Obesity is preventable. Caloric needs change as a dog ages and becomes lessactive. Obesity does not seem to cause the same degree of medical problems in dogs as it does in humans, but the impact on joints and the skeletal system can be debilitating. The condition severely effects the dog's quality of life.

If you have an old, overweight, arthritic dog, give the Adequan-EtoGesic-Cosequin anti-oxidant sequence a chance to work. Take excess weight off your dog, especially in later life, and feed a complete and balanced diet low in calories. This usually means cutting back on fat, but be aware that certain types of fats are very beneficial. Fat is essential for a variety of metabolic processes and is necessary for healthy skin and coat. Look for the optional caloric (energy density) value statement on the food bag or can. If the manufacturer does not put the metabolizable energy (the energy available to the body after digestion and excretory losses) statement on its package or can, change foods.

We feel strongly that old dogs should not have to change their lifelong eating habits. Instead, owners should change the caloric value of the food they feed. Most dog food companies now offer weight-management, "lite"(lower calorie) and "lean" (less fat) formulations and geriatric foods.29

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