Dog Weight Loss - Diet Plan for Overweight Dogs

Introduction

What can you do after learning that your pet dog is overweight? Do you automatically feed it less by shrinking its food portion? Or take the easy way and put your dog on a diet? Perhaps you have even begun to doubt yourself and the food you have been feeding as a pet parent, after the vet’s diagnosis. Well, worry not. 

Rest assured; we will guide you through the recommended approaches to improving your canine companion’s condition. This article will cover three key elements — diet, weight loss and weight management — so that your dog will be able to go back to its ideal weight.

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Diet for overweight dogs 

Overweight dogs need a strategic diet to gradually shed their excess weight. A veterinarian is the best person to consult on the following key aspects:

How much excess weight does my dog need to drop?

This concern takes your dog’s breed, size, age and ideal weight into consideration, before a weight loss goal is ascertained. 

Some canines are also more active while others are more sedentary. Remember that the more active the dog, the easier it is to burn calories.

All these characteristics must be considered, so that the weight loss process will not be harmful or drastic.    

What is the right diet for my dog?

Your loyal companion deserves a nutritional and balanced diet, particularly when it is overweight. Thus, choose a high-quality diet containing healthy ingredients, more protein, less carbohydrate, and adequate amounts of vegetables, fats, essential minerals and vitamins.

A tip is to buy foods with meat as the main ingredient. Try Petcubes Gently Cooked range; not only is it wholesome (containing meat, vegetables, fruits, and supplements like salmon oil and coconut oil), but it also offers a wide meat selection for dog owners to choose from.      

Supplements are great too for that added boost of nutrition. An ideal option is Petcubes Wholistic Pet Organics range of supplements that is guaranteed pure and potent.  

By following the above diet guideline, you can ensure that your dog is not sabotaging its own efforts at losing weight by eating right.   

Next, you should cut down on giving your dog store-bought snacks and treats by reserving these as occasional rewards for good behaviour. Additionally, cut out the unhealthy varieties and limit table scraps as scraps may contain more fat than normal dog food, which can lead to obesity.

Dog obesity, in turn, can result in a host of other health risks such as the ones mentioned in Dangers of an Overweight Dog.

Keeping your dog hydrated with plenty of clean water is an important part of a balanced diet. All these steps are a step in the right direction to bringing down the numbers on the scale.   

What is a suitable food portion for my dog’s current condition?

It is advisable to check with the veterinarian regarding the appropriate food portions for your dog.

Moreover, you should measure your dog’s food portion for each meal rather than relying on rough estimates. Inconsistent or the wrong food portions typically lead to incremental weight gain for the dog.     

Is there anything else I need to be mindful of, besides food?

Yes, you should create a suitable weight loss and management plan for your dog. Getting it to eat right, lose the extra kilos and keep them off are all interrelated.    

Weight loss dog diet plan

Your dog’s weight loss process requires structure, consistency and discipline. The goal is to remember these elements:    

Abide by the feeding frequency

Feed your dog according to the number of times recommended by the vet to avoid overfeeding. Some dogs may only need to eat a certain number of times per day.

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Count the calories 

Your dog has to consume just enough calories for its weight loss plan to succeed; no more and no less than its body needs. Weight loss efforts will either fluctuate or prove futile if your dog exceeds its recommended daily intake of calories.

Say nay to unhealthy snacks, treats and table scraps

It is best to replace these unhealthy options (snacks, treats and scraps) with healthier ones. For example, vegetables are a good substitute. Exercise is another; yes, reaching for a ball for a game of fetch rather than a bowl of treats does wonders for weight loss in dogs!

Increase physical activity

Adding more walks, runs, hikes, games, and the like, to your dog’s daily routine will boost its metabolism and burn off those stubborn calories. Each dog is different, so the amount of physical activity varies from dog to dog.

Pet professionals and veterinarians cannot express the benefits of sufficient exercise for pet dogs enough. You can read about it here in Is My Dog Overweight?

What’s more, while exercising outdoors, you and your buddy get to enjoy quality time together. 

Monitor its weight and progress

Track your dog’s activity and calories burned, as this helps it to stay on course.

Final words

Weight loss and weight management for your poor overweight pup need not be joyless or tedious. The key is getting the science or nutrition and the desired outcome right at the onset of your dog’s weight loss project.

Thereafter, the aim is to be consistent throughout the process and to stay the course till the end. Your furry trouper will be trim and healthier than ever in no time!