How to help your dog loose weight naturally &safely!
When putting together a “weight loss for dogs” plan, it is important to understand if your dog is overweight, obese or just a little chubby. This will help a pet parent understand their dog’s energy and food requirement. So as to make a healthy & joyful transition to a weight reduction diet for dogs. And even to understand the long term health implications of obesity in dogs.
Impact on quality of life when your dog is overweight or obese
- Reduced life expectancy
- Reduced energy
- Difficulty walking
- Leads to heart related problems
- Worsens joint related issues
Here, we cover a homemade dog diet for weight loss. That’s not just effective but also healthy for the dog on a long term. For those of you, who are transitioning to a fresh dog diet, refer link.
Dog is Overweight Vs. Obese?
When your dog’s current weight is 10% more than their ideal weight, the dog is overweight! For example, your dog weighs 23Kgs, when their ideal weight is meant to be 20Kgs. In this case the dog is overweight by 3kgs.
A dog is considered obese when their current weight is 20% more than their ideal weight. For example, a dog weighs 25kgs when their ideal weight is meant to be 20kgs.
Usually a pet parent will be able to recognise when their dog is overweight. You’ll be able to notice the chub, especially around their abdomen and ribcage.
Basic tips for dog weight loss includes:
- Reduce their food intake
- Cut down on carbohydrate heavy dog treats
- Measure their meals
- Maintain consistent meal time
- Gradually increase activity levels
Refer our feeding guide for the quantity of dog meals per day as per weight for an active dog.
A homemade dog diet for weight loss follows the these key principles:
- Choose meat based low carbohydrate, high fibre meals
- Select a meal weight based on your dog’s ideal weight. To through some light here, at 23Kgs your dog’s meal intake was 700gms per day. That’ll now get reduced to 600gms per day to achieve the 20kgs weight goal.
- The above is a proportionate meal reduction. And in no means, focuses on only reducing the meat. Even if your dog is overweight, protein still remains an integral part of their well being.
- The low carbohydrate vegetables ensure no excess sugar build up to feed off the fat.
- The high fibre ensures they feel fuller for longer.
- Choose meat based single ingredient treats & chews.
On a low carb diet, a dog’s gut still requires caring naturally. Considering the general practice of feeding dogs twice a day. In a week we recommend 10 of our low carb meals and 4 gut health meals. In our gut health meals, we’ve substituted potatoes with cooked green bananas. Find out benefits of raw/ green banana in, gut health for dogs with sensitive stomach.
Obese Dog Weight Loss Tips
A homemade diet for obese dogs will follow all of the above. However, reducing their meal quantity at regular intervals of 1 week will be easier on the dog. To put things in perspective, at 25kgs, a dog’s food intake will be 750gms. As against 600gms to achieve the ideal weight of 20kgs. In this case, it’ll be advised to reduce the meal intake by 100gms per day for the first 10-15 days. After which, you can easily start the ideal weight meal quantity per day.
Time Frame For Results
When a dog is overweight, to start seeing results of the diet, it will take unto 3 months. An obese dog weight loss journey is bound to be longer. Depending on the age and activity level of the dog, you’ll be advised to take up water related exercises to reduce the strain on their legs.
Caution post weight loss for dogs!
“How to help your dog loose weight” is one part of the discussion. After the weight reduction diet for dogs, when your dog has achieved their ideal weight. You could always choose to continue feeding diet dog food for weight loss. Or you could opt for a standard dog meal balanced with meat, fibre & carbohydrates with measured quantity as per their ideal weight.
A few factors to consider post weight reduction diet for dogs would be:
Dog’s age: If they are older it’s recommended to stick with the above dog diet for weight loss. If they are young, you could opt for the standard meal option
Dog Breed: Breeds like Retriever’s, beagles, pugs, cocker spaniels are at a higher risk of putting on weight. Even if you feel your dog has a tendency of putting on weight or their weight loss journey was long, it would be best to continue them on a low carb dog diet.
We hope you’ve found our dog diet chart for weight loss helpful.
And here’s to a happy weight loss for dogs with Hungry Eyes! We offer a variety of meaty dog foods.