Dog Foods For Weight Management
Introduction:
While lowering daily caloric consumption, dog diets designed for weight loss give dogs the right nutrition for their breed and life stage. To decide what to do if you are worried about your dog’s weight, you should first speak with their veterinarian.
A gradual switch from their diet to weight-management food is enough for many dogs to lose excessive weight. Dogs who are overweight, even by a few pounds, are more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, heart disease, and arthritis. This particularly applies to smaller breeds.
Recognizing the Causes and Dangers of Dog Obesity and Overweight
There are a few easy methods to determine if your dog is overweight if you are not sure:
Big Belly: Look for a dip in your dog’s chest lower than their belly as they stand. Your dog needs weight loss if their belly and chest are parallel to the ground.
Hidden Ribs: To feel your dog’s ribs, move your palm over their chest and softly press. Your dog is probably overweight if there is too much fat hiding their ribs for you to feel them.
Sausage Profile: When standing, look at your dog’s back. A dog of a healthy weight should have a modest waist indent and a slight hourglass appearance. It’s a sign of excess weight around the middle if your dog’s profile is straight like a sausage.
Why Does a Dog Put on Weight?
Diet and exercise are the main factors influencing weight increase in dogs. Maintaining a healthy weight requires regular physical activity, such as playing and walking. However, calorie restriction is the most important component of dog weight management. Including treats and snacks, you need to keep an eye on your dog’s daily food consumption, paying particular attention to the overall amount and the ratio of protein to carbohydrates.
Weight gain might also be caused by certain medical conditions that your veterinarian must rule out.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Losing Weight
When it comes to fighting the bulge, prescription weight-loss diets are very successful. The following are some qualities to search for in the finest diet dog food:
- Density of nutrients and calories
- Low-fat, high fiber
- Levels of L-carnitine
- Antioxidants
Caloric and Nutrient Density
Two factors influence the effectiveness of using a prescription (or therapeutic) diet to lose weight:
- The number of calories in one serving of dog food
- The nutrients in the same portion
To achieve weight loss, therapeutic diets aim to reduce caloric intake while preserving adequate nutrient levels and preventing nutritional deficits.
Your dog might not get the nutrients they need if you only give them less of a normal or weight-maintenance meal because these diets are nutritionally complete and are based on regular-sized portions rather than diet-sized portions.
Reduced Fat and Increased Fiber
While still having a lower calorie density than typical dog foods, diets that are higher in fiber and lower in fat encourage satiety or the sensation of fullness. Since dietary fiber is indigestible, it doesn’t add calories to a dog’s diet.
Both soluble and insoluble fiber sources are frequently found in foods that promote weight loss.
In addition to having fewer calories and helping a dog feel full, insoluble fibers do not dissolve and are not altered throughout digestion. They are used to increase the volume and frequency of bowel movements.
Due to their ability to dissolve, soluble fibers impede digestion by drawing water into the digestive system.
Without causing undesirable side effects like significantly increased feces production or a portion of bad-tasting dog food, this well-balanced combination helps people lose weight.
With over twice as many calories per gram as proteins and carbs, dietary fat is the nutrient with the highest calorie density. So, it makes sense to reduce the quantity of fat in dog foods meant to assist weight loss.
Levels of Therapeutic L-Carnitine
An amino acid called L-carnitine aids in the transport of more fatty acids into cells for energy production. Instead of storing fat, this helps dogs move and metabolize it.
It may also be stated under the “Guaranteed Analysis” part of the food label.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, which counteract free radicals that harm cells, are frequently added to diets designed to help people lose weight. An anti-inflammatory effect is another characteristic of several of these antioxidants. Since overweight dogs typically have higher levels of inflammation than slender dogs, this can help them.
The Greatest Dog Foods for Losing Weight
Numerous dog foods are designed to help dogs lose weight. Here are a few well-known brands:
The high-protein, high-fiber Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food helps dogs feel content and full while using fewer calories. L-carnitine, which aids in converting fat into energy, is also included.
