Bulldog Weight Loss The Impact of Breed Specific Diets on Weight
Weight Reduction
| Nutrient | Contents per100g | Contents perMJ |
|---|---|---|
| Metabolisable Energy kJ | 1147 | - |
| Metabolisable Energy kcal | 274 | - |
| Protein g (crude) | 29.7 | 25.9 |
| Fat g (crude) | 6.1 | 5.3 |
| Carbohydrate g (NFE) | 36.9 | 32.2 |
| Fibre g (crude) | 13.2 | 11.5 |
| Calcium g | 0.85 | 0.74 |
| Phosphorus g | 0.7 | 0.61 |
| Sodium g | 0.28 | 0.24 |
| Starch g | 24 | 20.9 |
| Total sugar g | - | 1.6 |
| L-Carnitine mg | 30 | 26 |
| Omega-3 fatty acids g | 0.72 | 0.63 |
| Ratio n-3:n-6 | 1:2 | 1:2 |
| Water g | 8.5 | - |
Ingredients
Wheat, fish meal, maize protein, oats, cellulose powder, beet pulp, animal protein hydrolysate, potato protein, Antarctic krill, fish oil, minerals, vegetable oil, vitamins and trace elements, (including chelated trace elements), yeast, psyllium husk, methionine, L-carnitine, rosemary extract. With natural antioxidants (tocopherols and vitamin C).Contains no added artificial colours or flavourings.How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
This Is a Paid Advertisement for The Farmers Dog
In the U.S., 56% of dogs are overweight or obese, and that excess weight is tied to an astonishing array of health problems. When it comes to preventing dog obesity, or even the slow creep of excess pounds, simple awarenessknowing what your dogs weight should be, and keeping on top of any fluctuationsis the first step. Just a few pounds can make a big difference.
You can seek your vets counsel on your dogs ideal weight, but a quick way to assess good canine condition at home is to ask:
- Does your dog have an hourglass shape when you stand behind them and look at them from above?
- Do they have a waist?
- Can you easily feel their ribs?
If youre answering no for all three, theres a good chance your dog needs to lose weight. Now what? Here are some vet-approved tips for helping your dog safely shed excess pounds and keeping them in good condition.
The Food Factor
For dogs, as for humans, losing weight really comes down to two things: food and exercise. And for a dog owner trying to manage or reduce their dogs weight, food is most important by far.
Weight loss begins and ends at the food bowl for dogs and cats, Ernie Ward, DVM, and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), tells us. Weight loss for humans and dogs is 60-70% diet and 30-40% exercise.
For dog owners who have active lifestyles, its easy to overestimate the impact of physical activity on weight maintenance. So even for active dogs, its important to establish clear guidelines for daily caloric intake.
Get Specific With How Much Youre Feeding
Heres where things can go sideways. Humans may or may not choose to count calories as a guide for what theyre eating, with some opting for other methods of keeping to a healthy regime (Do my pants fit? Great!). But when it comes to the long-term management of your dogs weight, its essential to establish a concrete benchmark for how much to feed. This means determining the number of calories your dog needs every day.
Its not a good idea to rely on the feeding guidelines on the average pet food package. There are many factors that will influence your dogs dietary needs, including breed, size, activity level, and whether theyre spayed or neutered. Standard kibble-bag feeding ranges are generally too broad for your dog, and many owners end up over-feeding based on too-generous and too-vague suggested portion sizes, typically measured in cups and scoops.
The feeding guidelines on pet food packages, says Ward, are based on active adult dogs for all life stages. Spaying or neutering, for example, reduces energy requirement by 20 to 30%, he says. So, if your pet is spayed or neutered, and not particularly active, you can already be overfeeding by 20 or 30% or more.
When it comes to determining the ideal caloric intake, its important to consider a number of factors. We take a couple of things into considerationwe look at body condition score, we look at muscle condition score, we look at lifestyle, and any concurrent medical conditions, Dr. Ward says. We start by determining, OK, how many calories should you be feeding?
