Beagle Weight Loss The Role of Canine Fitness Trackers

How Can I Help Beagle Lose Weight? 4 Expert Tips

Beagles are adorable dogs with friendly and curious personalities. They are also known for their amazing sense of smell, which makes them excellent hunters and trackers. However, this trait can also lead them to overeat and gain weight, especially if they are not given enough exercise and stimulation. Many people ask me how to help beagle lose weight, so in this article, I will discuss some signs that your beagle may be overweight, some common causes of obesity in beagles, and some tips to help your beagle lose weight and stay fit.

Obesity is a serious health problem for dogs, as it can cause many complications such as joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan. Therefore, it is important to help your beagle maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

How to Tell If Your Beagle Is Overweight

It can be hard to tell if your beagle is overweight, as they naturally have a round and chubby appearance. However, there are some ways to check if your beagle is carrying too much fat and needs to lose some pounds.

One way is to use a body condition score chart, which is a tool that helps you assess your beagles body shape and fat distribution. You can find a body condition score chart for dogshere.

According to the chart, a healthy beagle should have:

• A visible waist when viewed from above
• A tucked-up belly when viewed from the side
• Ribs, spine, and hip bones that are easily felt but not seen
• A thin layer of fat covering the body

If your beagle does not meet these criteria, he or she may be overweight or obese. Another way to tell if your beagle is overweight is to weigh him or her regularly and compare the weight to the ideal weight range for beagles.

The ideal weight range for beagles depends on their height, which can be measured from the floor to the top of the shoulder blades.Beagles that are 13 inches or less should weigh less than 20 pounds, while beagles that are 13 to 15 inches should weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.

If your beagles weight is above the ideal range, he or she may need to lose some weight. However, before you start any weight loss program for your beagle, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions that may cause weight gain and to determine the best diet and exercise plan for your beagle.

What Causes Obesity in Beagles?

There are many factors that can contribute to obesity in beagles, but the main cause is usually an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. In other words, your beagle eats more calories than he or she burns.

Some of the reasons why your beagle may eat more calories than he or she needs are:

• Overfeeding: Beagles have a strong appetite and a tendency to beg for food, which can make it hard to resist giving them extra treats or portions. However, overfeeding can lead to weight gain and obesity, as your beagle may consume more calories than he or she can use.
• Lack of exercise: Beagles are active and energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, if your beagle does not get enough physical activity, he or she may not burn enough calories and may store the excess as fat. Lack of exercise can also lead to boredom and stress, which can make your beagle eat more to cope.
• Age: As beagles get older, their metabolism slows down and their activity level decreases, which means they need fewer calories to maintain their weight. However, if you do not adjust your beagles diet and exercise accordingly, he or she may gain weight as he or she ages.
• Neutering or spaying: Neutering or spaying your beagle can have many benefits, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and improving behavior. However, it can also affect your beagles hormone levels and appetite, which can make him or her more prone to weight gain. Therefore, you may need to reduce your beagles calorie intake and increase his or her exercise after neutering or spaying.
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can cause weight gain in beagles, such as hypothyroidism, Cushings disease, or diabetes. These conditions can affect your beagles metabolism, hormone levels, or blood sugar, which can make him or her eat more or burn fewer calories. If you suspect your beagle has a medical condition that causes weight gain, you should consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Help Beagle Lose Weight

If your beagle is overweight or obese, you should help him or her lose weight to improve his or her health and quality of life. However, you should not put your beagle on a crash diet or a drastic exercise regimen, as this can be harmful and ineffective. Instead, you should follow these tips to help your beagle lose weight safely and gradually:

• Cut back on their food: The first step to help your beagle lose weight is to reduce his or her calorie intake. You can do this by feeding your beagle smaller portions, using a measuring cup or a scale to measure the food, and following the feeding guidelines on the dog food label. You can also switch to a low-calorie or weight-management dog food that is specially formulated for overweight dogs. However, you should not cut your beagles food too much, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies and health problems.You should aim to reduce your beagles food by 10 to 20 percent, depending on his or her weight and activity level.
• Increase exercise: The second step to help your beagle lose weight is to increase his or her physical activity. Exercise can help your beagle burn calories, build muscle, improve mood, and prevent boredom. You can increase your beagles exercise by taking him or her for longer or more frequent walks, playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other games, or even enrolling him or her in a dog sport or agility class.You should aim to exercise your beagle for at least 30 minutes a day, or more if possible.
• Talk to your veterinarian: The third step to help your beagle lose weight is to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine your beagles ideal weight, body condition score, and calorie needs. He or she can also recommend the best type and amount of food for your beagle, monitor your beagles weight loss progress, and adjust the diet and exercise plan as needed. Your veterinarian can also check your beagle for any medical conditions that may affect his or her weight and treat them accordingly.
• Be patient: The fourth and final step to help your beagle lose weight is to be patient and consistent. Weight loss in dogs is a slow and steady process that requires time and commitment.You should not expect your beagle to lose weight overnight, or to lose more than one to two percent of his or her body weight per week. You should also not give up or get discouraged if your beagle does not lose weight as fast as you hoped, or if he or she plateaus or gains some weight back. You should stick to the diet and exercise plan, reward your beagle with praise and affection instead of food, and celebrate every small achievement.

