Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds, but they are also one of the most prone to obesity. If your beagle is carrying around a few extra pounds, it’s important to help them lose weight for their health and wellbeing.
It’s not just you that has to deal with the consequences of your Beagle being overweight. An adult Beagle is likely to become overweight at some point, and this danger rises as the dog gets older.
When a Beagle becomes overweight, some pet owners are taken aback. Something that used to be thin and sleek is now bulky and padded. Muscles don’t stand out as much. What went wrong? Isn’t this a breed that is always moving around? Shouldn’t it be easy to get rid of fat?
In general, this is true for Beagles. However, because Beagles have such voracious appetites, it’s not hard to overfeed them. Additionally, similar to humans, the body will store the extra calories as fat.
Fortunately, there are methods that can assist a Beagle in losing weight without putting undue strain on its body or making it ravenously hungry. It’s all about prioritising the appropriate things and moving forward in a methodical and steady manner.
Let’s talk about what to do if your Beagle is, shall we say, fat, chubby, or otherwise overweight.
Beagle Diet Plan
Beagles are relatively small dogs, so their dietary needs are not as great as some of the larger breeds. However, because they are active little dogs, they do need a diet that is high in protein and nutrients to keep them healthy and happy.
Here is an example of a beagle diet plan that will meet all of their needs:
Breakfast: ½ cup dry kibble or ¼ cup canned food (high in protein) plus ½ cup cooked vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, etc.).
Lunch: 2-3 slices of deli meat or 1 boiled egg plus ¼ cup dry kibble or ½ cup canned food.
Dinner: ¼ – ½ pound lean ground beef or chicken plus 1 cup cooked rice or pasta plus 1-2 cups cooked vegetables.
Also Read: Can Beagles get along with Rabbits?
Why do Beagles get fat?
There are a number of reasons why beagles get fat. One of the most common reasons is simply because they are not getting enough exercise. Beagles are high energy dogs and need plenty of exercise to stay in shape.
If your beagle isn’t getting enough exercise, he will start to put on weight. Another reason why beagles get fat is because they are being overfed. Beagles have a tendency to beg for food and their owners often give in and give them more than they should eat.
This can lead to obesity and other health problems down the road. Finally, some beagles get fat because of genetic factors. Some lines of beagles tend to gain weight more easily than others and this can make it difficult to keep them at a healthy weight.
How long do overweight beagles live?
How long does an overweight beagle typically live? Banfield Pet Hospital found that obese beagles live about two years less than their slimmer counterparts. Overweight beagles had a lifespan of 13 years, compared to 15 years for slimmer beagles.
Is my Beagle Overweight?
One of the most common questions we get from beagle owners is “Is my beagle overweight?” While there are a number of ways to determine if your beagle is overweight, one of the simplest methods is to use the Body Condition Score (BCS) system. The BCS system rates dogs on a scale of 1-9, with 1 being too thin and 9 being obese.
To use this system, simply feel along your dog’s ribs and spine. If you can easily feel their ribs and there is no noticeable fat covering, they are likely a 1 or 2 on the BCS scale. If you can feel their ribs but there is a slight layer of fat, they are probably a 3 or 4. If you cannot feel their ribs at all due to a thick layer of fat, they are most likely an 8 or 9 on the BCS scale.
If you’re not sure where your beagle falls on the BCS scale, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for help. They can also provide you with guidance on how to help your beagle lose weight if necessary.
Healthy Beagle Weight
A beagle’s weight is determined by a number of factors, including their age, activity level, and diet. An adult beagle should weigh between 18 and 30 pounds, with males typically on the higher end of that range and females on the lower end. Puppies will obviously be smaller, but should still fall within a healthy weight range for their age and breed.
Check out: Can Beagles be left alone?
How Do I Make My Beagle Lose Weight?
It is no secret that beagles, like many other breeds of dogs, are prone to weight gain. A beagle’s appetite is legendary, and their love of food often leads to them becoming overweight. If your beagle is carrying around extra weight, it is important to take action to help them lose the excess pounds.
Here are some tips on how to make your beagle lose weight:
Calories are important
For optimal health, your beagle requires a daily calorie intake. Your dog will become underweight if he doesn’t get enough food. However, he will put on weight if his caloric intake is excessive. Your dog’s daily amount of food should be adjusted according to his age and level of exercise.
