The amount to feed depends on the animal and activity level. The amounts suggested on the dog food label are only guidelines which must be tailored to the individual animal. Some geriatric animals may need as much food as a 2 year old, but others may need to be changed to a lower caloric density diet, such as a senior diet. Others may have medical conditions that dictate what diet should be fed. To decide what and how much to feed your dog, consult with your veterinarian, especially where specific problems exist.
Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in companion animals.
It can predispose to medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, orthopedic disease, skin disease, liver disease and creates increased surgical risks. Certain breeds are predisposed to being overweight, but any dog or cat can become overweight by having too much caloric intake for the energy expended. Since there is so much variation in body size, structure, breed, sex, and age between dogs and even cats, there is no reliable method of assigning an optimal weight. Therefore, an individual pet's optimal weight is generally judged by physical appearance using a few key criteria. As a guardian, you have complete control over what your animal is able to eat.