How do I keep my Beagle skinny?

In addition to cutting down on calorie intake, boosting physical activity plays a crucial role in aiding a Beagles weight loss. Failure to include exercise in a weight loss regimen can significantly delay observable results. Moreover, consistent physical activity is essential for overall well-being and has the potential to extend a Beagles lifespan.

Why is my Beagle getting fat?

Similar to Retrievers and Spaniels bred for work, Beagles also possess a hearty appetite. Once again, this inclination might be attributed to human-driven breeding practices, where dogs motivated by food were preferred for training purposes. This preference has resulted in the Beagle breed being naturally predisposed to greediness and a higher likelihood of overeating.

Why is my Beagle not losing weight?

Every dog is unique, and if your canine companion is not shedding pounds on the prescribed diet, it could indicate a slower calorie burn rate. The daily food allowance might exceed your dogs energy requirements, necessitating further reduction. Before seeking guidance from your vet, ensure that everyone in the household is adhering to the designated diet plan.

Final Thoughts of Help Beagle Lose Weight

Beagles are wonderful dogs that can bring joy and fun to your life. However, they can also become overweight or obese if they eat too much and exercise too little, which can harm their health and happiness. Therefore, it is important to help your beagle maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

By following the tips in this article, you can help beagle lose weight safely and gradually, and improve his or her well-being. Remember to consult your veterinarian before starting any weight loss program for your beagle, and to monitor your beagles weight and body condition regularly. With your love and support, your beagle can achieve his or her weight loss goals and enjoy a longer and happier life with you.

Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts

News briefs

If youre starting a weight-loss plan, consider wearing a fitness tracker like a smartwatch or bracelet that tracks steps, speed, and calories burned, and allows you to set goals, program reminders, and monitor your progress. A review published online March 17, 2021, by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found the devices helped overweight or obese people with chronic conditions (such as heart disease or diabetes) reduce body weight and lower their body mass index (BMI). Researchers pooled data from 31 studies, involving more than 2,200 people. Studies required participants to wear a fitness tracker (many types were included) and set and meet weekly goals based on daily steps or minutes walked. Exercise programs that lasted at least 12 weeks were most effective. People who wore research-grade fitness trackers (not available to the general public) lost the most weight (10 pounds), compared with people who did not use fitness trackers. People who wore commercially available fitness trackers (Like Fitbit or Jawbone) lost an average of 6 pounds and two BMI points. Researchers say wearing a fitness tracker is a constant reminder to pursue health-related goals and be active.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

5 Best Weight Loss Dog Food for Overweight Beagles

Beagles love to eat, and that makes them more prone to obesity. For a healthy living, they need two things: Proper diet and daily exercise. Failing at any one of them can make them gain unhealthy weight.

Putting down some pounds of your beagle is not that difficult. All you need to do is burn more calories than he consumes. Now please dont put your pooch on a hard-core exercise routine.

Instead, switch to weight-loss dog food, which has lower calories and fats. Combine this with some exercise and BAM! you have a healthy beagle.

Cant wait to find out? Here are our three top choices or keep reading for more details.

• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula (Best in General for Weight-loss):It is perfect for beagles who are not obese but a little overweight. This dog food plus some exercise will help your pooch to shed some weight and get back in shape.
• Nutro Wholesome Essentials (For quick weight loss): This recipe is for beagles who are obese and get tired easily. This dog food contains only 343 calories per cup.
• Victor Senior Dog Food (For steady weight loss) Dog foods for senior contain low fats and are high in protein. According to Dog Food Advisor, this dog food has fat to protein ratio of about 43%.

How to Find if your Beagle is Overweight

There are two types of beagles:

1. Small Beagles: under 13 inches at the shoulder.
2. Big Beagles: between 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder.

A healthy weight of an adult beagle of each of these types should be:

• Small Beagles: 22 to 30 pounds(10 to 13.6 kg)
• Big Beagles: 25 to 35 pounds(11 to 15.8 kg)

If your beagle above this, then your beagle is overweight. However, it is ideal to ask your veterinarian if your pooch is overweight and if he is, then ask how many pounds he is supposed to lose.

According to studies, overweight beagles have shorter lifespan.

What makes weight-loss food good?

There are so many options for weight-loss food available in the market today. But it is extremely necessary to select dog food that not only helps your dog to lose weight but also consists of all the essential nutrients.

A good weight loss dog food should have the following features:

• The dog food should be High in Protein and low in fats and calories.
• Calories per cup should be less than 400.
• It should not compromise on nutrients. Your beagle must get the necessary nutrients.
• The dog food should be delicious and appealing to your pooch so that he doesnt refuse it.