This dry dog food, Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management, is designed to help dogs feel content and full while consuming fewer calories. Its combination of fibers aids in promoting satiety and slowing down digestion.
Purina Pro Plan for Weight Loss Dog food is high in fiber and protein and low in calories and fat. L-carnitine is also included to aid in the conversion of fat into energy.
Made with natural ingredients, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Healthy Weight Adult Dog Food is free of soy, corn, and wheat. It is also high in fiber and protein and low in calories and fat.
The veterinarian diet known as Farmina Vet Life Obesity Dog Dry Food is designed especially for dogs who are overweight or obese. It is high in fiber and protein and low in calories and fat.
To get the finest weight loss food for your dog, it’s crucial to speak with your veterinarian. They can assist you in selecting a meal that is suitable for the age, breed, and general health of your dog.
Establishing a Dietary Schedule for Your Dog’s Weight Loss Program
Working with your veterinarian to establish a feeding schedule that keeps your dog feeling full and on track with their weight-loss goals is crucial. The following advice can assist your dog reach their weight-loss objectives:
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions to measure the precise amount of food.
- Give your dog multiple modest meals throughout the day rather than one or two big meals or free choice.
- Don’t give them access to human or pet food.
- Restrict treats to those recommended by a veterinarian.
Among the low-calorie goodies that veterinarians recommend are:
- Slices of carrot
- Green beans
- Small portions of lean, cooked meat, like chicken
- Low-calorie sweets in a package
- Broccoli
Just 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from treats, even if they are low in calories. Dog food that is balanced must provide the remaining 90%.
What is the calorie needed for my dog to lose weight?
The age, size, and initial weight of your dog will determine how many kilograms they need to shed. For safe and steady weight loss, try to cut your dog’s overall caloric consumption by 15 to 20 percent.
Rapidly cutting calories is not a good idea and may put your dog’s health at risk. The best progressive weight loss plan will be suggested by your veterinarian based on your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle. A particular weight loss commercial diet may be additionally advised by your vet.
How do I start my dog on a weight-loss program?
reduction looks straightforward: weight reduction is equal to fewer calories consumed plus more calories expended. Unfortunately, things are more complicated than that. Never put your dog on a diet without first consulting your veterinarian’s staff.
Your dog’s obesity may be the result of or a contributing factor to an underlying medical problem. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) and hypothyroidism are two prevalent conditions linked to weight gain. Before starting a diet, these and other illnesses should be cleared out as potential causes or contributors to your dog’s weight issue.
To make sure your pet has no barriers to weight loss, your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination, and nutritional evaluation, and suggest blood testing.
Can I start by trying one of the over-the-counter (OTC) weight-loss foods?
In actuality, there isn’t an over-the-counter weight-loss food for dogs or cats. Weight-claim foods from pet stores and other retailers are still classified as adult maintenance diets and should not be eaten in a calorie-restricted fashion as this may result in nutrient shortages.
How soon should I start giving my dog the new weight-loss food?
You should allow some time for your dog to adjust to a new diet. A slower transition over roughly three weeks may be advised for fussy dogs or dogs who have experienced gastrointestinal distress in the past. Start by serving tiny portions of the novel dish in a different bowl. After your dog has started eating the new food, take into account the recommended transition guide:
- Step 1: Combine 75 percent of the old food with 25 percent of the new food.
- Step 2: Combine half the new food and half the old.
- Step 3: Combine 25% of the old food with 75% of the new food.
- Step 4: Serve the new food in its entirety.
Depending on how well your dog is doing, you can proceed more or less quickly, but each step should last two to three days. A quicker transition may be suitable for dogs that have had a range of meals and textures and who have never experienced gastrointestinal distress from a new food.
