Is your dog eating too much? These 7 signs say yes!
When I got my first pup, I spent the first few weeks showering him with treats. He was so cute, friendly, and lovable that my love language instantly became overfeeding. In just a couple of months, my once-athletic Border Collie, Boy, started looking like the globe from our 4th-grade geography lessons—round and far from fit. It was terrible and dangerous for my precious boy.
I quickly learned how bad it is to give your pet too much food (no matter how much they beg for that treat), but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only pet owner whose love language is feeding. Is your dog eating too much? As much as we love spoiling our furry friends, expanding their waistlines isn’t always the best choice—it can lead to serious health issues in the long run.
From constant weight gain to begging for seconds, there are clear signs your furball is eating more than they should. Unfortunately, too many meals increase the risk of diabetes, joint pain, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan—and no pet parent wants that!
Don’t worry, though—it’s easy to fix! Choosing the right food, understanding portion sizes, keeping them active, and learning to resist those adorable puppy eyes will help get your canine companion back on track.
So, is your dog eating too much? Let’s find out together!
1. Legthargy and no activity
Besides the obvious weight gain, overfeeding can also make your furry companion lethargic and unmotivated. If your once energetic pup suddenly prefers to nap on the couch or lie down everywhere possible over playing or exploring, it might be a sign they eat too much or carry extra weight.
Just like humans, too much food can cause bloating, discomfort, and even metabolic slowdowns, making your beloved companion feel tired more often. The good news? With portion control, regular exercise, and a nutrient-rich diet you can help them get their energy back.
If your furry friend has a healthy feeding routine and gets plenty of exercise but is still feeling sluggish, it’s a good idea to visit the vet. There might be other underlying issues to check out. It’s always better to be safe and ensure your pup is as happy and healthy as possible!
2. Constant gas or bloating
Is your dog eating too much? If your pup’s been extra gassy lately, it might be time to rethink their diet. Overfeeding or serving hard-to-digest foods can lead to discomfort, bloating, and those not-so-pleasant gas moments.
Vets say ingredients like dairy, grains, and fatty foods are major culprits behind digestive distress, leaving your furball feeling uneasy. If your dog seems sluggish after meals, or you hear their tummy rumbling, it’s often a sign to pay attention to their food.
Try switching to easier-to-digest meals, cut out table scraps, and serve smaller portions. These simple changes could help your pup feel more energized and comfortable!
3. Quick weight gain
Quick weight gain is, undoubtedly, one of the most obvious signs of overfeeding. If you notice your pup is looking rounder or their ribs are harder to feel, you’d better cut back on those portion sizes.
They might be happy to be receiving extra treats or larger portions, but extra weight can lead to heart disease, joint problems, and even a shorter lifespan. You surely don’t want your pet to have a hard life, so make sure you regularly check their body condition by running your hands along their sides. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard. Otherwise, they could be a little chubbier than normal.
All you have to do in this case is learn how to resist those puppy eyes begging you for a treat, take them to regular walks, play more with them, and adjust their portion sizes. If you want to engage your pet in more physical activities, check out this incredible toy!
4. Soft or runny stools
Did you know that a healthy pup should have firm, well-formed stools? Trust me, I know that analyzing your pet’s number 2 is the last thing you’d want to do, but it’s important for their health. If your dog’s stools are runny, soft, or excessive, you’d better cut down on those meal portions.
Too much food, especially table scraps or treats, can overload your furball’s digestive system. Unfortunately, this often translates to diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. Adjust their portion sizes and keep an eye on their stool consistency. In case nothing changes, you’d better talk to your vet ASAP.
Make sure you also stick to a feeding schedule and avoid giving them too many treats (even if they deserve it). Feeding discipline is a great way to keep your dog happy, satisfied, and healthy!
5. Poor coat condition and excessive shedding
Is your dog eating too much? Take a look at their coat—it might be telling you something. Just like your hair reflects your health and what you put into your body, a shiny, healthy coat is a sign of a well-balanced diet for your pup.
Unfortunately, overfeeding your pet, especially with treats or low-quality ingredients, can lead to brittle, dry fur and excessive shedding. Like humans, dogs need the right balance of vitamins, carbs, healthy fats, and protein to stay at their best and maintain a strong, beautiful coat and healthy skin.
If your furry friend’s fur looks dull or they’re shedding more than usual, it might be time to pay attention to their diet. If they’re getting too many table scraps or processed treats, consider switching to high-quality dog food to keep your furball happy and thriving.
6. Self-grooming difficulties
If your pup struggles to reach certain areas when scratching or licking, those extra pounds could be to blame. Overweight dogs might look cute, but they have a harder time cleaning themselves properly. If this is the case for your furry friend, don’t be surprised if they experience matted fur, skin issues, or hygiene problems.
Experts say this is especially common in breeds with short legs or thick fur. Help your dog maintain a healthy weight to avoid infections, health issues, and grooming problems. With more exercise, a balanced diet, and regular grooming, your beloved pup will be happier and healthier!
And yes, taking your furry friend on multiple walks a day will definitely make those fluffy tails wag even more!
7. Difficulties losing weight
…Is your dog eating too much? That is the question, so let’s take a look at them!
Dogs are not that different from us—at least when it comes to losing weight and exercising. If you want to shed a few pounds, you start making healthier choices and moving your body more often. You could be eating the healthiest foods on the planet, but if you eat too much, the desired effect won’t happen.
The same goes for your pet. If you’re feeding them high-quality food and taking them for regular walks, but you’re still filling up their bowl too much, you might be causing your furry friend to hold on to that extra fat.
According to experts, a pup is considered overweight when they weigh around 10% to 20% more than their ideal body weight. If it goes past 20%, they’re classified as obese. While a dog’s ideal weight varies based on age, breed, and size, it’s important to support their health by providing the right food, correct portion sizes, and plenty of physical activity.
What are your thoughts on these signs that you’re overfeeding your furry friend? Is your dog eating too much? Let’s chat in the comments below! If you found this article helpful and would love to check out something else from The Geeky Gecko, here’s a post you won’t want to miss: These 5 Small Dog Breeds Are DANGEROUS!
