Introduction
A dog’s metabolism is the process by which their body converts food and drink into energy and nutrients for growth, maintenance, and activity. Understanding your dog’s metabolism is important for maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. A fast or efficient metabolism allows a dog to convert calories into energy and burn fat more quickly, while a slow metabolism can lead to weight gain and obesity-related health issues. Factors like age, breed, size, diet, exercise, and health conditions can all impact a dog’s metabolic rate. By making smart choices about nutrition and activity, you can help support a healthy metabolism in your furry friend.
Assess Your Dog’s Current Metabolic Rate
A dog’s resting energy requirement (RER), also known as resting metabolic rate, refers to the minimum number of calories needed to sustain basic body functions while at rest. There are a few methods to estimate a dog’s RER:
The National Research Council provides an equation based on the dog’s weight in kilograms raised to the 0.75 power and multiplied by 70. For example, for a 10kg dog, the calculation would be: RER = 70 x (10)^0.75 = 232 calories/day.
Another simple formula is 30 x body weight in kilograms. So for a 10kg dog it would be: RER = 30 x 10 = 300 calories/day (cited from source).
There are also calculators available online that take into account breed, age, activity level, and other factors to provide a customized RER estimate.
Impact of Age, Breed, and Size
A dog’s age, breed, and size can all impact their metabolism. Puppies and younger dogs tend to have a faster metabolism than older dogs. This is because younger dogs are more active and their bodies are still growing and developing, requiring more energy1. As dogs age, their metabolism typically slows down.
Smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Dachshunds tend to have a higher metabolism than larger breeds. This is because smaller dogs need more energy per pound of body weight to maintain body temperature and normal functions1. Larger dogs have a lower surface area to mass ratio so they conserve heat better and require less energy.
Leaner dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets have a higher metabolism than breeds prone to obesity like Corgis or Pugs. Their slender build requires more calories per pound to maintain muscle and energy levels2.
Knowing your dog’s age, breed size, and body type can help determine if their metabolism is naturally faster or slower. This allows tailored adjustments to their diet and exercise.
The Role of Diet
What you feed your dog plays a key role in regulating its metabolism. Certain nutrients can give your dog’s metabolism a boost, while other foods may actually slow things down.
Some nutrients that can increase your dog’s metabolism include:
- Protein – High protein diets help build lean muscle mass and provide amino acids that help maintain metabolic rate.
- Vitamins B and C – These water-soluble vitamins help support thyroid function and metabolic processes.
- Iron – Iron aids the transport of oxygen in the blood and helps muscles use energy more efficiently.
- Zinc and Selenium – These minerals support thyroid hormone synthesis.
On the flip side, there are some foods that may impede your dog’s metabolism:
- High-fat diets – Excess fat can hinder metabolism and lead to weight gain.
- Fillers like corn and wheat – These low-quality carbs are more likely to be stored as fat.
- Sugars and simple carbs – These can spike blood sugar and insulin, promoting fat storage.
When choosing a dog food, look for quality ingredients with moderate fat and protein levels. Avoid excess fillers, by-products, and artificial additives.
Exercise and Muscle Mass
Exercise is a great way to naturally speed up your dog’s metabolism. Engaging in both aerobic exercise and strength training can help burn calories and build muscle, which increases your dog’s resting metabolic rate (RMR).
Aerobic exercise like walking, running, swimming, and playing fetch help your dog’s body burn calories and fat. Start with low impact aerobic exercise and gradually increase duration and intensity. Try to exercise your dog for at least 30-60 minutes per day.
Strength training like climbing, tug of war games, and agility courses help build and maintain muscle mass. Building muscle tissue increases your dog’s RMR because muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest. Aim for at least 2 strength training sessions per week. Refer to this article for strength training exercises to do with your dog at home.