As a starting place, there are also many tools online to provide rough feeding guidelines based on weight and breed. You might start by consulting the guide published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
For at-home calculating, you can use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula. Take your dogs weight in kilograms, multiply by 30, and add 70 (or, take their weight in pounds, divide by 2.2, multiply this figure by 30, and add 70). You can then factor in a metabolic energy requirement (MER), depending on things like health and whether theyre spayed or neutered.
Typical MER factors include:
- Weight loss1.0 x RER
- Neutered/ Spayed Adult1.6 x RER
- Intact Adult1.8. x RER
Ask your veterinarian about the MER and calculating and determining how your dog can lose weight safely. Tools like the MER multiplier table on the web provide estimates, but every dogs metabolism is different, so be sure to keep monitoring your pets weight.
You can also sign up for a fresh-food plan (like the ones offered to customers of The Farmers Dog). A plan like this makes it easy to determine the correct total caloric intake and food portions based on your dogs very specific requirements, and also makes it easy to adjust daily calories based on changing weight-management needs.
Food Quality Is Also Key
In addition to calorie counting, another important part of weight maintenance or weight loss is feeding lower-carb, whole, fresh food.
Many ultra-processed dog foods are full of carb-based fillersas Dr. Ward has noted, when you actually break down the ingredients on the label, many of them top out at over 60% or more carbohydrates. Fresh diets provide quality protein, but also the fiber and moisture that can keep your dog satisfied, without carb-y fillers.
Feeding nutrient-dense, bioavailable food will keep your dog healthy as they reduce their overall intake of food.
Treats Count, So Count Them
Another way to help your dog drop some extra weight is by controlling, and possibly reducing, their treat intake. Here, again, quality and quantity matter.
Nobody wants to deny their dog treats, as they are often helpful training aids, and its fun to see the excitement they generate. But its important to keep a close eye on how many treats your dog actually eats in a day and what their caloric impact is. Treats should be factored into, and comprise no more than, 10% of total daily calories.
Dog owners who feed their dogs healthy food, yet still feed them highly processed, high-carb, high-calorie treats, are potentially missing a big source of weight gain and health issues. And if you feed your dog too many treats (more than 10% of their daily intake of food), you can undo the benefits of the balanced diet youre feeding.
Many vets recommend using single-ingredient treats like fresh veggies and fruit. Baby carrots, celery, broccoli, green beans, cucumbers, blueberries, apples, and bananas all make healthy treats and, unlike mystery-meat treats, can contribute to your dogs health (use apple and banana in smaller amounts due to higher sugar content).
As for peanut butter, make sure its truly a special (rare) treat, and doled out in limited amounts; this dogand humanfavorite has a hefty 100 calories per tablespoon. Also, ensure that the peanut butter youre using doesnt contain Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. For a lighter, and perhaps better, substitute, try plain canned pumpkin, which weighs in at just five calories per tablespoon.
Its also worth stepping back and considering why youre giving your dog treats. Our bond with our dogs is so special, and every dog owner wants to see the happy excitement a treat brings. But you can get that joyful response with healthy treats, or with smaller portions. I typically tell owners that dogs get the same enjoyment, and you can get the same reaction, from a small piece of a treat as you can from the whole thing or a handful, says Alex Schechter, DVM. There are many ways to show love and bond with your pet. It doesnt have to be all about food.
Safely Increase Exercise
Food is key, but no weight loss plan, or health maintenance plan, is complete without exercise. The most obvious, and important, activity for your dog is walking. Regular walks dont just exercise your dogs body; they provide crucial mental stimulation and that all-important opportunity to sniff. The amount of walking your dog needs, or wants, depends on their breed and general health. But while conventional wisdom says that some dogs need less exercise than others, all dogs need to move.
While the recommended minimum of daily exercise is 20 minutes, twice a day, many dogs will need much more. For many breeds, an hour of exercise a day is a good target. If your dog needs to lose weight, try to increase the amount of exercise they currently do. So, if thats none, or barely any, start with short intervals of walking. If youre already exercising, try lengthening your walk or other activity by 10-20%.
Ask your vet about the best types of activities based on your pets breed, age, gender, and current physical condition. Introduce new activities slowly to avoid injury. And, unless your dog has been trained for or slowly introduced to these kinds of activities, leave the extreme sports to your own weekend hourstoo-vigorous, or repetitive activity can put your dog at risk of joint problems. Also, keep weather conditionslike high sunin mind if your activities are outdoors. The sun creates the potential for heat stroke and burnt paw pads.
