Some nights when I’m in the kitchen, I look down at my corgi’s dog bowl, I wonder to myself: “How does my corgi eat so much!”
Yes, food can be an amazing thing, and the even a small bowl can look like a bottomless pit of delight when filled with the right food.
But overeating can lead to your corgi becoming fat, putting pressure on their bones and joints. It can also be bad for their spine and cause muscle health problems later in life.
Why is my dog overeating bad?
Overeating can be bad for a dog’s health for a number of reasons.
For one, it can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can put extra strain on a dog’s joints and increase their risk of developing health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Additionally, eating too much can cause dogs to swallow large amounts of air, leading to bloating and gas. This can be uncomfortable for the dog and may even require veterinary attention in severe cases.
Overeating can also lead to dental problems, as the constant ingestion of food can cause the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
To keep your dog healthy and happy, it’s important to feed them the right amount and avoid overfeeding them.
How to stop your corgi from overeating
- Resist the urge to feed them throughout the day
- Use a slow feeder to slow down your dog’s eating
- Limit the number of treats the get each day
- Substitute pleas for food with pleas for exercise
1. Resist the urge to feed them throughout the day
It can be tempting to feed your corgi throughout the day, especially when they look deep into your soul with those adorable puppy dog eyes.
However, it’s important to resist the urge and stick to a consistent feeding schedule. Corgis, like most dogs, only need to be fed once or twice a day when they are fully grown.
Leaving food out all day can lead to overfeeding and weight gain, which can be detrimental to your corgi’s health. Corgis are known for their love of food and their tendency to graze, which means that if there is food available, they will eat it.
To prevent overfeeding, it’s best to set specific times for feeding and stick to them. This will help you control your corgi’s food intake and ensure that they are getting the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight.
2. Use a slow feeder to slow down your dog’s eating
If you’re sitting at the dinner table and being conscious of every bite you take, feeling the food in your mouth, the less you eat. A similar theory applies to dogs.
Slow feeder dog bowls are a great tool for helping dogs eat at a slower pace, which can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including reducing bloating and limiting overeating.
Slow feeder bowls prevent these issues by providing physical barriers or challenges that slow down the rate at which dogs can access their food. This can help them recognise when they feel fuller which can reduce the chances of overfeeding and promote healthy eating habits.
3. Limit the number of treats the get each day
It’s important to be mindful of how many treats you give your corgi, as they are known for their love of food and their tendency to overeat.
Corgis don’t really know when to stop eating, especially if they’re chowing down on something delicious. So, if you keep handing them out, they’re not slowly down.
As with all dogs, treats should only make up a small portion of your corgi’s diet. In general, treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Dog treats are not nutritionally balanced. They are usually high in sugar and fat. At a maximum, treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s diet. If your dog is getting more than that, they may not be getting enough main food to make them full.
If your corgi is getting more than that, they may not be getting enough of their regular, nutritionally balanced food to feel satisfied. This can lead to weight gain and a range of health problems, including obesity and dental issues.
And be sure to choose treats that are low in sugar and fat, to help keep your Corgi healthy and happy.
4. Substitute pleas for food with pleas for exercise
While it’s true that corgis love receiving treats and food, it’s important to remember that they also crave attention and affection from their owners.
In fact, many dogs will happily trade a treat for some quality time with their favourite person.
So, instead of using treats as the only way to reward your dog, try using other forms of attention, such as playtime, a walk, or training sessions. This will help your dog stay mentally and physically stimulated, and it will also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
And don’t forget to offer plenty of praise and affection during these activities. Dogs love to hear their owner’s voice and feel their touch, so be sure to give your dog plenty of pats and cuddles.
Final thoughts on how to stop your corgi from overeating
While it may be tempting to give in to your pet’s constant begging for food, it’s important to remember that overfeeding can lead to obesity and a range of health problems.
Instead, stick to a consistent feeding schedule and only give your corgi the recommended amount of food for their breed, size, and age.
This will help keep them at a healthy weight and reduce the chances of them begging for food all the time.
Additionally, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and playtime to help them stay active and healthy. By following these simple steps, you can help your pet live a long and happy life.
