Adult dogs should be fed food that is formulated for their life stage, activity level, and if appropriate, breed size. Although canned, semimoist, or dry food can be fed, dry foods are often preferred for this stage of life. In general, canned and semimoist foods have higher caloric densities on a dry-matter basis (DMB) than dry foods (see Chapter 17, p. 164). When canned or semimoist foods are fed to adult dogs, they may contribute to the development of overweight conditions if intake is not closely monitored. Dry dog foods are less calorically dense, and they can also help to maintain proper tooth and gum hygiene (see Chapter 34, p. 442 for a complete discussion). Dry foods are also easier and more economical to feed to large groups of dogs than are other types of foods.

The availability of highly palatable pet foods coupled with the sedentary lives of many dogs has resulted in a high incidence of obesity in the adult dog population. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of American dogs and cats are either overweight or obese. ^{1. and 2.} Similar incidence rates are reported in other industrialized countries. ³ The two most effective ways to prevent obesity in adult dogs are to provide daily exercise and to closely regulate food intake. Exercise can be in the form of daily walks or runs or several sessions of vigorous games such as fetch or hide and seek. Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise. Most dogs enjoy swimming if introduced to water at an early age and in a gradual manner. There are also many types of organized dog activities and dog sports available to interested owners. Popular examples include agility, rally, flyball, freestyle, obedience competitions, and tracking. These sports are enjoyable activities for both owners and their dogs and provide mental stimulation along with the benefits of physical activity.

Monitoring an adult dog’s daily food intake is best accomplished through portion-controlled feeding (see Chapter 19, pp. 195-196). Some dogs are able to self-regulate their food intake when fed free-choice. However, many dogs tend to overconsume and gain weight. Providing two or more premeasured meals at regular times each day is a simple way to carefully regulate a dog’s food intake. The feeding guidelines printed on pet food labels provide an estimate of the amount needed to feed an average adult dog that is living indoors and provided with a moderate amount of exercise. Alternatively, an estimate of the amount to feed can be calculated using the dog’s ideal body weight (see Chapter 9, pp. 66-68 and Table 9-2, p. 67). Although each of these approximations can be used as a starting point, every dog should be fed as an individual. Adjustments are made in accordance with the dog’s activity level, temperament, body condition, and weight status. Body condition scoring systems provide a reliable method for owners and veterinarians to use when assessing body condition in dogs and cats. ^{4. and 5.} Because body weight alone is not necessarily a reliable indicator of a dog’s body condition, these visual tools have been developed as aids for determining optimal body condition and for the diagnosis of obesity in companion animals. Examples of body scoring systems for dogs and cats are provided in Figure 23-1 and Figure 23-2, respectively. The use of body scoring is discussed in detail in Chapter 28, pp. 322-326.