Body characteristics of beagles in the control (closed circles; n = 8) and weight-change (open circles; n = 8) group during the weight-gain phase (week 0–47), weight-stable phase (week 47–56) and weight-loss phase (week 56–83).

Body weight (kg) (A), % body weight gain (B), % body fat (C) and body condition score (E) increased significantly from week 12 or week 24 until week 56 in the weight-change group compared to the control group. Lean mass (kg) was significantly increased at week 47 and 56 in the weight-change group. Data is shown as mean ± SD. ^aData from one dog missing in the control group. ***P = 0–0.001, **P = 0.001–0.01 and *P = 0.01–0.05 for the group x time interaction, after multiple correction.