Our vision at tails.com has always been to improve the lives of dogs and their owners. Tailor-made nutrition is part of that mission, but our experience in feeding over 250,000 dogs also allows us to study canine wellbeing in a unique way.
So how do we do that? Well, behind the scenes, our team of experts have been hard at work on a very exciting project…
Our first research paper is live!
Lead Data Scientist Lorna, Head Vet Sean & Vet Team Intern Marie have been working together on our very first research paper analysing data from over 200,000 dogs. A detailed investigation into the relationship between body weight, condition and longevity, including 20 of the most popular dog breeds owned by tails.com customers.
The results are in
In almost all of the breeds studied, life expectancy was lower with an overweight body condition compared to an ideal condition. Confirming that a healthy weight really does promote a longer life.
“Our study clearly shows a correlation between increasing body weight and condition score, and declining longevity. In effect, it suggests that maintaining pet dogs at an ideal body condition and weight will help them to live longer.”
– Dr Sean McCormack Head Vet, tails.com
Whilst these results might not come as a surprise, this study does provide an important reminder of just how important it is to watch our dog’s waistline.
In fact, in some breeds, an ideal body condition was found to increase lifespan by 9 – 10 months. That’s almost a full year!
Sean and the team also found that some breeds are more at risk than others, with Miniature Dachshunds twice as likely to experience a shortened lifespan if overweight.
Why Miniature Dachshunds? Well, the Dachshund has been bred to achieve that signature appearance – a long back and short legs. This makes them more prone to spinal issues, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), especially when they are overweight.
Want to see the full research paper? Read it here.
The takeaway
It’s clear that controlling our dog’s food intake and ensuring they get appropriate exercise is a vital part of their care. To maximise their quality of life, and the precious years we get to share with them.
So how can we be sure they’re at a healthy weight?
Keeping your dog in tip-top shape
- Check-in – assessing your dog’s weight objectively can be tough. So make sure to discuss their body condition regularly with your vet, to make sure they are on the right track.
- Portion control – at tails.com, our handy personalised scoops make portioning easy. Just keep your dog’s weight updated on your dashboard and we’ll make sure they get exactly the right amount of food every month.
- Treats count – those tasty morsels can really add up…so if you like to enrich your dog’s day with treat training then be sure to let us know. We’ll factor that into their feeding plan so they can stay healthy and happy – just update your dashboard.
Keep your eyes peeled for future data labs updates, where we’ll share the science of dog health, wellness, longevity and more!
Hi thank u just got my order and can’t wait to try see what my saffy thinks just wondering can I cancel the dry food pls she needs soft food now as she don’t have many teeth left sadly
Hi Jillian, we’re sure Saffy will love her new tailor-made food! The dry food is the tailor-made part of her diet, so to help her continue with her kibbles, you can try adding some warm water to her meals. This will help to soften the food allowing her to enjoy. If you need more help, please contact our Customer team at hello@tails.com. Best wishes
I have just received my dogs trial box and have opened the selection pack and one meal the cooks casserole with chicken potato and green beans is damaged and corner seal on top was crumpled and split!
We’re so sorry to hear this, Annette – please send our team an email at hello@tails.com with your details and we can help get this sorted right away for you.
What weight of food should I give to Pippa? She is a Cairn Terrier nearly 16 years old. She is active for her age – gets 2 walks a day and is keeping well. She is. A little overweight at 8 kgs. Your advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Shona, with tails.com the worry of portions is taken away, as we provided a tailor-made feeding plan made just for them. If you’d like more help with your dogs feeding plan you can reach out to our Customer team at hello@tails.com 💙
Just received Ollies free trial box . To say I am excited about it is an understatement. We have tried lots with his pancreatus n allergies . Would just like to say thankyou . With his New kibble food n treats n meds he is staring to feel loads better…. We cant wait for his next box ……
This is so lovely to hear, Julie, we’re so pleased Ollie is loving his new food. We’d love to hear more about him in our tails.com Wet Nose Nation Facebook Group. You can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tailsdotcomwetnosenation 💙
Ihave only just received Bodies trial box and I am working on his transition period
Bodie seems to be enjoying his food so far and I’m looking forward to the end of the week when he is ready for the full eating plan
That’s great to hear, Hazel!
I received Bette Robb trail box yesterday she is loving her new kibble food and I followed the food plan last night and she eat the whole lot but this morning only eat some of it what should I do with the rest.
Thank you.
Hi l would like to change my order to just kibble no more meat thank you
Hi Cheryl, our Customer team would be happy to help you with this. Just send us an email at hello@tails.com with your details and we can take a closer look for you 💙
The kibble is great done it’s job stopped his wind so l think l’m going to just keep him on the kibble thank you
This is great to hear, Cheryl!
Just waiting on bears first delivery can’t wait to start his new diet regime