Introduction
Obesity in dogs is a growing health concern, with reports showing that over half of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. This excess weight puts dogs at risk for many health problems including diabetes, joint disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. With obesity rates in dogs continuing to climb, it’s important for dog owners to be proactive about managing their pet’s weight through proper diet and exercise.
Placing an overweight dog on a weight loss diet can help add years to their life by avoiding obesity-related diseases. This guide will cover everything owners need to know about crafting the right dog diet for weight loss.
Determine If Your Dog Needs a Weight Loss Diet
The ideal weight for a dog varies based on breed, age, and other factors. In general, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily with minimal fat covering. You should see a waist behind the ribs when viewed from above. Most breeds will have an evident “tuck” up from the chest to the abdomen when viewed from the side.
Signs that your dog may need to lose weight include:
- Ribs and spine not easily felt through a fat covering
- No waist visible when viewed from above
- Abdomen hangs down and sways when walking
- Heavy panting and slower movements
- Difficulty getting up and stiffness
If your dog is exhibiting multiple signs of being overweight or you are concerned about their weight, consult your vet. A vet can help determine your dog’s ideal weight range and create a safe weight loss plan if needed (source). According to one survey, over 50% of dogs in the U.S. are obese or overweight, so don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you think your dog could stand to lose a few pounds (source).
Calculating Your Dog’s Caloric Needs
To determine how many calories your dog needs for weight loss, you first need to calculate their maintenance calorie requirements. There are a few formulas for doing this:
One commonly used formula is: 30 x BW (body weight in kg) + 70. So for a 10 kg dog, the formula would be: 30 x 10 + 70 = 370 calories/day for maintenance.
You can also use a more detailed formula that accounts for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. According to the Pet Nutrition Alliance, the formula is: (70 x BW0.75) x activity factor x life stage factor = maintenance calories/day.
To calculate your dog’s weight loss calorie needs, you simply reduce their maintenance calories by 10-20%. So if your dog needs 300 calories per day for maintenance, feed them 240-270 calories per day for weight loss.
There are also some handy online calculators that do all the math for you, like the Calorie Requirements Calculator or the Basic Calorie Calculator from Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
No matter which method you use, calculating your dog’s caloric needs is an important first step in creating a custom weight loss diet plan.
Choosing the Right Dog Food
When choosing the right dog food for weight loss, it’s important to focus on selecting a high protein, low carb formula. According to We Feed Raw, the best dog food for weight loss is actually low carb rather than just low calorie. Both wet and dry foods can be effective for weight loss, but pay close attention to the macronutrient profile.
Wet foods often have higher protein and lower carbs than dry kibble. They also contain more moisture to help your dog feel full. However, dry foods are more affordable and easier to store and portion. Look for a kibble formulated for weight management. Some top recommended brands for weight loss include Blue Buffalo, Wellness CORE, and Purina Pro Plan.
Focus on getting at least 30% protein or more with no more than 30% carbohydrates. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. Always transition your dog slowly when introducing a new food.
Feeding Schedule and Amounts
When putting your dog on a weight loss diet plan, it’s important to feed them the right amounts at consistent intervals throughout the day. Here are some general guidelines for feeding schedules and amounts based on your dog’s size:
For small dogs (<20 lbs), aim for 2-3 meals per day. Feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal if feeding kibble. Adjust amounts if feeding wet food or raw diet. For medium dogs (21-50 lbs), feed 2-3 meals per day. Give 1/2 to 1 cup per meal for kibble. For large dogs (>50 lbs), stick to 2 meals per day and feed 1 to 2 cups per meal of kibble.
Regardless of your dog’s size, it’s best to break up their daily calorie intake into multiple smaller meals. This helps prevent feelings of hunger while dieting. Feed at consistent times and measure out portions carefully using a dog food measuring cup. Weigh your dog weekly and adjust amounts accordingly to achieve safe weight loss.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal calorie count and feeding amounts tailored to your individual dog. Use guidelines based on weight, activity level, age, and breed when calculating calorie needs.
