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.
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.
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.
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.
TIPS FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT DOG FOOD
Good nutrition for our pets is a non-negotiable. But with all the information out there, it can feel a little confusing. So we're here to help.
TURN YOUR DOG'S FAT INTO ENERGY WITH A VITAMIN-LIKE COMPOUND
Introducing L-Carnitine - the fat metabolizing nutrient that's been proven to help dogs maintain a healthy weight.
THINKING OF SWITCHING DOG FOOD?
Should I change? What do I change to- Wet? Dry? Mixed? All these questions and more are answered here.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FEEDING YOUR DOG
How many treats is too much? When is the best time to feed my dog? You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.
FEED
Check what food is right for your dog and what the optimal serving size is to help maintain a healthy weight
IAMS™ FOOD FINDER
When it comes to dog food, it’s not one size fits all. Find the perfect food for them using our handy tool.
SERVING SIZE CALCULATOR
Our handy tool makes portion control a breeze – simply input their breed, age and life stage to find the right amount of food for them.
Your pet's report
TIPS FOR HEALTHY TREATING
Keep an eye on the amount of treats - they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
When it comes to snack time – choose pet treats over human ones.
Want to feed extra treats without feeding the extra calories? Use some of your dog’s regular food.
Skip a treat once in a while and use toys and play as rewards instead.
Make the most of treats by breaking up bigger ones into smaller pieces (leave dental chews whole for effectiveness).
IAMS™ HEALTHY WEIGHT NUTRITION
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is an integral part of your dog's whole-body health, find out how!
TIPS FOR EXERCISING YOUR DOG
EXERCISE SUPPORT
Like us, our pets need exercise to keep their body, and their minds, in tip-top shape. Exercise increases energy expenditure, burns fat and builds lean muscle mass, which is the key to healthy weight management.
HEALTHY DOG, HEALTHY YOU
Wanting the best for your dog can mean good things for you, too. Read on to find out how your dog living a healthy life can make yours healthier as well.
FACTORS AFFECTING HEALTHY WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
There are many factors to consider when it comes to pets being able to maintain a healthy weight, some are natural and some are environmental. Click below to find out.