Leena Watts
Dogs, just like humans, can benefit from a healthy diet and exercise routine. The rules guiding weight loss for dogs are similar to those for humans: reduce the number of calories consumed while maintaining balanced nutrition. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian before making any dietary changes for your dog, as there may be underlying medical conditions causing weight gain. To determine if your dog is overweight, you can perform a simple physical assessment by checking for an hourglass figure when viewed from above and ensuring that their stomach is not sagging when viewed from the side. If your dog is overweight, there are several strategies you can employ to help them shed pounds, such as switching to lower-calorie dog food, using a slow feeder bowl, increasing exercise, and reducing treats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to tell if your dog is overweight | Look at your dog from the side. Their stomach should be raised, not sagging. From the top, look for an "hourglass" shape, or inward curves, between the back of their rib cage and hips. You should be able to feel their ribs and backbone without too much fat in between. |
| How to help your dog lose weight | Reduce the number of calories consumed while maintaining balanced nutrition. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best weight-loss food for your dog's particular situation. Feed your dog at specific times and take away any leftovers after 15 minutes. Control and reduce their treat intake. Increase their exercise. |
| Choosing a weight-loss food | Look for weight-loss dog food that is low in calories and high in protein and fibre to help your dog feel full. Choose a food that is appropriate for your dog's life stage, especially if they are a puppy or senior dog. |
| Transitioning to a new diet | Introduce new food slowly over about three weeks. First, offer small amounts of the new food in a separate bowl. Then, gradually increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old food until you are feeding 100% new food. |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions
Before putting your dog on a diet, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to your dog's weight gain. While the general principles of weight loss are similar to those of humans—reducing calorie intake while maintaining balanced nutrition—dogs have unique dietary needs that must be considered.
Veterinarians can help identify any health issues that may be causing weight gain and advise on the best course of action. For example, common diseases associated with weight gain in dogs include hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). By ruling out these conditions, you can ensure that your dog's weight loss plan is safe and effective.
Additionally, veterinarians can provide guidance on the type and amount of food your dog should be eating. They will take into account your dog's individual circumstances, such as size, breed, activity levels, and life stage, to determine the ideal caloric intake and nutrient requirements. This is especially important for puppies and senior dogs, who have special dietary needs.
Furthermore, veterinarians can recommend specific weight-loss foods or diets that are designed to reduce calories without compromising your dog's nutrition. These diets may be higher in protein and fiber, which can help your dog feel fuller for longer while still providing the necessary nutrients.
By consulting a veterinarian, you can ensure that your dog's weight loss plan is tailored to their specific needs and that any underlying medical conditions are addressed. This approach will help your dog lose weight safely and effectively, ultimately improving their quality of life and longevity.
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Choose a diet dog food that is AAFCO-approved
When putting your dog on a diet, it is important to choose a diet dog food that is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO is a private, nonprofit, voluntary membership association that regulates the sale, distribution, and nutritional requirements for pet food and drugs. AAFCO-compliant dog food products will have a statement printed on the packaging, which explains whether the food contains essential nutrients, how that was determined, and which life stage the food is appropriate for.
AAFCO-approved dog food meets specific nutritional standards, ensuring that your dog receives a balanced diet. These nutritional standards include vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, all essential for maintaining a dog's optimal health. By choosing an AAFCO-approved dog food, you can be confident that you are providing your dog with a diet that supports growth, reproduction, and maintenance throughout all life stages.
Some common AAFCO-compliant brands of dog food include Hills®, Eukanuba™, Purina®, and Royal Canin®. It is important to note that AAFCO does not directly test, regulate, approve, or certify pet foods. Instead, they establish guidelines for ingredient definitions, product labels, feeding trials, and laboratory analyses of the nutrients that go into pet foods. Pet food companies then use third-party testing agencies to analyze their foods according to AAFCO guidelines.
When selecting an AAFCO-approved dog food, it is crucial to consider your dog's unique dietary needs. Factors such as size, weight, life stage, nutritional value, ingredients, and any special dietary requirements should be taken into account. For example, puppies have different nutritional needs than adult or senior dogs, and small breeds may require food with smaller kibble sizes. Consulting with your veterinarian is recommended to ensure that you are choosing the most suitable AAFCO-approved dog food for your pet's specific needs.
In addition to choosing an AAFCO-approved diet dog food, remember that helping your dog maintain a healthy weight also involves regular exercise. Taking your dog for walks or playing games like fetch can help burn calories and reduce their appetite. By combining a balanced diet with physical activity, you can ensure your dog leads a healthy and happy life.
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Control the amount of food your dog eats
It is important to control the amount of food your dog eats when they are on a diet. Firstly, you should not leave food out for your dog to graze on throughout the day. Instead, feed your dog at specific times and take away any leftovers after 15 minutes. Many dogs do not know how to self-regulate and will continue eating even when they are full.