Treats and Chews
When giving treats to an overweight dog, it’s important to choose low-calorie options and watch your portions. Some good low calorie treat options include:
- Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli
- Fruit like apple slices, banana slices, watermelon
- Low fat yogurt
- Low sodium air popped popcorn
- Low calorie jerky treats like Wellness Core Jerky Treats (source)
Limit treats to 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie needs. For example, if your dog needs 1000 calories per day, treats should make up 100 calories or less. When training, break treats into small pieces so you can reward behaviors without overfeeding. You can also substitute praise or play for food rewards.
Avoid giving table scraps or unhealthy human foods. Stick to designated low calorie dog treats and monitor portions.
Exercise Requirements
Exercise is crucial for helping an overweight dog lose weight. The key is gradually increasing your dog’s activity level to avoid injury or exhaustion. Start with short, gentle walks and slowly build up duration and intensity over several weeks. The goal is to reach 30-60 minutes of brisk walking per day.
Walking is the easiest exercise for weight loss. Start with a 10 minute stroll and add 5 more minutes each week until you reach the target time. Make sure to maintain a brisk pace that elevates your dog’s heart rate. Other good cardio exercises include swimming, playing fetch, or jogging for short intervals if your dog’s mobility allows.
Avoid too much high impact activity like jumping until your dog loses weight, as the extra pounds put strain on joints. Monitor for signs of soreness like limping. Integrate strength exercises too like sit-stays and down-stays which build muscle. Mental stimulation through training is also important.
Customize activities based on your dog’s fitness level. The goal is to burn more calories without overexerting them. Exercise plus diet is the key combination for weight loss success. Consult your vet if you have questions about the right exercise plan for your dog.
Weight Loss Timeline
When putting your dog on a weight loss plan, it’s important to set realistic goals for how much weight they can healthily lose per week or month. According to veterinary experts, dogs should lose no more than 1-2% of their body weight per week to make sure the loss is gradual and safe [1]. For an overweight 50 lb dog, this equates to about 0.5-1 lb per week.
A good initial goal is for your dog to lose 10% of their body weight over 2-4 months. So for a 50 lb overweight dog, aim for them to lose 5 lbs in the first 2 months through diet and exercise. Afterwards, reassess their progress and needs. If they still need additional weight loss, continue at a rate of 1-2 lbs per month until reaching their target weight.
Once your dog reaches their target weight, the key is maintaining it through proper feeding portions and continuing regular exercise. Gradually transition them to a maintenance diet with appropriate caloric levels. Weigh your dog weekly and adjust food amounts if their weight creeps up. With commitment to the maintenance stage, your dog has a good chance of keeping the weight off long-term.
Other Weight Loss Tips
In addition to adjusting your dog’s diet and exercise, there are some other tips that can help your dog lose weight safely and effectively:
Use food puzzles or snuffle mats to make your dog work for their food. This stimulates their mind and extends mealtimes.
Regular vet checkups are crucial during a weight loss program. Your vet can monitor your dog’s progress, ensure their caloric intake is appropriate, and check for any underlying health issues.
Consider dividing your dog’s daily food allotment into multiple small meals throughout the day to prevent begging and feelings of hunger.
Use a measuring cup for accuracy when portioning meals. Don’t estimate amounts.
Avoid giving table scraps or people food, which provides excess calories.
Track your dog’s weight weekly to make sure they are losing at a safe, gradual rate of 2-3% of their body weight per month.
When to Consult Your Vet
If your dog is struggling to lose weight after following a proper diet and exercise plan for several months, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Persistent obesity that does not respond to at-home weight loss efforts may indicate an underlying health issue.
Your vet can do a full health screening to check for conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or insulin resistance, which can make weight loss difficult. They may recommend medication or other treatment to address these conditions and improve your dog’s ability to shed pounds.
Veterinarians can also help develop a customized weight loss plan for your dog if a standard diet and exercise program isn’t producing results. This may include prescription dog food formulated for weight loss, portion control tools, calorie counting, and follow-up visits to track progress.
Getting your vet involved provides expert guidance and accountability to help your dog successfully slim down. Don’t hesitate to seek their advice if your pup’s obesity persists despite your best efforts. With your vet’s help, your dog can reach a healthy weight and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
