Welcome to our comprehensive guide on helping your furry friend achieve a healthier weight. An ideal body condition (the correct amount of fat) is critical for a pet’s overall health and longevity. This is the most important aspect of your pet’s health that you have control over. Most issues a pet will have over their lifetime are based on genetics but weight is entirely under our control. Whether your dog needs to shed a few pounds or embark on a significant weight loss journey, we’ve got you covered with effective tips and techniques tailored to your canine companion’s needs.
Understanding Canine Obesity:
Obesity is driven by metabolism and that is affected by hormones. The fat cells in your pet’s body send out hormones that decrease their metabolism and increase their hunger. Until the fat cells shrink, they continue sending out these hormones. Your pet will not lose weight with exercise alone unless they are running marathons. They will require calorie restriction to shed their excess weight and change their hormones.
The Goal:
At a healthy body condition, we should easily feel the ribs and there should be a visible waist. For example, if you hold your hand out (fingers extended) with the palm down and rub your fingers over your knuckles, this is what we want your pet’s ribs to feel like. If you make a fist and feel your knuckles, this is an example of a dog being too skinny. If you hold your hand out palm up and feel over your knuckles, this is an example of too much padding. Dogs in the ideal body condition live on average an extra 10 to 20% and delay the onset or lessen the effects of arthritis for years. So not only will your pet live longer but happier and healthier.
General Weight Loss Plan:
We do not want your pet losing weight too fast or too slowly. This plan enables consistent and steady weight loss without muscle loss.
For Most dogs we recommend decreasing total calories by 25% – this total calorie intake includes treats, dental chews, and human foods. After this adjustment, check the weight once monthly. If your pet has decreased their total weight by 2 to 6% then keep feeding the same amount. If your pet is not losing much weight, then decrease the total calories by another 10 to 20% and recheck weight in 1 month. If your pet is losing more than 6% of total weight per month then add 10% more food, we don’t want them to lose muscle mass which can happen if they are losing more than 6% of their body weight per month.
The beauty of this plan is that it will work every time, and you don’t have to worry about malnourishment. A dog will not get malnourished if they are only losing up to 6 percent of their body weight per month. You don’t have to start with a 25% reduction in calories, either. You can choose any reduction you want. Some people just cut back on treats, and some make adjustments in what kind of food or treats they are using. The goal is to make an adjustment and then monitor and adjust as needed on a monthly basis. Don’t lose heart, your pet will lose weight if you keep up with the plan!
Weight Loss Plan If Currently Free Feeding (food bowl down all the time):
The difference in this plan from the general plan is how to decrease the food if you don’t know how much your pet is eating.
We recommend starting with checking the bag of food for recommended feeding amounts based on your pet’s estimated ideal weight and then dividing that into 2 meals and putting the food down for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day. If your pet doesn’t finish breakfast then your pet doesn’t get that food, do not put the extra food into the dinner portion. Then wait a week, if your pet is still not finishing all the food within the 5-10 minute time period for both meals then decrease the food by 10-25% once a week until your pet eats everything that you put down right away. For example, if the recommended food for your pet’s ideal weight is 2 cups per day, then offer 1 cup twice a day. If your pet doesn’t eat all the meal then they don’t get the extra. Do not put the leftovers into the next meal. If after 1 week, your pet isn’t eating all the food, then decrease to 3/4 cup twice a day for 1 week. If your pet is not eating everything right away, then decrease to 2/3rd cup twice a day. If after 1 week, your pet is not eating everything, then go down to 1/2 cup. Once your pet is eating everything right away, then keep that amount the same for 4 weeks and check the weight.
If your pet has decreased their total weight by 2 to 6% then keep feeding the same amount. If your pet is not losing much weight, then decrease the total calories by another 10 to 20% and recheck weight in 1 month. If your pet is losing more than 6% of total weight per month, then add 10% more food.