Do not hesitate to seek guidance from the veterinary clinic if your dog refuses to consume the new diet or if you have any worries during this initial phase of introduction. To improve palatability, they might suggest methods like reheating the food, adding a flavoring like FortiFlora® (a probiotic with flavor enhancer), adding a tiny bit of beef or chicken broth, or administering an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Before doing any of these things, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian team so they can make sure they’re safe (if your dog has any other health issues) and that the weight reduction plan accounts for the calories from these foods.
How much food should I give my dog to help them lose weight?
Your dog’s calorie requirements for weight loss will be determined by your veterinary care team. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these computations are for the typical dog and that there are multiple equations. For weight loss, your dog may require fewer or more calories. After you’ve started your dog on a weight-loss regimen, it’s critical to check in with your veterinarian team to make sure the calorie intake is appropriate. The initial figure is frequently only a starting point and will need to be modified over time.
You could be asked to first fill out a food journal by your veterinarian. This is a written record of everything your dog eats over days. After assessing your dog’s current caloric intake, your veterinarian can establish a lower starting point for the weight loss regimen. Because each weight-loss diet has a different energy density, the food dose—the amount to be fed each day—depends on the one that has been prescribed. This is one of the reasons you should see your veterinarian before switching between diets to lose weight.
Instead of using cups or cans, your veterinarian should ideally provide you with a daily meal amount in grams. It is quite simple to overfeed or underfeed when food is weighed with a measuring cup, which is inaccurate. The recommended way is to use a kitchen gram scale, which is much more accurate and makes changes easy. A kitchen gram scale, for instance, makes it simple to go from 150 to 135 grams daily, but the number of cups of coffee you’ve had may affect how precisely you can go from 1 1/2 to 1 1/3 cups daily!
How can I encourage activity to help my dog lose more weight?
Consult your veterinarian to be sure a change in your dog’s level of physical exercise is safe before making any changes. It’s possible that dogs who are severely obese won’t be able to handle further activity until they have begun to shed weight.
Increasing the length and intensity of your regular stroll is the first thing you can do if it is considered safe to increase activity. Few dogs walk at a pace that produces the high heart rates required for weight loss and prolonged aerobic exercise. Observations of people walking with their dogs show that the usual pace is a stroll of 20 to 25 minutes per mile (12 to 15 minutes per kilometer).
They stop frequently (usually every one to two minutes) to let their dog mark territory or sniff an intriguing object. Walking for enjoyment is not the same as walking to lose weight. Aim for a 30-minute, brisk stroll each day. Within a few minutes of walking this way, you should start to perspire a little. Refer to the “Walking Your Dog for Weight Loss” handout for information on creating a healthy walking regimen for your canine companion.
Other advice for encouraging your dog to exercise more:
To ensure that the dog always has to walk to get its food bowl, move it upstairs or downstairs and change its location often. Because they are intelligent, dogs will go upstairs if the food bowl shifts.
To help your dog feel satisfied, slow down their eating by using an interactive feeder, such as a treat ball or puzzle feeder.
Encourage games of fetch or chase by using sticks, squeaky toys, balls, laser pointers, or toys. Make an effort to play with your dog twice a day for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Certain toys generate noises and move at random, which your dog might find entertaining. Variety is crucial for many dogs, and what is fascinating or thrilling one day could be dull the next.
Think about requesting a recommendation for a veterinarian rehabilitation specialist. An underwater treadmill and dry range-of-motion exercises that you can learn to perform at home are examples of rehabilitation services.
What can I do to stop my dog from pleading for food?
should refrain from giving in to your dog’s pleading, particularly if it happens early in the morning or during your lunch. Rewarding dogs for begging will just make them ask more, so keep in mind that new behaviors take time to form. The following advice can help you control begging behaviors:
Consider an automated feeder, so your dog understands to beg the feeder and not you.
Use a smart gadget that tracks your dog’s food consumption or an automated feeder that lets you regulate how much food comes out in a serving.
We can mistake attention-seeking behavior for begging for food. Give your dog attention by playing with them, grooming them, patting them, or taking them on a walk rather than rewarding them with food.
