floor scraps can seem innocent – but they can mean more calories that lead to weight gain over time. Make sure to check the nutrition label on your dog’s food and talk to your vet on how best to manage their diet.

ACTIVITY

It’s important to keep your dog active, make sure they burn calories and to stay fit. Nothing beats a game of good ol’ fashioned fetch to keep the blood pumping or hide and seek to keep them moving – and curious! However you choose to do it – it’s important to incorporate healthy exercise habits that will help your dog reach or maintain their healthy weight.