at Texas A&M University conducted a survey of over 15,000 dog owners regarding their pets’ eating behaviors and analyzed clinical records tracking the weight dynamics of dogs from their earliest days. This collection of data is referred to by researchers as food motivation. A high food motivation score indicates that a enjoys eating and may be overweight.
What Did the Study Reveal?
To calculate the food motivation score for dogs, owners answered questions about their pets’ appetite, pickiness, and interest in food. This information was combined with veterinary records, including the so-called “body condition score” (BCS) for each dog. In assessing this, a veterinarian weighs the dog, feels its ribs and hips, and determines how much fat the patient has accumulated relative to its size.
The analysis showed that sporting breeds, such as spaniels, retrievers, setters, and pointers, had a 10 percent higher likelihood of high food motivation scores compared to mixed-breed dogs. Labradors and golden retrievers were found to be the most prone to overeating.
Hounds , with a 5.3 percent higher risk of high food motivation than mixed breeds. This group included dachshunds, greyhounds, beagles, and basset hounds.
Conversely, non-sporting breeds typically received lower food motivation scores, 4.1 percent lower than mixed breeds. Non-sporting breeds included poodles, bulldogs, dalmatians, and terriers.
“Overweight dogs are prone to numerous health issues, such as skin diseases, diabetes, and arthritis,” warned Kate Crivie, a veterinary professor and the lead author of the study.
She emphasized the importance of veterinarians taking the issue of obesity in dogs more seriously and accurately identifying its causes. Specifically, determining whether the condition is linked to social, environmental, or demographic factors. This information will help “ensure every dog has the best quality of life,” said Professor Crivie.
The team noted that not only breed influences a dog’s tendency to be overweight. Larger dogs were more likely to show high food motivation scores, reported BBC Science Focus.
Dogs living in urban areas are also at a greater risk of gaining excess weight compared to their rural counterparts.
Moreover, overeating is more common among dogs that live in households with multiple family members. They are more likely to gain excess weight than those living with a single owner. According to Crivie, this pattern can be attributed to either excessive attention from people or a lack thereof.
This is expressed not only through displays of affection but also in the physical activity of the and its access to food. “Some dogs may seek food out of boredom, which is exacerbated in environments where physical exercise is limited,” the expert believes.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Gained Extra Pounds?
In this matter, zoo psychologists believe that veterinarians and owners often aren’t on the same page. Meanwhile, “it’s entirely possible that some dogs need stricter feeding rules,” noted Ms. Crivie.
However, a visit to the veterinarian is still necessary. They will professionally develop individualized recommendations for your furry friend, suggest the right food, exercise regimen, and feeding schedule. All of this is essential for the dog to feel active and healthy again.
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