How do you know if you are overfeeding your puppy? Three easy ways to tell if you’re overfeeding your puppy
If your puppy is heavier than average for their breed and sex, then you are probably overfeeding them. On the other hand, if they are thinner than average, then they may not be getting enough food. Of course, every puppy is different, so it’s important to pay attention to their energy levels and overall health. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
What happens if my puppy eats too much food?
The consequences of a puppy eating too much food depends on the frequency with which it happens. A one-off event, for example, will require you to watch them closely for symptoms of Bloat.
The main symptoms that go hand in hand with eating too much in one sitting are regurgitating food and diarrhea. Both can lead to dehydration that can be fatal if not dealt with quickly.
The severity of an overeating puppy can range from one unfortunate vomit spot on your new rug, to a serious and life-threatening condition like GDV (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus) also known as Bloat.
If your puppy is eating too much on a daily basis, it can also lead to severe health consequences down the road.
A puppy’s growing bones are vulnerable to wear and tear of extra weight. Overweight or obese puppies are also more prone to develop chronic diseases later in life.
If your puppy eats too much all at once, they will probably regurgitate their food. This is a good indicator of a puppy overeating.
The difference between vomiting and regurgitating is that regurgitation is the act of simply bringing up undigested food from the stomach. It happens quickly, with little fuss, as though the puppy is just expelling the extra food.
On the other hand, vomiting is more related to nausea and illness. Whatever is vomited is more already digested to some degree, and there will likely be a lot of active heaving and clenching stomach muscles.
So if regurgitating occurs often after meals, the servings are likely too big.
Chronic vomiting on the other hand may be a sign of a more serious problem and you should take your puppy to see their vet.
Feeding the correct amount can be difficult, but a fresh food service can fix this problem, and other feeding issues as well. We have a post that can help you with this, PetPlate: Should You Use It?
Can overfeeding a puppy cause loose stools?
The answer is yes. When puppies eat too much, their stomachs can’t digest all the food properly and some of it ends up passing through their system in the form of loose stools. In addition to being messy, this can also lead to dehydration and malnutrition. So if you’re worried that your puppy is eating too much, look out for signs of loose stools and make sure to cut back on their food intake.
Don’t Overfeed Your Dog
We, as humans, love feeding our loved ones. That includes our pets — although unfortunately, sometimes we take it too far. Recent research by Banfield Pet Hospital has found that one out of four dogs and one out of three cats in the US are overweight or obese.
Overfeeding your pets can lead to serious health consequences like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis — some of which they cant come back from even if you stop overfeeding them.
Your pets individual situation may vary, so consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice. In general, here are some clear signs that you might be overfeeding your pet and how to know how much to actually feed them.