Dogs are foodies, and they love almost anything they can get their paws on, but too much food and too many treats can be a problem. If you have a fat Goldendoodle, then you have come to the right place.
We are here to help you get your pup back to a healthy weight and give you some tips and helpful advice!
Table of Contents
Signs Of An Overweight Goldendoodle
There are some signs you can look out for if you feel that your golden retriever poodle mix doggo is overweight. As cute as a fat Goldendoodle may look – we all love a bit of a chonky dog – it is not very healthy. The following signs will tell you that your pup is overweight:
- Tiredness
- Abdominal sagging
- A rounder and bigger face
- Refuses to move or prefers being picked up and carried
- Excessive panting
- Lags during a walk or can’t play games anymore
Body Shape
Your pup’s body shape can give you a good idea of its weight. If you can see that their waist close to their rear is well defined, then your pup is at a healthy weight. However, if your doggo is more of an oval or round shape, then it is considered overweight.
If you look at them from the side, their stomach should not be aligned with their chest and should tuck upwards toward their hips. Your pup is overweight if its stomach and waist are aligned.
Excess Fat
Spots of fat in particular areas on the Goldendoodle’s body are the first clear sign of an overweight dog. Common areas include the inner legs, neck, hips, the base of the tail, and abdomen. You might notice patches or regions of fat that might collect in those spots.
When your dog is standing or walking or when you are touching him, you will notice these pockets of fat. An overweight Doodle may start to waddle and pant when walking due to the extra fat on its legs or abdomen.
Behavior
There are tons of physical signs that indicate that your Goldendoodle may be overweight. However, there are also some behavioral signs that you should look out for. If your dog waddles, it is a clear sign that your doggo is overweight.
But if your pup struggles to get up from the couch or floor, tends to always be out of breath, or lags behind on walks, they also have a clear weight problem.
A healthy Goldendoodle puppy or adult dog will generally be very excited to move and get up. They should not be panting excessively or scoffing down their food.
Bones
Although a Goldendoodle’s bones are not a problem when they gain weight, you can easily tell how much fat your dog has added by looking at them. Due to their thick coats, Goldendoodles’ ribs and the spine may not be as easily visible as those of other doggos.
Due to this, it is best to gently feel along their back and sides to see if you can feel their spine and ribs. Your pup is healthy if you can feel the ribs and spine with a small amount of pressure, but if you have to apply a fair amount of pressure to feel their bones, then your doggo is overweight.
The Ideal Goldendoodle Weight
A Goldendoodle is a hybrid mix of a poodle and a Golden Retriever. This mixed breed is not recognized as a breed by any major kennel clubs, and this means that there is no standard that needs to be followed while breeding.
Basically, weight, size, personality, and genetic makeup cannot be predicted. All of these characteristics depend heavily on the parent breed they crossed. However, registered and responsible breeders ensure that they mix the best of the parent breeders to get a healthy dog.
Goldendoodles vary in size and are categorized as Miniature, Large Standard, and Small Standard. A Large Standard Goldendoodle stands between 20 and 24 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds.
A little standard Goldendoodle, on the other hand, stands between 17 and 20 inches in height and weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. The Miniature Goldendoodle weighs between 15 and 35 pounds and stands between 13 and 20 inches tall. A Goldendoodle puppy will not have the same healthy weight standards as an adult dog will.
How To Help Your Pup Shed A Few: Doggy Diet
There are various things you can do to help drop your dog’s weight. However, it is best to first check in with their vet as they could be fattening up due to an underlying health condition. Please note that this page does not constitute pet medical advice; we merely state some basic facts.
The vet also always knows best, and they can certainly give you some great advice on your pup’s weight. The following are some great ways in which you can get your doggo to slim down again:
Establish A Schedule And Stick to It
You must create and stick to a schedule if you want to get your pet to lose weight successfully. For instance, it would be beneficial if you served meals at set times and made obvious leftovers after a set period of time, say 20 minutes.
Measure Their Food
Use a measuring cup to give your pet food in controlled portions. A wonderful strategy to monitor this weight-loss plan is to keep a diary. Controlling how much food they eat is an excellent way to combat weight loss.
Also, make sure that you feed your doggo the right food at every stage of their life. They should eat puppy-appropriate food and then high-quality adult dog food later in life. Our website has plenty of tips on choosing the ideal food for your dog’s breed and age.
Exercise
A great way to help your fat Goldendoodle lose weight is to make them move their body and exercise regularly. It greatly aids in burning extra body fat and maintaining fitness. First, check with your vet which exercises are suitable for Goldendoodles.
Some great options include hiking. Hiking is low-impact and comes with tons of benefits. A long walk gets you and your pet outside, in touch with nature, and provides plenty of fresh air. Swimming is also great for doggos.
Goldendoodles actually enjoy swimming and pick up on this workout very quickly. Swimming helps dogs develop their muscles and burn extra calories without harming their joints. Games are also a great idea. You could play fetch or anything that gets them moving.