Weight Loss Plan If Your Pet Isn’t Hungry:
The difference in this plan from the general plan is a faster approach, which is possible because your dog isn’t hungry!
We recommend decreasing your pet’s meals by 25% initially, and then continue to decrease the food by 10% once a week until your pet eats everything that you put down right away. For example, if you currently give 1 cup twice a day, then decrease to 3/4 cup twice a day for 1 week. If your pet is not eating everything right away, then decrease to 2/3rd cup twice a day. If after 1 week, your pet is not eating everything, then go down to 1/2 cup. Once your pet is eating everything right away, then keep that amount the same for 2 weeks and check the weight. We want to see a 1 to 3% decrease in body weight. If your pet has lost more than 3% then add another 10% of food back in.
After the initial adjustments, check the weight once monthly. If your pet has decreased their total weight by 2 to 6% then keep feeding the same amount. If your pet is not losing much weight, then decrease the total calories by another 10 to 20% and recheck weight in 1 month. If your pet is losing more than 6% of total weight per month, then add 10% more food.
Healthy Diet Tips:
- Keeping your pet feeling more full: To keep your pet feeling full throughout the day, divide their food into smaller meals that are fed more frequently. Always use a measuring cup to ensure that you are feeding the appropriate amount of food. You may also add fiber to the diet to help your pet feel full; we recommend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder (unflavored and unsweetened Metamucil/Benefiber) with meals.
- Treat Alternatives: Replace high-calorie treats with healthier alternatives such as carrots, green beans, or apple slices. These low-calorie snacks can satisfy your dog’s cravings without adding extra pounds. Another great treat option is Lean Treats – half of a Lean Treat is 3.5 calories and is easily broken into small pieces.
- Food Puzzle Toys: These are a great way to keep pets busy and working for their food, increasing physical activity. Brands such as Kong, Busy Buddy, or PetSafe make great products and are available at TCVH or online. Consider freezing wet dog food in these toys to increase the difficulty as your pet grows more skilled at these puzzles.
- Weight Loss Program: We offer a weight loss program to help your pet reach their weight loss goal. Jamie, our nutrition advisor (who is certified in small animal nutrition, weight management and pet wellness and life stages), will work with you and your veterinarian throughout your pet’s plan. She will help you choose appropriate foods and treats and will have your pet come in every 4–6 weeks for check-ins until your goal is achieved. The program is $25 to enroll, and you will receive this back as a credit upon completion of the program, including a post on social media (with your permission), and a certificate of completion.
- Individual nutrition consultations are also available through emailing Jamie at nutrition@tippvet.com for more information.
- Weight loss foods: These are diets that are designed to help keep your pet feeling more full or there are some diets that can help increase your pet’s metabolism which can increase weight loss. If you have questions on any of these, please contact us.
- Exercise and Activity: Regular exercise is very helpful for canine weight loss and overall health. Design a tailored exercise routine based on your dog’s age, breed, and fitness level. Incorporate activities such as brisk walks, jogging, swimming, and interactive play sessions to keep your dog physically active and mentally stimulated. The more exercise they get, the more food they will be able to eat.
With dedication, patience, and proper guidance from your veterinarian, achieving canine weight loss is entirely feasible. By implementing a balanced diet, regular exercise regimen, and close monitoring of your dog’s progress, you can help your furry friend achieve and maintain a healthy weight for a happier and longer life together.
Websites with Helpful Information:
American Kennel Club (AKC) – The AKC provides comprehensive resources on dog care, including articles on nutrition, weight management, and exercise tips for dogs of all breeds.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – AVMA offers reliable information on pet health and wellness, including articles on obesity in dogs, diet recommendations, and the importance of regular veterinary check-ups.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) – APOP is dedicated to raising awareness about pet obesity and offers helpful resources, including weight management tools, tips for assessing your pet’s body condition, and expert advice on combating pet obesity.
Balanceit.com – this website reviews how to create a balanced diet cooking for your pet.