Keto For Overweight Dogs: Does It Work?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate protein, and very low-carbohydrate eating plan. It causes weight loss because of how cells use carbohydrates versus fats to make and store energy. Normally, cells convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used for energy or stored in the liver as glycogen. However, if you remove most carbohydrates from the diet, the body will use up its stored glycogen and will have no more fuel. The body then enters a state of ketosis, where it runs on ketones from fat instead of glucose from carbs. Ketogenic diets have been shown to suppress appetite, decrease insulin levels, and increase fat burning, making them successful as a long-term weight-loss diet. There is also some evidence that ketogenic diets may be beneficial for dogs with epilepsy or cancer.

Ketogenic diets for dogs: what are they?

Ketogenic diets for dogs are based on the idea that dogs, as carnivores, should be eating a diet that is biologically and metabolically appropriate for their species. This means a diet that is high in fat and protein and very low in carbohydrates.

The theory is that this type of diet promotes ketosis, a state in which the body uses fat, rather than glucose, for energy. In this state, dogs are better able to thrive and their risk of developing metabolic stress and systemic inflammation is reduced. These two health markers are directly linked to diseases such as diabetes, cancer and obesity.

A ketogenic diet for dogs should consist of 70% fat, 25% protein and 5% carbohydrates on a dry-matter basis. This can include fresh muscle meat, fatty fish, organ meat, eggs, cheese, oils and some vegetables.

Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet for Dogs

There is some evidence to suggest that a ketogenic diet may be beneficial for dogs with specific health issues. For example, it may help with:

• Weight loss
• Seizures
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Inflammation
• Liver health

Risks of a Ketogenic Diet for Dogs

As with any diet, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. When starting a ketogenic diet, dogs can experience:

• Lethargy
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Increased chance of pancreatitis

How does keto work for overweight dogs?

A ketogenic diet for dogs is a high-fat, moderate protein, and very low-carbohydrate eating plan. This diet triggers a series of metabolic changes that lead to fat-burning and ketone production. The main metabolic change is a drop in insulin, which signals the breakdown of stored body fat, which is then burned in the muscles, liver, and other tissues. Ketones provide energy to the brain, which normally runs on glucose.

The ketogenic diet has been shown to suppress appetite, decrease insulin levels, and increase fat burning, which is why it is a successful long-term weight-loss diet. In humans, keto diets are known to cause keto flu, which includes symptoms like lethargy, diarrhoea, and constipation. Similar symptoms can occur in dogs, and the increased fat intake can also increase the risk of pancreatitis.

The ketogenic diet is a natural diet for carnivorous animals like dogs, as it is similar to their ancestral diet of eating the flesh of other animals, which is low to high in fat, moderate to high in protein, and extremely low in carbs. However, many commercial dog foods are grain or potato-based, which do not mimic the diets that dogs have evolved to eat.

Obesity is a common issue in dogs, with an estimated 25% of dogs seen for veterinary care being obese. Obese dogs are at a higher risk for various diseases, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. The ketogenic diet can help reduce hunger hormones and promote weight loss, as seen in a low-carb trial with obese beagles.

The ketogenic diet may also have additional benefits for dogs, such as reduced inflammation, improved liver health, and a lower risk of chronic diseases. It has been shown to be effective in managing epileptic seizures in dogs, with some dogs experiencing a 50% reduction in seizure frequency or becoming seizure-free.

To feed your dog a ketogenic diet, you have two main options: feed your dog raw meat or use a keto-friendly dog food. Raw meat is closer to their natural diet, but sanitation can be an issue. Keto-friendly dog food is a more convenient option but ensure it is properly formulated to meet your dog's nutritional needs.

While the ketogenic diet shows promise for overweight dogs, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and safety. It is always recommended to consult with a trained animal care professional before making any significant dietary changes for your pet.

Keto for dogs with cancer

The ketogenic diet for dogs is a nutritional approach that involves feeding dogs a diet that is high in fats, with adequate protein, and very low in carbohydrates. This diet induces a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat as its primary fuel source instead of glucose. Ketosis has been shown to suppress appetite, increase fat burning, and improve overall health in dogs.

The ketogenic diet has gained popularity as a potential treatment for dogs with cancer. KetoPet Sanctuary, a non-profit organisation founded in 2014, has successfully used the ketogenic diet to improve outcomes for shelter dogs with terminal cancer. The dogs in their care were given a ketogenic diet, as well as advanced cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

At KetoPet, blood glucose and ketone levels were monitored to ensure the dogs achieved nutritional ketosis. Additionally, they used diagnostic imaging techniques like fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to visualise tumours and evaluate the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet.

