Core dietary requirements for Corgis include taking them on walks, giving them plenty of exercise, and measuring their food properly at mealtimes. You should try to avoid table scraps, restrict treats, and don’t let them get lazy.
There are a lot of fat Corgis out there. Hey, I’m not shaming the floofers for being their fluffiest selves, but it can become a massive problem for their spines, joints, and overall health. Considering Corgis are already at risk for spinal diseases and conditions, we must do our best to take care of our stumpy besties.
Of course, this does mean resisting those big puppy eyes when they look up at you for yet another piece of toast or bacon from the table, and as hard as it is, you’re going to have to be strong. I’ve got a list of dietary do’s and don’ts for Corgis that I implement for my own, especially when they have got a little too chunky.
Ready to make some changes and help your Corgi shift some weight?
Key Takeaways:
- Corgis are prone to several spinal conditions, and being overweight can make it worse
- You should keep your Corgi at a healthy weight where you can just feel the ribs
- Keep your Corgi active, measure their food, and use low-calorie treats
- Avoid giving them table scraps, be strict with treats, and don’t guess measurements
- Your Corgi will live a better and longer life with the correct diet
Does Weight Matter for Corgis?
Corgis are prone to several spinal conditions, most prominently intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), as well as hip dysplasia, and several hip and joint complications. Being overweight can have a massive effect on how these conditions impact your Corgi (and even their development), which is why it’s so important to keep their weight under control.
6 Dietary Requirement Do’s
To keep an eye on your Corgi’s weight and diet, there are a few things you should try to implement in your routine together:
- Take them on regular walks. Exercise is critical to their health and helps to ensure they are burning calories and leading an active life
- Always measure your Corgi’s food. There is a reason all food brands have a measurement system on the bag – too much or too little can be detrimental
- Make sure you check their body condition regularly to ensure they are a healthy weight and not looking too chunky or too thin (both can have negative impacts)
- Use low-calorie and low-fat treats as much as possible. Your dog will love them, and they won’t pack on the pounds during training sessions
- Try to be honest with yourself about your dog’s weight. You know when they’re looking too big, and you know if they’re on the skinny side. Honestly is the only way to change
- Remember that when you give them treats during the day, you need to consider this when you are weighing their food out during mealtimes
🌾 Important note about allergies: Some Corgis are prone to digestive issues triggered by ingredients in common dog food brands. For example, my Corgi Winston is allergic to grain and can only eat hypoallergenic food (otherwise he vomits or has diarrhea). If you notice your Corgi is off their food OR is experiencing vomiting/diarrhea, it might be because they’re allergic to grain, eggs, or dairy. Speak with your vet and try switching their food to see if this helps.
Here’s how we helped him lose it.
5 Dietary Requirement Don’ts
In contrast to the tips above, there are also a few habits you might want to try and avoid if you are looking to keep a better eye on your Corgi’s weight and diet. Consider the following:
- Don’t feed them table scraps (the odd treat is alright, but you can’t make it a regular thing). You need to consider the amount of fat and salt in many of them.
- You can’t just guess how much food they need, especially if your Corgi needs to lose or gain weight. Stop measuring by eye and break out the scales.
- Be strict with the treats. You can’t just be handing them out constantly, especially if they are fatty ones. Learn to stop yourself and restrict your dog’s snacks.
- Don’t let your dog get lazy and become a couch potato. They need to stay active in order to be healthy, not just for their weight and diet.
- Yes, Corgis often look super cute when they are a little fat. But it’s bad for their health and can even shorten their lifespan. Don’t glorify the fat but cute vibes.
Is My Corgi Overweight?
One of the easiest ways to check if your Corgi might be overweight is with your hands. What you need to do is run them along your dog’s sides. Can you just about feel and count their ribs under your fingers? Your Corgi is likely in a healthy weight range, so you don’t have to worry.
If you cannot feel their ribs, they are probably overweight and need to lose a few pounds. Conversely, if you can feel all their ribs and see them prominently through the fur, your Corgi is underweight and needs to put some on. Of course, your vet will be able to give you an accurate measurement, but this is a good way to keep an eye on things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is My Corgi Always Hungry?
Your Corgi might be hungry all the time because they have a fast metabolism, or their genetics mean they have a bigger appetite. However, constant hunger can also be a symptom of worms or another medical condition, so if it persists, make sure you get them checked out at the vet to rule out anything harmful.
Should I Feed My Corgi Raw Dog Food?
You can feed your Corgi raw dog food if you want. There is nothing wrong with it, and some dogs thrive on a raw diet that is properly balanced. The problem can be making sure it’s nutritionally complete (which most kibble/wet food brands are), which is why it is essential that you go with a reputable brand if you decide to pursue a raw diet.
Final Thoughts
Weight and diet can be a tricky thing to balance with dogs, and those big pleading eyes from your Corgi can be difficult to resist. But I hope that this guide has managed to help you out with a few of the big do’s and don’ts that you need to keep in mind with your little ball of chaotic fluff – we all know they are excellent manipulators.
Of course, before you implement any changes to your Corgi’s diet, always consult your vet first and ensure you are making the correct choices for their health and well-being. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not be ideal for another. Plus, there are times when changes in appetite can be for other health reasons.
Great tips.
Thank you so much, Debra!