The June Issue of Family Circle magazine had a great article about canine obesity, put things in terms I could understand written by the Biggest Loser host, Allison Sweeney. 

Found my notes, so here are the pertinents:

• Forty-five percent (45%) of dogs are overweight.  (My comment: If you watch the Animal Planet animal cops shows, you'll know that 50% are emaciated.   That leaves 5% of dogs at normal weight).
• If a chihuahua-sized dog gains 1 pound, it is the equivalent to a 125 pound woman gaining 31 pounds.
• I you give a 20 pound dog 1 ounce of cheese, it is comparable to a 5'4" woman eating 1-1/2 hamburgers.   

Not part of the article, just general info:  There are days when it is perfectly okay to eat 1-1/2 burgers, no matter what your size.  The point is if you eat 1-1/2 burgers PLUS your regular meals and snacks, you are going to be overweight pronto.   Our dogs have less opportunity to run it off, or even walk it off, these days; they are not able to roam the huge square miles of territory that wolves do.  Regular exercise builds muscle and helps burn fat. 

there are plenty of links to the net for articles on dog obesity, which is a major issue right now.  Many of these links are associated with pet food companies or supplement companies wanting to sell the "sure cure."  I would prefer those not be posted here.  But if anyone has solid, helpful information about controlling overweight in dogs, large or small breeds, please comment or click to email: Ellen Atwood, Canine Health

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