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Weight Loss for DogsWeight loss for dogs can be achieved by the use of low fat dog food, nutritional supplements, and regular exercise.
Our page on Obese Dogs looks at the possible causes of obesity in dogs and the
health risks to obese dogs, as well as using herbs to support and regulate body organs that can be affected by the extra fat and weight. This page looks at how to
formulate a program for dog weight loss.
Before doing anything, it is advisable to consult with a vet to rule out any health conditions that are causing your dog's extra weight gain.
If it has been confirmed that your dog is in good health, then it is time to help your dog drop some pounds.
As with humans, crash diets are not healthy. Aim for a gradual weight loss of 0.5% to 2% of body weight per week. If you can, weigh your dog weekly to monitor her
weight loss.
Weight loss for dogs can be achieved by:
Weight Loss for Dogs - Low Fat Dog FoodFeed your dog a nutritious, low-fat, high-protein diet that provides about two-thirds of the calories needed to maintain your dog's ideal weight. Avoid poor-quality commercial dry foods that are high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain. Many obese dogs slim down nicely when transitioned to a raw food diet. However, not all dog parents are prepared to feed their dogs raw food. If that is the case for you, you can still feed your dog dry kibble but switch to a high quality grain-free diet and feed the appropriate quantity. For grain-free diets, you need to feed less (usually the daily amount fed has to be cut back by 20 to 40%.) If you don't want to feed your dog less, you can try a high-quality food formulated for weight control. This type of low fat dog food contains high quality proteins but reduced fat and calories so you can feed your dog the usual amount (unless you are severely overfeeding). A high-quality low fat dog food is: Innova EVO Reduced Fat Dry Dog FoodWeight Loss for Dogs - Feeding ScheduleFeeding your dog a proper diet is important. It is equally important to feed your dog on a proper schedule. Avoid "free feeding" (leaving food available all the time) because free feeding contributes to obesity and also a number of other health problems. If your dog is used to having food available at all times, start cutting back to three or four small meals a day, and then down to two. Two meals a day is fine for adult dogs. TopWeight Loss for Dogs - Snacks and Treats
Table scraps are often high in fats and sugars (and thus in calories). Avoid feeding an obese dog any table scraps altogether.
If you want to give your dog some treats, try feeding her healthy ones, such as vegetables and fruit (carrot sticks, broccoli, cooked green beans, apples), or freeze-dried
meat snacks such as
Only Natural Pet Chicken All Meat Bites.
Weight Loss for Dogs - Nutritional SupplementsIf your dog is getting less of her regular food, she is receiving fewer nutrients. Therefore, it is important to supplement her diet with vitamins and minerals to make sure that your dog stays healthy. You also need to add fatty acids to her diet to keep her skin and hair healthy. In addition, adding digestive enzymes to each meal can help break down the food and make the nutrients more available for absorption. A good supplement to give to your dog is: Only Natural Pet Super Daily Canine Multi-VitaminsWeight Loss for Dogs - Other Dietary AidsThere are some dietary aids that may be helpful for dog weight loss. Carnitine Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy, and is being included in some weight loss programs for dogs. Glandular Supplements Some dogs become obese after being neutered or spayed due to hormonal imbalances. Hormones, however, play an important role in a dog's health - they affect metabolism, prevent allergies, and promote healthy skin and coat. Glandular supplements can correct hormonal imbalances and can help obese dogs with metabolism. Consult a veterinarian and request a blood test to be done to test your dog's hormone levels so that the most appropriate supplements can be determined. TopWeight Loss for Dogs - ExerciseDrag your dog (and yourself) from that couch and start exercising regularly. Exercise is more than just burning off calories. It contributes to the quality of your relationship with your dog as well as improving her mental health, cardiovascular and immune system health and increasing her life span. However, bear in mind that every dog is different so exercise programs should be tailored to the individual dog taking into account her health and physical conditions, especially the muscles and joints, heart, and respiratory system. Do not overdo it - start out slow and gradually work up to higher activity levels. If your dog starts panting heavily, give her some time to rest. If you are just starting an exercise regime for your dog, consider daily brisk leash walking (30 to 60 minutes a day). Another beneficial exercise for obese dogs is swimming, since it places less stress on joints.Related Topic Obese Dogs References Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). PetEducation TOP of Weight Loss for Dogs |
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