Today, chunky puppies are becoming the norm in many American homes. Pet Obesity Prevention Association According to the American Population Program (APOP), it is estimated that approximately 56% of dogs are overweight or obese.
Obesity in dogs has been linked to a variety of illnesses, from diabetes and osteoarthritis to heart disease and cancer, so it’s important to find the best weight loss dog food to complement your pet’s weight loss plan.
How to put your dog on a diet
To put your dog on a weight loss diet, you need to determine the target weight, calculate the recommended calorie intake, choose the best dog food for weight loss, establish a feeding routine, and work towards achieving the target weight.
Calculate your dog’s calorie intake and target weight
For healthy dogs, most veterinarians will calculate your dog’s calorie needs as a maximum goal. Lose 2% of your starting body weight per weekDepending on several factors, a loss of 0.5% of your initial body weight per week can be used as a minimum desirable rate of weight loss.
Your veterinarian will also determine your dog’s goal weight and the time it will take to reach that goal. Your veterinarian will then recommend the best dog food for weight loss, explain how to determine portions to feed, and set up a schedule for regular weighings, often every two weeks for the first two months of weight loss. Your dog’s diet will be adjusted accordingly.
Once your dog’s target weight is reached, a new feeding plan will be started using the best weight management dog food to help stabilize your dog’s weight.
How to choose the best dog food for weight loss
Weight loss occurs when a dog takes in fewer calories (from food and treats) than he burns off (from exercise and maintenance). It is your responsibility to control what your dog eats and the calories he consumes.
Prescribed weight loss diets are very effective in fighting obesity. Some of the elements to look out for in a weight loss diet include:
Nutrient and Calorie Density
The value of choosing a diet designed specifically for weight loss, rather than “weight control” or “weight management”, has to do with two factors:
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Calories per serving of dog food
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Nutrients contained in the same amount
Diets formulated for weight loss in dogs are designed to reduce calorie intake (and therefore weight loss) while maintaining adequate nutrient levels and avoiding nutritional deficiencies.
Simply feeding your dog reduced versions of their regular or weight maintenance diet may not provide them with the nutrients they need, as these meals are nutritionally complete based on regular-size portion sizes, not diet-size portions.
High in fiber and low in fat
A diet that is high in fiber and low in fat has a lower calorie density than regular dog foods and promotes satiety (feeling full). Fiber is not digested, so it does not add calories to your dog’s diet.
Weight-loss foods tend to contain both soluble and insoluble fiber because this combination promotes weight loss without causing unpleasant side effects like a dramatic increase in stool bulk or making the dog food taste bad.
Because dietary fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient, containing more than twice the number of calories per gram compared to protein or carbohydrates, it makes sense to limit the amount of fat in dog foods designed to promote weight loss.
Therapeutic L-Carnitine Concentrations
L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps move more fatty acids into cells to be burned for energy, allowing your dog to metabolize fat instead of storing it. Look for L-carnitine on your dog food’s ingredients list. It may also be listed in the “Guaranteed Analysis” section of the food label.
Antioxidants
Diets designed for weight loss are often rich in antioxidants that neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. Many of these antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for overweight dogs, as they are more prone to inflammation than lean dogs.
Creating a Feeding Routine for Your Dog’s Weight Loss Plan
It’s important to work with your veterinarian to create a feeding routine that keeps your puppy full and on track with his weight loss plan. Below are some tips to help you help your dog reach their weight loss goals:
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Measure out exact amounts of food as directed by your veterinarian
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Feed your dog several small meals throughout the day rather than ad libitum feeding or giving him only one or two large meals.
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Keep away from other pet and human food
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Limit treats and only use vet-approved treats
Veterinarian approved low calorie treats include:
Achieving your dog’s goal weight through exercise
While the most important part of a dog’s weight loss routine is diet and calorie control, you can aid the weight loss process by increasing calorie expenditure (burning of calories).
Before beginning a new exercise routine, consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s unique capabilities and needs. At the time of weighing your dog, your veterinarian will adjust your dog’s diet and exercise routine to ideally achieve a weight loss rate of 1-2% per week.
Many dogs lose weight gradually, losing a lot of weight for two weeks and then less for the next two weeks. Unless there is a change in weight on two consecutive checkups, no major changes to the feeding plan are usually made.
Maintaining your ideal weight
Once your dog has reached their goal weight, you should monitor their weight monthly to ensure they are maintaining that ideal weight. Keep in mind that even after the diet is over, approved treats should still make up less than 10% of your dog’s total caloric intake.
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