Contrary to the old adage, a fat dog may not be a happy dog. Overfeeding or spoiling your dog too often with his favourite treats may keep him happy in the short term but can cause obesity which leads to many health problems.

Greyhounds and lurchers in particular are not breeds designed to carry any excess weight. Their frames just can’t support it. 

Your greyhound is too heavy if:

• He has fat across his back and tail
  
• His back is flat and broad
  
• All his ribs are covered by fat
  
• He has no waist
  
• The deepness of his chest is not well defined
  

He should have:

• A defined waist
  
• Visible ribs
  
• Visible spine
  
• A curve to his spine
  
• A pronounced deep chest
  

It’s important to realise that YOU are in control of your dog’s food intake (well apart from those silent raids on the Sunday roast!). It’s also important to include all the treats, training titbits, snacks and leftovers that you feed him in his daily food intake - don’t feed them on top of his regular amount. 

Adult greyhounds and lurchers need to eat 2 meals per day. These meals should consist of a quality, complete dried food unless there are medical or dental reasons for feeding soft food. Be guided by the portion chart on the packaging and adjust by a small amount to keep your dog at a healthy constant weight.

Very few greyhounds or lurchers can be trusted to be free-fed. Like most dogs, they will eat whatever is put in front of them. Some people like to feed a treat or snack during the day or at supper time but if you do this regularly you need to reduce your dog’s calorie intake at regular meals to compensate. 

A complete dried food alone will provide your dog with all the vitamins and minerals that he needs (as well as keeping his teeth healthy) and, in addition, is already a balanced diet. A balanced diet is vital. Items which could be added include cottage cheese, vegetables, oily fish or a little oil to maintain a glossy coat.

Stick to a low protein food - never more than around 20% protein. Cheese and liver make great special treats (e.g. for toilet training) but should never be given as the main constituent to your dog’s diet. Other foods which should never be fed to dogs include chocolate (which is poisonous) and crisps (which are too salty). 

Some diseases, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, cause obesity. Other diseases are caused by obesity. Problems caused by obesity include:

• Irritability
  
• Difficulty walking and / or breathing
  
• Decreased heat tolerance
  
• Poor exercise tolerance and low energy
  
• Shortened life span
  
• Poor quality of life
  
• Strain on internal organs
  
• Rheumatism and / or arthritis
  
• Damage to joints, bones and ligaments
  
• Decreased immune function
  
• Increased risk in surgery and anaesthesia
  
• Liver and kidney dysfunction
  
• Cardiovascular disease
  
• Increased risk of cancer
  
• Stomach and digestive problems
  
• Skin and coat disorders
  
• High blood pressure
  

If you think your dog needs to lose weight it would be best to consult your vet who can advise whether there is an underlying medical cause. If overeating is the cause (and it most commonly is), never put your dog on a strict starvation diet. Instead:

• Gently increase his exercise
  
• Cut out his treats or use apple, broccoli or carrot instead
  
• Consider changing to a ‘light’ variety of food (or a prescription diet food in more extreme cases)
  
• Make sure you measure the food
  

Always provide your dog with fresh water.

Remember that your dog won't lose all his excess weight overnight, nor should you expect him to.

Obesity in dogs is dangerous.
Be kind to your pet by being tough.