Modify the frequency and size of meals. Research is inconclusive; some studies indicate that fewer, larger meals have a better effect on fullness, while others show that smaller, more frequent meals are better for satiety (leading dogs to believe they are receiving more). For your dog (and your schedule), one approach could be more effective. Ensuring that you consume the same quantity of food every day is crucial.
Instead of serving food, provide fresh water. A cold, fresh glass of water could quench your dog’s hunger if they are pawing at the empty food dish.
Instead of using higher-calorie foods as rewards, use fruits and vegetables or snacks with less calories. Instead of spending their whole 10% treat allowance on one or two treats, you will be able to give your dog more snacks throughout the day.
To avoid the temptation to share your food, put your dog in her box or in a separate room while you eat.
For what length of time must my dog follow a diet?
Since every dog is unique, the suggested diet or regimen may need to be modified, which might extend the time frame for the weight reduction program. Although losing weight is the aim, losing weight too quickly might result in the loss of lean muscle. canines should ideally lose 1% to 2% of their starting body weight per week, while chronically obese canines may be able to shed closer to 0.5%.
A few variables will determine how long it takes your dog to attain their desired body weight:
- the speed with which they embrace the new eating plan;
- the weight reduction rate (for example, 1% weight loss will require twice as many weeks as 2%); and
- the overall weight loss goal.
For the majority of dogs, a solid collaboration between their devoted, committed family and the veterinarian staff is the key to effective weight loss.
What Happens If My Dog Doesn’t Get Better?
Keep in mind that dogs lose weight gradually. Be patient and strive for consistent weight loss, usually between 0.45 and 2.27 kg each month, depending on the age and health of your dog. See your veterinarian for more advice if you are trying to help your dog lose weight but it is not happening. To rule out underlying medical conditions impeding weight reduction, they could suggest prescription meals or testing.
Conclusion
One of the most important things you can do for your fat dog’s long-term health and pleasure is to assist them in losing weight. You may start your pet on a successful weight management path by identifying the symptoms of obesity, modifying their nutrition, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that a healthier weight enhances your relationship with your dog and extends their lifetime and quality of life.
FAQs
Which food is ideal for a dog trying to reduce weight?
Additionally, studies indicate that diets that combine a high protein content with a high fiber level appear to be effective for weight loss. When looking for the finest dog food for weight loss, keep the following in mind: Protein: 10–20 grams per 1,000 calories, or 25%–30% of dry matter. Fat: 2-3.5 g per 1,000 calories, or 5%-15% fat.
Which meal is ideal for promoting weight growth in dogs?
In addition to providing them with enough calories to expend throughout the day, protein will aid in their muscular growth. Additionally, look for foods that are heavy in fat and protein. Salmon, meat, kangaroo, lamb, dried chicken, etc.
Can dogs lose weight by eating rice?
Your dog can benefit from eating rice in a few different ways. Dogs may lose weight if they eat less because they will feel fuller. Due to rice’s high calcium content, dogs also need to keep their teeth and bones healthy as they age.
Does rice aid in weight loss in dogs?
There are a few health advantages to giving your dog rice. Dogs might lose weight by feeling fuller after eating less. Because rice is an excellent source of calcium, dogs also need to keep their teeth and bones healthy as they age.
Can I only give my dog food once a day?
A dog’s daily meal intake is entirely determined by the family’s routine. Dogs should consume two meals a day, separated by around twelve hours. However, a timetable for breakfast, lunch, and supper is also a fantastic choice. The stomach may become hyperacidity and cause nausea if there is a gap of more than 12 hours between meals.
References
- SanSone, A., & Mejorada, A. (2024, November 21). The 9 best dog foods for weight Management, according to more than 400 dogs and their guardians. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-weight-loss-dog-foods-5324875
- Creating a weight reduction plan for dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/creating-a-weight-reduction-plan-for-dogs
- Cvj, L. S. D. M. (2024, July 29). How to find the best dog food for weight loss. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/whats-best-kind-dog-food-weight-loss