Is a lean dog healthy? Distinguishing Fit from Underweight
                                
                                
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                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                A landmark 14-year study on Labrador Retrievers found that dogs kept at a lean body condition lived an average of 1.8 years longer than their overweight counterparts. This crucial finding raises an important question for many pet owners: Is a lean dog healthy? The answer is a resounding yes, as long as 'lean' is not mistaken for 'underweight,' and knowing the distinction is vital for your dog's well-being.