Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my dog overweight even with daily walks? How to help them lose weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old

Why do dogs gets overweight even if they are doing proper walk 40 minutes once a day ? How to decrease dogs weight ? And is it true that walks keep dogs heart young else dogs get poor heart ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

You may be feeding Bruno more calories than he can feasibly burn. I would suggest either working with your vet to figure out how many calories your pet should consume daily, or you can use this website link to figure it out yourself. https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/nutrition-support-service/basic-calorie-calculator Also, at this age Bruno is possibly still growing, so his weight may be in flux until he has reached 2 years of age. You should however be feeding him adult food twice daily. And to answer your other question, yes walking does help keep a pets heart and body healthy. Best wishes in your weight management goals for Bruno moving forward. Take care.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Walks are definitely very good for their hearts, their weight, and for their joints/muscles. Dogs can get overweight despite a lot of activity. Some dogs have a slow metabolism and therefore need less caloric intake. Therefore, some need less food or a light formula food to help prevent weight gain. If they are getting too many calories - too much food, treats, or human food - then they will gain weight. Also if a dog have a low thyroid then they will gain weight despite dieting and a lot of activity. I hope this helps.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored