Achieving Weight Loss In Dogs

Following through a weight loss plan for your dog is neither quick nor easy – but it is one of the most important aspects of improving their overall quality of life. It’s also an aspect of your pet’s healthcare that you can personally control, in partnership with your veterinarian.

Risks of obesity

    Not unlike humans, overweight pets are predisposed to the following medical conditions:

    • Heart disease
    • Arthritis
    • Diabetes
    • Traumatic injuries
    • Cancer

    Obesity is correlated with shorter life spans, reduced energy and play. They commonly experience muscle atrophy due to inactivity, exacerbating the issue.

    Starting a weight-loss plan

    At its core, weight loss is a consequence of fewer calories going in than out. However, this should be achieved in targeted ways with the assistance of your veterinarian.

    Rule out underlying conditions:

    Your dog may have active medical conditions causing or contributing to excess weight. For example, hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings). These should be ruled out as possible causes or contributors to your dog’s weight problem prior to beginning a diet.

    Ruling these out can involve a physical examination, nutritional assessment, and lab work.

    Targeted weight-loss diet

    Weight-loss diets focus on calorie restriction. They each differ slightly, and some are aimed at resolving concurrent conditions (e.g urinary diets). These diets typically have:

    • Lower energy density: so that your pet can still have a decent volume of food but receive fewer calories.
    • Higher in protein: Preserves lean muscle and still meets protein requirements
    • Higher in fiber: Adds bulk to the diet, which helps with satiety.
    • Lower in fat: To reduce energy density.
    • Higher concentration of vitamins and minerals to ensure requirements remain met

    Metabolic food: A type of weight-loss food that promotes an increased metabolism, which helps dogs to burn calories more quickly. This may be a recommended alternative from your veterinarian to typical weight-loss diets.

    Over-the-counter (OTC) weight-loss foods in pet stores that have a weight claim on the label are still considered maintenance diets and should not be fed in a calorie restricted manner; doing so could lead to nutrient deficiencies.

    How much should I feed?

    Your veterinarian can assist calculating feed quantities based on current and ideal weight, and feed type. This is a medium-long term process which may require multiple adjustments.

    How quickly should I change foods?

    For dogs that are picky or who have had GI upset in the past, a slower transition over about three weeks is often recommended. First, offer small amounts of the new food in a separate bowl. Once they’re eating the new food, begin to transition:

    Step 1: Mix 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food.

    Step 2: Mix 50% of the new food with 50% of the old food.

    Step 3: Mix 75% of the new food with 25% of the old food.

    Step 4: Give 100% of the new food.

    Each step is meant to last two to three days. For dogs that have been exposed to a variety of foods and textures, and who have no history of GI upset with new food, a faster transition might be appropriate.

    Feeding Treats

    Typically, 10% of calories can come from treats and 90% should come from the regular food.

    Calories in dog treats vary widely, so be sure to check the label of any treat packages.

    Exercise

    Dogs that are morbidly obese may not be able to tolerate more exercise until they have started to lose weight, so be careful about overdoing exercise early on.

    If an increase in activity is appropriate, gradually increase the intensity and length of walks. Walking for weight loss is very different than walking for pleasure. For example, target a 30 minute, brisk walk.

    Begging for food

    Some tips to reduce begging include:

    • Use an automatic feeder.
    • Sometimes we misinterpret attention-seeking behavior as food begging. Instead of rewarding with food, give your dog attention with pats, brushing, by playing with them, or by going for a walk.
    • Adjust meal size and frequency to smaller, more frequent meals.
    • Offer fresh water instead of food.
    • Use lower-calorie treats or fruits and vegetables as rewards instead of higher-calorie items.
    • Put your dog in her crate or in a different room while you eat your own meals to remove the temptation of sharing from your plate.

    Progress tracking

    Some tips to reduce begging include:

    • Use an automatic feeder.
    • Sometimes we misinterpret attention-seeking behavior as food begging. Instead of rewarding with food, give your dog attention with pats, brushing, by playing with them, or by going for a walk.
    • Adjust meal size and frequency to smaller, more frequent meals.
    • Offer fresh water instead of food.
    • Use lower-calorie treats or fruits and vegetables as rewards instead of higher-calorie items.
    • Put your dog in her crate or in a different room while you eat your own meals to remove the temptation of sharing from your plate.