Buyers Guide

Before you select the dog food, you need to make sure that the dog food is of the best quality and not harmful to your beagle. Weight-loss dog food should meet these general criteria:

1. Should Be meat Based: The dog food needs to have meat as the primary ingredient. So always check the products top five ingredients and look for fresh or deboned chicken, beef, or any meat.
2. It should not contain artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
3. Avoid dog food with ingredients like meat by-products. By-products are leftover parts of animals which are not consumed by humans. It is a controversial ingredient, and it does not contain as much nutritional value as real meat.
4. Check if the food has been made in a country with high safety standards, like the USA, Canada, or Europe.

5 Best Weight Loss Dog Food for Beagles

To make things easy for you, I have listed down below some best weight loss dog foods which satisfy all the criteria and help your adorable beagle become healthy again.

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection

This dog food is perfect for beagles who are not exactly obese but a little out of shape and needs to shed some pound.

The primary ingredient of Blue Buffalo Life Protection is the real meat. The real chicken provides a fantastic amount of nutrients.

It is an excellent option to achieve and maintain a healthy weight of your beagle.

Calories: 377 per cup

Top 5 Ingredients

• Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Brown Rice
• Barley
• Oatmeal

Product Highlights

• It does not contain any by-products.
• Made with the finest natural ingredients
• No artificial flavors or preservative
• Does not contain corn, wheat, and soy.

Check it out on Amazon.

Also Read: 7 Ways to help your Beagle Lose Weight

2. Nutro Wholesome Essentials

This dog food is for quick weight loss for beagles who are obese.Its calories per cup count are very low, yet it contains healthy ingredients like real meat.

Calories: 343 per cup

Top 5 Ingredients

• Chicken
• Lentils
• Rice Bran
• Chicken Meal
• Powdered Cellulose

Product Highlights

• Real chicken is the primary ingredient
• Very low in calories for quick and effective weight loss routine.
• It contains essential antioxidants that promote better immunity.

Check it out on Amazon.

3. Wellness Core Natural

Wellness Core Natural Fat Grain-free provides healthy nutrition while keeping the calorie count low. It is made with high-quality and protein-rich ingredients like turkey, chicken meal, and chicken liver.

It relies on fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants.

Calories: 360 per cup

Top 5 Ingredients

• Deboned Turkey
• Turkey Meal
• Chicken Meal
• Potatoes
• Peas

Product Highlights

• Grain-Free.
• The primary ingredient is meat-based.
• Made of natural ingredients
• Made in the USA

Check it out on Amazon.

4. Fromm Gold Weight Management Recipe

Fromm Gold weight management dog food will help your beagle to reduce and maintain a healthy weight. It is low in calories and contains lots of protein-rich ingredients like turkey liver, duck, chicken, lamb, and whole eggs.

Apart from being super healthy, it is super delicious. If you have a picky beagle, then you should definitely go with this recipe.

Calories: 341 Per cup

Top 5 Ingredients

• Turkey Liver
• Chicken Meal
• Pearled Barley
• Oatmeal
• Dried Tomato Pomace

Product Highlights

• Provides an excellent source of proteins and other nutrients
• The primary ingredient is meat-based.
• Supplemented With L-Carnitine

Check it out on Amazon.

5. Nulo Adult Weight-Management Recipe

Another great option for weight loss and management for your beagle. Nulo Adult Weight Management recipe is high in meat and low in carbs and contains 74% animal-based protein.

Calories: 368 per cup

Top 5 ingredients:

• Deboned Cod
• Turkey Meal
• Salmon Meal
• Lentils
• Yellow Peas

Product Highlights

• Grain-free
• Does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
• 74% Animal-based protein.
• It can help aid digestion.

Check it out on Amazon

6. Victor Senior Healthy Weight

Senior dogs are less active than adult dogs and hence require fewer calories. Senior dog foods contain all the necessary nutrients and are low in calories.

This makes senior dog food an excellent option for losing weight.

Victor Senior is nutritionally dense dog food with high-quality ingredients like need, chicken, port, and fish meals.

It contains glucosamine and chondroitin which are good for joints.

Calories: 360 per cup

Top 5 ingredients:

• Beef Meal
• Whole Grain Brown Rice
• Whole Grain Millet
• Grain Sorghum
• Chicken Fat

Product Highlights

• Contains 78% meat protein
• Good for joints
• Promotes better digestion and immunity.

Check it out on Amazon

7. Annamaet Grain-Free

This product majorly relies on the chicken meal for its protein source. The fat-to-protein ratio of this product is 23% which makes it a great weight loss recipe.

Calories: 350 per cup

Top 5 ingredients

• Chicken Meal
• Field Peas
• Lentils
• Potato
• Tapioca

Check it out on Amazon

Final Thoughts

To ensure that your beagle losses weight slowly and steadily increases his physical movements along with feeding weight-loss dog food.

Your goal is to burn more calories of your beagle than he gains. Only then will he be able to lose weight.

And please do not set an unrealistic goal. Losing 1 to 2 pounds in a month is a safe number.