Fewer Table Scraps And Treats
Outside of their daily meal, dogs consume extra calories from snacks and leftovers, which gradually build up and can result in obesity. This also includes the treats they get from friendly neighbors and visitors and the treats they get as rewards during training.
If you cannot avoid treating your pup, then make sure you limit their intake. Making the decision to opt for low-calorie sweets instead of fatty treats is also a smart option. Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, apple slices, and carrots, will keep your dog healthy and help them lose weight.
Health Conditions Associated With Gaining Weight
It is so important to maintain a healthy weight for your pup, as weight gain and canine obesity can lead to a number of health conditions. Your pup could start suffering from the following:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Skin disease
- Orthopedic challenges
- Short life span
- Heart and respiratory disease
If you have a fat Goldendoodle, and we mean a fat Goldendoodle, it is so important that you work on helping them get back to a healthy weight. Your pup can suffer from various health issues that can significantly decrease its lifespan.
Your dog’s life won’t be the same if they are overweight, and they won’t enjoy themselves as much. For instance, canine arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the hip, impairs mobility. Heart disease is frequently brought on by high cholesterol levels, which can also induce high blood pressure in doggos.
Your dog could develop diabetes if its pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and then its blood glucose levels can’t be regulated. And in dogs, having too much fatty tissue can potentially cause kidney illness.
There are some other factors that contribute to your pup gaining a few pounds and becoming overweight, such as the following:
- Aging: Your doggo gets less active as they grow older, and this means that they dispose of less energy every day. If their food intake is not properly regulated, it can very quickly lead to weight gain.
- Treats: Table scraps and treats will quickly lead to gaining weight. Because the calories in the food add up with all of the calories in the treats, leading to more weight. This is why you should only stick to the appropriate dog food.
- Inaccurate Food Measurement: Doggo parents run the risk of having an overweight dog if they don’t know how to measure their dog food properly or don’t measure at all. A lot of food is not necessary for proper care or a healthy lifestyle.
The Best Dog Food For Your Goldendoodle
The type of food that you should feed your pup will depend on your particular doggo and their age. Goldendoodle puppies, adults, and senior doggos all have their own nutritional needs.
The following are some great food choices for your adult Goldendoodle:
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Prairie
The majority of the animal protein in this Rachael Ray supplement comes from actual beef and chicken meal. The dish contains 30% protein, 15% fat, and 42% estimated carbohydrates, according to the dry matter label analysis, which results in a 50% fat-to-protein ratio.
Open Prairie contains ingredients that are naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This food is grain-free and suitable for Goldendoodle puppies and adults.
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains
The majority of the animal protein in this traditional Merrick kibble comes from freshly deboned beef and pork meal. The dish has 29% protein, 17% fat, and 46% estimated carbohydrates, giving it a fat-to-protein ratio of almost 58%, according to a dry matter label study.
There are no peas, beans, or other sources of plant-based protein in the formula. It is also fortified with taurine, which is an amino acid that veterinary professionals believe can reduce the risk of DCM, a heart disease common in specific breeds.
Victor Select Beef Meal and Brown Rice
The majority of the animal protein in this Victor Select recipe comes from the beef meal. The dish has a healthy fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 50% and is found to have 26% protein, 13% fat, and 52% estimated carbohydrates, according to dry matter label analysis.
It is specifically made with a premium-quality beef meal that contains 77% meat protein. Even better, the recipe contains no plant-based protein enhancers—Goldendoodle-friendly, nutrient-rich dog food that is well-balanced.
FAQs
Why is my dog overweight but doesn’t eat much?
You may want to make an appointment with your veterinarian if your doggo is gaining weight but not eating a lot. You may need to get hypothyroidism and other medical concerns checked out. When the thyroid is underactive, the metabolism slows, which is known as hypothyroidism.
How long does it take for dogs to lose weight?
The majority of canines reach their ideal weight in six to eight months. Something needs to be changed if the process is taking longer than this. Depending on your dog’s size and condition, a healthy weight loss is one to five pounds per month.
Do Goldendoodles need a special diet?
No authorized pet food industry standards have been created for Goldendoodles’ dog food, as they are a mix between poodles and golden retrievers.
However, as the breed’s seniors, adults, and puppies ALL have distinct nutritional requirements, it’s crucial to pick a dog food that’s made for YOUR specific Goldendoodle’s age. Goldendoodle puppies do not have the same nutritional needs as a senior.
Final Thoughts
Your Goldendoodle can suffer from tons of health issues if it becomes overweight, and it is best to avoid this. It is crucial to feed your doggo the right food, ensure they exercise enough and take them for regular vet visits to ensure that they are strong and healthy.
If you enjoyed this guide, check out our post on whether or not Goldendoodles need their glands expressed to help you provide the best possible care for your furry friend.