A little extra weight on your best friend may not seem like too much of a problem, but an overweight dog means that there could be health problems ahead. If your dog’s weight isn’t ideal, we understand. Here are some ways to help obese dogs with fiber and other natural options.

World Animal Foundation revealed that nearly 56% of dogs in the United States are obese or overweight. More and more vets report that overweight dogs are common in their practices and obesity in dogs is a leading cause of other comorbid health issues. Overweight and obese dogs with excess weight need intervention to help get them to their ideal body weight for their best health and well-being.

If your dog’s weight is 15% or more above their ideal weight, they are considered overweight while dogs that weigh 30% or more above their ideal weight are considered obese.

Vets will also consider your dog’s body condition. Using an overweight dog chart, they’ll look at your dog’s diet, ask about your dog’s daily calorie intake and they’re likely to feel your dog’s ribs. An overweight or obese dog will take in more calories than they’re burning off, of course, and that dog’s ribs likely can’t be felt easily when your vet is feeling for them. Using the overweight dog chart, they’ll tell you more about what to do about your dog’s daily food intake as well as your dog’s daily exercise needs to help get them to their ideal weight. They may also suggest weight loss foods for weight management to get to their perfect weight. The weight loss plan for your dog will differ based on their body condition score and what their normal weight should be.

Whether you have an overweight or an obese dog, their weight problems can be an indicator that they have health issues ahead. The goal is never to just have lean dogs; we want your dog’s life to be healthy and happy too.

If your dog is considered overweight, it may develop serious health issues. You want to help them lose weight so you can help prevent them from possibly suffering from the following ailments that can truly affect your dog’s quality of life:

• Respiratory issues
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Cancer
• Orthopedic issues
• Shorter life span

There are a handful of reasons behind obesity in dogs. They include:

A healthy diet and regular exercise will help your dog maintain their target weight, but a premium fiber supplement may help your dog too if your dog is overweight.

That’s just what Bernie’s Perfect Poop does with its performance blend of Miscanthus grass, pumpkin and flaxseed and inulin. When your dog has a quality fiber supplement added to each meal, they feel more full and this helps them crave fewer calories. A fuller-feeling dog means they are less likely to be hungry and eat as much and eating fewer calories will lead to more weight loss. Perfect Poop is an all-natural, high-fiber supplement combined with pre- and probiotics that also add to your dog’s overall health. After all, healthy dogs have happier lives.