Consult your veterinarian to develop a safe, tailored exercise plan for your dog’s age, breed, and fitness level. Proper exercise helps speed up metabolism in a healthy way while preventing injury.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism in dogs. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs. Some signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, skin problems, and intolerance to cold temperatures. As the thyroid regulates metabolism, an underactive thyroid directly causes a slower metabolism.
Because hypothyroidism can significantly slow down metabolism, it’s important to have your vet test your dog’s thyroid levels if you notice any signs of the condition. A full thyroid panel is ideal, which measures the levels of T3, T4, free T3, free T4, and TSH. Treatment is typically daily oral medication to replace the missing thyroid hormones. With proper treatment, metabolism can return to normal. Monitoring thyroid levels is crucial, as the medication dosage often needs adjustment.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors like temperature, season, and light exposure can significantly impact your dog’s metabolism. Dogs are less active in colder weather or seasons like winter, which can slow down their metabolism. According to Circle of Life Veterinary Hospital, the amount of food a dog needs changes with the seasons as their metabolism adapts. When the days are longer in the summer, a dog’s metabolism speeds up and they require more food for energy.
Temperature is a major factor affecting metabolism. Anchor Animal Hospital explains that cold weather and shorter winter days lead to a slower metabolism and decreased appetite in pets. The cold causes dogs to burn extra calories to stay warm. Their bodies work harder and need more energy intake. According to veterinary recommendations, the ideal calorie intake for dogs in winter can be double their regular amount.
Exposure to sunlight also impacts metabolism, as a lack of light exposure can slow it down. Make sure your dog still gets outside time even when it’s cold out. Consider using sweaters or booties to help them comfortably play outdoors year-round.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can lead to a slower metabolism in dogs. Some of the most common include:
Cushing’s Disease: This condition is caused by an overproduction of cortisol and can result in a slower metabolism. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, a potbelly appearance, hair loss, and thinning of the skin.[1]
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland results in a decreased metabolic rate. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, and intolerance to cold temperatures.[2]
Addison’s Disease: This is caused by insufficient production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. It can lead to weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and poor appetite.[3]
Diabetes Mellitus: Improperly regulated blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs can disrupt metabolic function. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss despite increased appetite.
Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have any of these conditions, as they require specific diagnosis and treatment.
Supplements
Certain supplements may help give your dog’s metabolism a boost. However, research on their effectiveness is limited, so consult your vet before starting any new supplement.
Some of the most commonly used metabolism-boosting supplements for dogs include:
- Coenzyme Q10: An antioxidant that may help improve cellular energy production. Studies show mixed results on its impact on metabolism.
- L-Carnitine: An amino acid that transports fatty acids to the mitochondria to be burned as energy. Some evidence it may increase fat metabolism.
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil: A rapidly absorbed fat that may temporarily increase energy expenditure. However, research is preliminary.
- Chromium: May help increase lean body mass and decrease body fat. But evidence is limited to a few animal studies.
- Green Tea Extract: Contains compounds like EGCG that may slightly boost metabolism. But effects appear modest.
While these supplements are generally recognized as safe for dogs, consult your vet before use. Make sure to purchase high-quality supplements from reputable brands.
When to See a Vet
While some changes in metabolism are normal as your dog ages or gains/loses weight, there are some signs that warrant a trip to the vet. Consult your vet if you notice any of the following concerning signs (cite full https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/dog-metabolism):
- Sudden weight loss or gain that can’t be explained by changes in diet or exercise
- Lethargy, weakness, trembling, or inability to stand
- Excessive hunger but no weight gain
- Increased thirst and urination
- Soft stools or diarrhea that persists more than a day or two
- Vomiting or nausea
- Skin problems like hair loss, dry/flaky skin, or rashes
- Unexplained muscle loss or muscle wasting
These types of symptoms could potentially indicate an underlying health condition impacting your dog’s metabolism. Some examples include diabetes, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, cancer, and gastrointestinal disease. Your vet can run tests to diagnose any condition and recommend appropriate treatment to help restore your dog’s metabolic balance.