Before you start a diet plan for your dog, you should determine whether they are actually overweight. You can do this by looking at them from the side and checking if their stomach is sagging. If it is, this is a sign that they are carrying extra weight. You can also look at them from above; you should be able to see a waist, or inward curves, between the back of their rib cage and hips. If you cannot see this waist, it is a sign that your dog is overweight. You can also try to feel your dog's ribs, spine, and backbone. If you cannot feel them, it is likely that your dog is overweight.
Once you have determined that your dog is overweight, you should consult your veterinarian for advice on the best weight-loss food for your dog's particular situation. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice on portion size. It is important to remember that the feeding guidelines on pet food packaging are based on active adult dogs and may not be suitable for your dog. For example, if your dog is spayed or neutered, their energy requirements are reduced by 20-30%.
When introducing a new diet to your dog, you should expect a transition period. First, offer small amounts of the new food in a separate bowl. Once your dog is eating the new food, you can start mixing it with their old food, gradually increasing the proportion of new food over time.
It is also important to control your dog's treat intake. Treats can be helpful training aids, but they can also contribute to weight gain. Look for low-calorie treats, such as crunchy, raw vegetables, or a piece of rice cake.
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Increase your dog's exercise
Increasing your dog's exercise is a great way to help your dog lose weight and improve their health. Before starting any new exercise routine, it is important to consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is in good physical condition for the exercise you are planning. It is also important to follow your dog's lead in terms of how much and how intensely you work out, as dogs can overheat and get tired quickly.
Walking is a classic form of exercise for dogs, and it is suitable for all fitness types, including overweight dogs or those looking to increase their exercise levels. You can add variety to your walks by exploring new neighbourhoods and letting your dog take their time to sniff around and investigate new smells. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of aerobic activity of moderate intensity, such as walking, for general human health, and this can be a good goal for dog walks as well. The AKC FIT DOG program recommends walking your dog for at least 150 minutes a week, or at least 10 walks of a minimum of 15 minutes each per week for senior dogs or those that would benefit from shorter walks.
If you and your dog are in good shape, you can try jogging or interval training sprints with your dog. It is important to increase the distance and intensity of these workouts gradually, allowing your dog to build up stamina. Hiking is another great form of exercise for dogs, providing a good cardio workout and helping to strengthen your dog's core, improve balance, and build strength. When introducing your dog to hiking, start with shorter hikes on easier terrain and work your way up to steep hills and uneven terrain. For younger or smaller dogs, consider bringing a dog carrier with you in case they get tired.
In addition to walking, jogging, and hiking, there are other creative ways to exercise with your dog. You can include your dog in your training routine by having them run a weave-pole course or even try dog yoga, where you incorporate your dog into classic yoga poses. These classes can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide mental stimulation, which can tire them out even faster.
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Reduce treats and table scraps
Reducing treats and table scraps is an important part of helping your dog maintain a healthy weight. While it may be tempting to give in to your dog's pleading eyes, it is important to remember that treats and table scraps can quickly add extra calories to your dog's diet, leading to weight gain and potential health issues.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that dogs should not consume the same amount of treats and table scraps as humans. A single ounce of cheddar cheese, for instance, is the caloric equivalent of one and a half hamburgers for a 20-pound dog. Therefore, it is recommended that treats and table scraps make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. This ensures that they are still getting the necessary nutrients from their complete and balanced dog food, which is formulated to meet their specific needs.
Secondly, when giving treats or table scraps, it is important to consider the type of food. Human food often contains spices, salt, and herbs that can be harmful to dogs. For example, ingredients such as onions, salt, and xylitol, also known as wood sugar or birch bark extract, can be toxic to dogs and lead to health issues such as anemia, cardiac disease, and kidney disease. Instead, opt for single-ingredient treats like unsalted eggs, natural salt-free peanut butter, fruits, or unsalted vegetables.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid giving your dog table scraps directly from your plate. This can reinforce begging behaviour and make your dog more likely to take food from the table or kitchen counter when you are not looking. Instead, offer healthy human food as a reward for good behaviour, just as you would with any other dog treat.
Finally, it is important to remember that every dog is unique, and some may have sensitive stomachs or health issues that require a prescription diet. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which treats are appropriate for your dog, and always supervise their meals to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight.
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Frequently asked questions
You can start by assessing your dog's body shape and body fat. Look down at your dog from above. You should be able to make out a slight "hourglass" shape or waist. From the side, you shouldn't be able to see any belly fat hanging down. If you can, it's likely time to consider a diet and a visit to the vet.
It's best to consult your vet for advice on the best weight-loss food for your dog's particular situation. You can also look for products approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These will have a statement on the packaging that says the food "meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles". Weight-loss dog food should generally be lower in calories, higher in protein and fibre, and lower in fat.
Consult your vet for advice on the best feeding schedule for your dog. It's recommended that you take your dog's daily allotted calories and separate them into two or more meals, depending on their dietary needs and eating habits. Be sure to follow the feeding instructions provided by the manufacturer.
