Introduction
With obesity rates rising in dogs, like in people, many dog owners are interested in learning how to help their canine companions lose weight safely and effectively. According to one source, over 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. While treats and table scraps are often to blame, lack of exercise and improper nutrition also contribute to unhealthy weight gain in dogs.
Allowing a dog to become overweight can negatively impact their health and quality of life. Excess weight puts strain on joints and internal organs, increasing the risk of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Creating a customized weight loss plan with veterinary guidance can help dogs lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way while also improving their overall wellbeing.
When determining how much weight a dog can safely lose, three key factors must be considered: establishing an optimal calorie deficit through diet and exercise, sticking to a gradual rate of loss, and obtaining veterinary supervision throughout the process.
Current Weight Status
Overweight and obesity are growing health concerns for dogs. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 50% of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. An AKC study showed that this percentage may be even higher – up to 56% of dogs.
Being overweight puts dogs at higher risk for many health problems like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, breathing issues, and cancer. Carrying excess weight also decreases dogs’ energy levels and quality of life.
To determine if your dog is at a healthy weight, do a visual assessment of their body condition. Look for a tucked abdomen when viewed from above and sides, as well as a waistline behind the ribs when viewed from the side. You should also be able to easily feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure about your dog’s ideal weight.
Calorie Deficit
To lose weight, a calorie deficit needs to be created where your dog is consuming fewer calories than they are burning each day. According to veterinarians, most dogs should consume 80-90% of their resting energy requirement (RER) for safe weight loss. The RER can be calculated based on your dog’s ideal weight, accounting for breed, age, and activity level. Smaller dogs need 30-40 calories per pound ideal body weight per day, while larger dogs require 25-30 calories ([1]).
To calculate your dog’s ideal calorie intake for weight loss, first determine their target healthy weight in pounds. Then multiply by 30 (for smaller dogs) or 25 calories (for larger dogs) per pound daily. Monitor weight loss over 2-4 weeks. If weight loss is too rapid or too slow, adjust food portions accordingly to reach the 1-2% body weight per week target ([2]). The goal is gradual, steady weight loss over time through an appropriate calorie deficit.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial for helping overweight dogs lose weight in a healthy way. Going on regular walks is one of the best exercises for weight loss. Start with short 10-15 minute walks and gradually increase to 30-60 minutes over time. Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather. Other good exercises include swimming, playing fetch, or engaging with interactive toys. The goal is to get moving and raise the dog’s heart rate. According to the AKC, a moderate pace brisk walk for 30-60 minutes can help burn upwards of 200 calories. Exercise helps burn calories and build muscle, increasing the dog’s metabolism. It also provides mental stimulation. However, exercise alone is usually not enough for significant weight loss. Changes to diet and other lifestyle factors are also important.
Citations:
https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/best-exercises-for-overweight-dogs
Other Lifestyle Changes
In addition to diet and exercise, other lifestyle changes can help dogs lose weight in a healthy way. Enrichment activities are a great way to boost activity levels and provide mental stimulation. According to a study by Provet, “Enrichment and play can be complimentary to any weight loss program, helping your client’s dogs to maintain a healthy weight, while having fun along the way.”
Food puzzles and interactive toys are an excellent form of enrichment for dogs on a weight loss plan. As noted by the Academy for Dog Trainers, these toys provide mental stimulation and slow down eating times. Owners should also try to spend more quality play time with their dogs using toys that encourage activity like balls, frisbees, and ropes.
Making lifestyle changes beyond just diet and exercise can enrich a dog’s life while promoting weight loss. Fun forms of mental and physical enrichment are key to keeping dogs engaged and active on their weight loss journey.
Nutrition
A high protein, low carb diet is crucial for healthy weight loss in dogs. Protein helps dogs feel fuller for longer, while limiting carbohydrates reduces blood sugar spikes that can lead to fat storage and hunger cravings [1]. Look for a dog food that lists a meat-based protein like chicken, beef, or fish as the first ingredient.
It’s also important to limit treats and table scraps while your dog is losing weight. Even small amounts of extra calories from treats and people food can easily negate the calorie deficit you are trying to achieve [2]. Stick to low calorie treats like green beans, carrots, or a few kibbles of their regular dog food.
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water as well. Increasing hydration can help promote weight loss by keeping your dog feeling full. Try adding some low sodium broth or gravy to their water to encourage drinking.
Rate of Weight Loss
Veterinarians generally recommend a safe weight loss of 1-2% of the dog’s body weight per week. Losing weight too quickly can cause health problems in dogs. Rapid weight loss may lead to malnutrition, increased hunger, muscle wasting, and a higher risk of rebound weight gain once the restrictive program ends. For a 50 pound dog, a safe weight loss would be around 0.5-1 pound per week. This means that for most dogs, expected weight loss over 3 weeks would be 1.5-3 pounds, or 3-6% of body weight.
While specific weight loss goals depend on the individual dog and situation, veterinarians advise against losing more than 3-5% body weight per month to avoid complications. With slow and steady weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week, a dog has the best chance of losing weight in a healthy, sustainable way.
Vet Supervision
It is crucial to have your veterinarian closely involved in monitoring your dog’s weight loss plan. As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Your veterinarian can help you determine whether your pet’s weight is healthy and can work with you to develop a weight management plan based on your pet’s age, breed, and health status” (https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/your-pets-healthy-weight).
Your vet will want to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your dog’s weight gain, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. They can also determine if your dog has any joint problems or mobility issues that need to be factored into an exercise program. According to VeterinaryPartner.com, “Consult your veterinarian, as they can help determine if there are any health conditions that need to be addressed before beginning a weight loss program” (https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102898&id=10390516).
Your vet should monitor your dog’s progress throughout the weight loss program. This will allow them to make any needed adjustments to your dog’s diet, exercise and other protocols. Regular weight checks and exams will ensure your dog is losing weight in a safe, healthy manner.
Maintenance
Once your dog has reached its target weight, it’s important to transition to a maintenance routine to prevent weight regain. According to experts at VCA Hospitals, dogs who have lost weight usually need 20% fewer calories moving forward to maintain their new weight.
To determine the appropriate maintenance calorie amount, reduce the dog’s current calorie intake by 10-20% while keeping exercise the same. Weigh your dog weekly and adjust calories up or down by 10% if needed to keep their weight stable.
Besides diet, exercise is key for maintenance. Stick to the exercise routine that was effective during the weight loss phase. Long walks, playing fetch, or swimming are great ways to keep your dog active without overexerting them.
Other lifestyle factors are also important for maintenance. Keep treats to a minimum and avoid free feeding. Weigh out their daily food allowance and spread it across 2-3 scheduled feedings. Continue to monitor weight weekly and make diet adjustments if needed. With commitment to the maintenance routine, most dogs can successfully keep excess weight off long-term.
Sources: VCA Hospitals, AKC
Conclusion
In summary, there are three key factors to keep in mind for safe and effective weight loss for dogs:
1. Consult your veterinarian – Your vet can assess your dog’s health, recommend a safe calorie deficit and daily caloric intake, and monitor progress. This ensures weight loss happens at a safe, healthy pace.
2. Adjust nutrition – Feed measured portions of weight management dog food to reduce calories while still providing complete nutrition. Avoid unhealthy fillers and treats.
3. Increase exercise – With your vet’s okay, gradually increase daily exercise to burn more calories through activity. Start slow and make exercise fun!
With some effort from you, and patience and enthusiasm from your dog, significant weight loss is absolutely achievable. The rewards of better health, improved energy, reduced joint pain, and more quality years with your beloved pet make the effort incredibly worthwhile. Your dog depends on you to help them live their best life. You’ve got this!