Rule Out a Medical Condition
If youve established and are staying within caloric boundaries and youre still not having any luck helping your dog lose weight, a visit to the vet could be in order to rule out a medical condition. Weight gain and lethargy can be symptoms of conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushings syndrome. The latter, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, usually occurs in older dogs, and can also cause frequent urination, hair loss, and weakness.
Weight Loss (and Maintenance) Is a Long Game
If you determine that youre overfeeding, work with your veterinarian to create a weight-loss schedule based on the appropriate calories so that your dog doesnt lose weight too fast, which is unhealthy.
Overall, the best weight management strategy is to develop good habits that are applied, consistently, long-term.
People (humans) want to rush weight loss, says Dr. Ward. Thirty days to bikini season! But this is a long process. Its years of making small decisions that help. When youre deciding on sharing your pizza crust with your Pomeranian, if you do it once, OK. But if you do it once a week for five years, thats a problem.
This article was vetted by a vet. Reviewed by Alex Schechter, DVM, founding veterinarian atBurrwood Veterinary.He was previously founding veterinarian atPure Paws Veterinary Care.
English Bulldog Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
English Bulldogs are wildly popular, lovable dogs known for being Englands national dog breed! English Bulldogs are short in stature and stocky. If youre the lucky pet parent to an English Bulldog, you may be wondering exactly how large will my English Bulldog grow and when do they stop growing?
Everything you need to know about English Bulldog growth:
English Bulldog Growth & Weight Chart
The height and weight numbers in the chart below are all estimates. If your English Bulldog is slightly below or above the following numbers, dont worry! Continue to take your English Bulldog to regular veterinary appointments for personalized recommendations on food, exercise, and other recommendations for your English Bulldog puppys optimal health.
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Male English Bulldog Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 month | 4 - 7 lbs |
| 2 months | 9 - 12 lbs |
| 3 months | 13 - 18 lbs |
| 4 months | 18 - 24 lbs |
| 5 months | 30 - 33 lbs |
| 6 months | 33 - 37 lbs |
| 7 months | 38 - 42 lbs |
| 8 months | 42 - 45 lbs |
| 9 months | 43 - 47 lbs |
| 10 months | 45 - 48 lbs |
| 11 months | 46 - 49 lbs |
| 1 year | 51 - 55 lbs |
| 1.5 years old | 51 - 55 lbs |
| 2 years | 51 - 55 lbs |
Female English Bulldog Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 month | 3 - 6 lbs |
| 2 months | 7 - 10 lbs |
| 3 months | 12 - 15 lbs |
| 4 months | 18 - 22 lbs |
| 5 months | 22 - 25 lbs |
| 6 months | 26 - 30 lbs |
| 7 months | 30 - 33 lbs |
| 8 months | 33 - 36 lbs |
| 9 months | 35 - 37 lbs |
| 10 months | 35 - 38 lbs |
| 11 months | 37 - 40 lbs |
| 1 year | 40 - 44 lbs |
| 1.5 years old | 40 - 44 lbs |
| 2 years | 40 - 44 lbs |
At what age is an English Bulldog fully grown?
English Bulldogs will rarely grow taller after theyre a year old but may continue filling out in chest size and increase in weight until theyre about two years old. A full-grown male English Bulldog weighs about 50 to 55 pounds and stands 14 to 16 inches tall. A full-grown female English Bulldog weighs about ten pounds less at 40 to 44 pounds and stands at 12 to 14 inches tall.
(Image Source: Canva)
How big should a 6-month-old English Bulldog be?
According to Care.com, puppies reach about 75% of their adult height at six months old. This will be around 10-13 inches tall for a male English Bulldog and approximately 9-11 inches tall for a female English Bulldog.
As for weight, a 6-month-old male English Bulldog will weigh about 33 to 37 pounds, while a 6-month-old female English Bulldog will weigh around 26 to 33 pounds.
Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide that details 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, dog safety, and more!
