Canine Obesity: Ten Reasons Why More Than Half Of The Dogs In America Are Overweight

Did you know that more than half of the dogs in America are overweight? Canine obesity is deadlier for dogs than smoking is for humans. How did this epidemic come to be?

10. Too Many High Calorie Treats

Did you know that a single large Milkbone has 115 calories? Many dog treats are packed full of empty calories and carbohydrates. Table scraps are even worse- feeding your 20 lb dog an ounce of cheese in the equivalent to 120 lb woman eating 2 1/2 cheeseburgers!

9. Many kibbilized dog foods are made up of nearly 50% carbohydrates.

Excessive carbohydrates are one of the primary causes of obesity. Dogs have no nutritional need for carbohydrates, found in the corn, wheat, rice, potatoes, and other starchy foods that many dog foods include. Read more about finding a low carb, affordable food for your dog here.

8. We overfeed to show our love or ease our guilt.

We feel bad for leaving Sparky alone all day and want him to know we still love him, so we sneak him an extra treat or two. In reality, he'd be happier going for a walk around the block or getting an extra belly rub instead.

7. Most dog food labels aren't required to include calorie information.

And even if we had the information, many of us have no idea what our dog's required calorie intake is. Learn more about calculating calorie content and other dog food 'catch phrases' here.

6. Dog owners are obese themselves.

A shocking 1/3 of American adults are obese. We struggle to get the exercise we need, let alone our canine companions.

5. Dog owners are too busy.

With so many Americans working longer hours than ever, we struggle to balance our work, home, and social lives. Unfortunately, Rufus is the one that suffers when we can't find the time for that daily walk or romp in the yard.

4. Americans spend too much time doing sedentary activities.

Watching tv, surfing the web, playing video games. We spend more time sitting on the couch than outside, and our loyal canine companions are at our side.

3. More Americans are moving to the city.

Small, confined apartment spaces and even smaller yards or spaces to run means Spike is spending more time laying on the couch and less time getting the exercise he needs.

2. We don't know what obese looks like.

Via ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com

When asked if their obese pet was a healthy weight, a whopping 93 percent of dog owners and 88 percent of cat owners initially thought their pet was in the normal weight range. We are unaware that our pet has a problem until the adverse side effects have already set in.

1. We just don't understand the dangers of canine obesity

How often have you heard someone refer to a fat pet as "cute?" Americans are uneducated as to the risks obesity poses to their pets and allow the problem to continue until it's too late.

Ready to take action and save your dog's life?

The good people at Varsity Pets are working hard to end canine obesity once and for all.

First, Kibblr: An App to Help Your Dog Live Forever

You tell Kibblr about your dog, then Kibblr tells you exactly how much of your dog's specific food your dog really needs. Kibblr's algorithms are based on published, peer-reviewed veterinary research and the Kibblr database includes hundreds of common dog foods (and updates regularly), so any dog owner can use it.

But more importantly, 'Fit Dogs Live Forever,' a tell-all on canine obesity, the pet food industry, and what you can do to give your dog the longest, healthiest life you can.

Before these tools can become a reality, Varsity Pets needs our help to raise the funds needed to complete these projects. When you donate to their Indiegogo Campaign, you are contributing to the fight against canine obesity- and receiving great rewards in return! The campaign runs through July 10.

The end to canine obesity starts with you. Give your dog the long, healthy life that he deserves.