If your dog is overweight, reducing his calorie intake will benefit. As an additional option, you can attempt to introduce more lively foods into his diet. In place of three substantial meals, you may offer him six smaller ones spaced out throughout the day. And make sure not to give him any junk food or table scraps.
Feed a high quality diet
Your beagle may benefit from a high-protein diet if you’re trying to get him to lose some pounds. There are less carbohydrates and more proteins in a high-protein diet. Since it helps your dog feel full for longer, it might reduce his need for between-meal snacks, which can help in his weight loss.
There are many different high-protein dog foods on the market. Wellness Core and Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free by Blue Buffalo are two excellent options.
Reduce the amount of treats you give them
It can be difficult to resist those pleading eyes when your beagle begs for a treat, but if they are trying to lose weight, treats should be limited. Instead of giving them a treat every time they beg, try offering healthy alternatives such as pieces of fruit or vegetables.
Use veggies instead of processed goodies when rewarding your beagle with a treat. Vegetables are an excellent food for your dog because they are low in calories and provide lots of fiber. Carrots, green beans, and broccoli are all excellent treat options.
Increase their activity level
Your beagle will not gain weight so long as you restrict its calorie intake, and it will burn calories and trim down if you get it into an exercise routine.
Beagles, as a breed, are commonly used for hunting. They’re meant to be fast, energetic, and chasing. Beagles gain weight and become lazy if they don’t get enough exercise.
You may help your beagle lose weight safely by going at a modest and steady pace. Get started by walking your dog a short distance, such as around the block. And slowly increase the distance.
Develop a routine and stick to it. Stay on schedule every day.
Measure their food carefully
It’s crucial to precisely measure your dog’s food because overfeeding is a leading cause of dog obesity. Measure everything out with a scale or a cup and don’t leave out food all day for them to graze on.
Feeding set meals at specific times will help you better control how much they eat.
Work with your veterinarian
Your vet can help you develop a tailored plan for helping your beagle lose weight safely. They can also rule out any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to the problem. Losing weight takes time and patience, but by following these tips, you can help your beagle slim down and live a healthier life!
Play with your Beagle
Extra playing can help your beagle loose weight in addition to diet and exercise. To assist your dog get some exercise and wear out his bones, we have both indoor and outdoor options.
Ball-and-track and bouncing-toy variations are two examples of indoor games. You can take your dog outside and play some games like fetch or frisbee. You can help your beagle burn calories and have fun by playing with him.
What Do You Feed an Overweight Beagle?
If you have an overweight beagle, you may be wondering what the best food is to help them slim down. Beagles are a notoriously greedy breed, so it can be difficult to find a food that they will eat in moderation. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your beagle stays slim and healthy.
The first thing you should do is speak to your vet about your dog’s weight. They will be able to advise you on whether your dog is actually overweight and, if so, how much weight they need to lose. Once you have a target weight in mind, you can start looking for the right food for your dog.
Best Food for Overweight Beagle
If your beagle is overweight, you may be wondering what the best food is to help them lose weight. The good news is that there are a variety of foods available that can help your beagle slim down. Here are some of the best options:
Lean protein sources
Beagles need plenty of protein to maintain their muscle mass, but when they’re trying to lose weight, you’ll want to choose leaner sources of protein. Good options include chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu.
High-fiber vegetables
Fiber helps keep dogs feeling full longer and can also help regulate their digestion. Some great high-fiber veggies for beagles include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
Low-calorie fruits
Fruits are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, but they should be given in moderation due to their sugar content. Some good low-calorie fruit options for beagles include apples, blueberries, and strawberries.
What is the Fastest Way for a Dog to Lose Weight?
The fastest way for a dog to lose weight is through a process called calorie restriction. Calorie restriction is when you cut back on the number of calories your dog consumes each day. This can be done by either feeding your dog smaller meals, or by giving them fewer treats throughout the day.
You will need to work with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your dog should be consuming each day in order to lose weight safely and effectively.
Conclusion
If your beagle is overweight, there are a few things you can do to help them slim down. First, cut back on their food portion sizes and make sure they’re getting enough exercise. You may also want to switch to a lower calorie food or add some healthy snacks to their diet.
Be patient and consistent with your weight loss plan, and soon your beagle will be back to a healthy weight!