How much bigger will my English Bulldog get?
The English Bulldog growth and weight chart above can give you an estimate of your English Bulldogs full size, but this will vary per dog. If your English Bulldog is over two years old, they are probably fully grown. Any additional weight they put on may be excess and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
An English Bulldogs paws can reveal a lot about their final size. Take a look at your English Bulldogs paws compared to their legs and body size. Do their paws look big next to the rest of their body? They may still have room to grow as this is a classic puppy feature!
Lastly, if you purchased your English Bulldog through a breeder, reach out to them about your English Bulldogs expected weight and height. Your English Bulldogs parents and their previous litters should provide plenty of information for your breeder to give you a more precise figure for your puppys estimated adult size. A dog rarely grows to be larger than their parents, so this will provide you with a general idea of their final adult size.
What is the size of a full-grown English Bulldog?
According to the Bulldog Club of America Bulldog Standards, an English Bulldog should appear stocky but symmetrical with no excessively prominent features.
English Bulldogs are especially prone to gaining extra weight and may exceed these weight estimates. If your English Bulldog weighs more than these full-grown figures, consult with your veterinarian about your English Bulldogs ideal weight at his or her next vet appointment. If your pup is a bit overweight (or underweight), dont worry! Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss food type, quantity, frequency of feedings, and treats to get your English Bulldog back to their ideal weight.
(Image Source: Canva)
How do I make sure my English Bulldog is healthy?
English Bulldogs may require extra attention due to some genetic health problems that are common for the breed. For example, English Bulldogs will require regular at-home baths, this cleaning is specifically to prevent infections under their skin folds. English Bulldogs are also highly prone to putting on excess weight, which is detrimental to their health.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 55.8% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese, leading to rising numbers of weight-related disorders like type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis in dogs across the country. A healthy diet and exercise are essential to maintain a healthy weight due to the English Bulldogs propensity to gain excess weight.
English Bulldogs also have brachycephalic syndrome, this condition just means that their airways, specifically in their nose, are shorter than the average dog which gives them their squished nose look. The English Bulldog is one of the most severely affected dog breeds and brachycephalic syndrome can lead to difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, heatstroke, and difficulty exercising due to their breathing restrictions. All of this can make weight loss even more difficult for the English Bulldog breed. Because your English Bulldog may have a harder time breathing than other dogs, your vet can recommend safe ways to allow them to exercise and enjoy life without getting overheated. If your pup has a particularly bad case and has difficulty breathing even when not exercising, you can talk to your veterinarian about surgery for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome which is a common procedure done to help English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs, breath more easily.
Taking your English Bulldog to regular veterinary appointments to keep them healthy and happy is one of the best things you can do for them! Not only can your veterinarian provide personalized advice to keep your pup healthy, but they can screen for common English Bulldog health problems, like skin infections, hip and knee problems. Preventive veterinary care is necessary for your English Bulldogs lifelong welfare to make sure they can live a long, joyful life with you and your family.
Unfortunately, veterinary care can be pricey. Veterinarian treatments for health issues, like hip and knee problems, can easily cost thousands of dollars. Treating medical issues, like accidents or sudden illnesses, can be expensive, but this should never be the deciding factor in treating your English Bulldog.
95% of pet parents consider their dogs part of the family, and doing the right thing for your English Bulldog should never be limited by treatment costs. Pet insurance reimburses you up to 90% of your veterinary bills over a pets lifetime so that you can focus on whats truly important, your English Bulldogs wellbeing and happiness!
Final Considerations
As pet parents, we do our part by providing quality food, exercise, and care at home, but we also need to take our dogs in for regular veterinary appointments. A professional can provide you with personalized recommendations for your dog, as well as testing to detect any health issues early on. Prevention and early detection are vital in keeping our dogs healthy and happy!
English Bulldog puppies grow into silly, lovable, and wrinkly dogs with a lot of personality. Compare and enroll in a top English Bulldog insurance plan here and gain the peace of mind that you'll always be able to do the right ting for your pet. At Pawlicy Advisor, we always want the health care decisions you make for your pet to be based on what you and your veterinarian think is best for them rather than being limited by financial restrictions.