The results from KetoPet Sanctuary indicate that the ketogenic diet can be effective in improving outcomes for dogs with cancer. Out of the dogs that graduated from their program, 55% are still alive and thriving, with some even living cancer-free. These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet may be a promising approach to cancer treatment in dogs.

It is important to note that the ketogenic diet is not a cure for cancer, but it can be a valuable tool in combination with other cancer therapies. As with any dietary changes, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to ensure the diet is appropriate for the individual dog's needs and to monitor their health throughout the process.

Keto for dogs with epilepsy

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein diet. It causes weight loss because of how cells use carbohydrates versus fats to make and store energy. Typically, cells convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used for energy or stored in the liver as glycogen. However, when you remove most carbs from the diet, the body will use up its stored glycogen within a few days and will have no more fuel. At this point, the body enters a state called ketosis, where it runs on ketones from fat instead of glucose from carbs.

Ketosis and Epilepsy

Ketogenic diets were first used to treat epilepsy in humans back in the 1920s and '30s. Ketosis is thought to be beneficial for epilepsy because it increases the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA helps to calm things down and acts as a natural brake to keep the brain from becoming too excited. During a seizure, there is too much electrical activity in the brain, and GABA helps to slow this activity down, making seizures less likely to occur.

Ketogenic Diets for Dogs with Epilepsy

Ketogenic diets for dogs with epilepsy are gaining popularity, but there is limited data to support their use. However, some studies and personal accounts have shown positive results. In one study, 21 epileptic dogs were placed on a keto diet, and seven of them had a 50% reduction in seizure frequency, while three became completely seizure-free.

Another study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that a ketogenic diet rich in medium-chain triacylgycerols achieved clinically meaningful levels of ketosis and helped prevent seizures in dogs with epilepsy. Out of 21 dogs in the trial, three became seizure-free, and seven experienced at least a 50% drop in seizure frequency.

Implementing a Ketogenic Diet for Dogs with Epilepsy

It is important to note that implementing a ketogenic diet for a dog with epilepsy should be done with the help of a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. They can help create a balanced meal plan that meets the dog's nutritional needs while maintaining ketosis. The diet should include high-quality fats like MCT oil, fish oil, and animal fats, enough protein to support muscle health, and limited carbohydrates to ensure the body stays in ketosis.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

As the body adjusts to burning fats instead of carbs, dogs may experience some side effects such as lethargy, diarrhea, or constipation. Additionally, the increased fat intake can increase the chance of pancreatitis. Long-term compliance with ketogenic diets can also be challenging due to a lack of efficacy in some individuals, poor palatability, and adverse effects.

While more research is needed, the current evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet may be a promising treatment option for dogs with epilepsy. By stabilising blood sugar levels, protecting the brain, providing a steady energy source, and increasing GABA levels, ketosis can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, significantly improving the quality of life for dogs with this condition.

Pros and cons of keto for dogs

The ketogenic diet has become a popular choice for people and, more recently, for dogs. A keto diet consists of very low carbohydrates, high fat, and moderate protein levels. It causes weight loss because of how cells use carbohydrates versus fats to make and store energy.

Pros

Ketogenic raw food diets promote ketosis in dogs: a state of fat-burning, as opposed to glucose-converting. Fat burning is metabolically optimal for carnivorous canines. Dogs have no biological need for carbohydrates. When dogs eat kibble or food high in carbs, their bodies are working harder metabolically to compensate for being fed species-inappropriate food.

Ketosis has been shown to suppress appetite, decrease insulin levels, and increase fat burning, which is why the keto diet is successful as a long-term weight-loss diet. Unlike fasting diets, the high protein maintains muscle.

Keto diets have been used to treat epilepsy in people and dogs with some success. A study of 21 epileptic dogs on a keto diet found that seven had a 50% reduction in seizure frequency and three became seizure-free. Keto may also help dogs with diabetes, and advocates claim it may help reduce inflammation, improve liver health, and improve overall health.

Cons

There is limited data supporting the use of keto diets for dogs, and much of the enthusiasm is based on personal accounts. Dogs metabolize ketones much more rapidly than humans, and it is difficult to induce a state of ketosis with high-fat diets. Much more prolonged periods of caloric restriction are required.

As the body adjusts to burning fats instead of carbs, your dog can feel lethargic for several days (in humans, this is called keto flu). They can also experience diarrhea or constipation, and the increased fat can increase the chance of pancreatitis.

There is no compelling research evidence in dogs showing a clinical benefit to ketogenic diets. Despite the dramatic anecdotal claims made by some proponents of these diets, there is currently insufficient evidence to support recommending therapeutic ketogenic diets in companion animals.

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