How to Help a Dog Lose Weight? 6 Dog Weight Loss Tips

However, this can turn into a severe and painful problem for dogs with joint issues and arthritis. Fit and thin dogs can thrive longer than obese ones (15% longer life span), and arthritis can arise much later in life. 

Here are 6 ways to help your dog lose weight.

Six Simple Steps To Weight Loss

Step 1: Include A Low Carb And High Protein Diet.

Most dogs enjoy eating kibble since it consists of all essential nutrients, is shelf-stable, and can be quickly served. Manufactures include a good amount of carbohydrate ingredients in this mixture for an added value. However, this is amongst one of the main reasons that your dog may gain weight. 

Many dogs may be unable to process a high amount of carbohydrates efficiently. Additionally, a higher calorie count is required to digest carbohydrates in comparison to protein. Hence, it is essential to cut down on carbohydrates if you wish for your dog to lose weight. In fact, you can also search for kibble that includes a higher protein count in contrast to carbohydrates; such a formula would be available in raw food or a canned one. 

In case you are feeding your pet dog some other food, you can slowly introduce him to a transition with foods with low carbohydrate content. 

While looking into kibble, you may find that the manufacturers can add a limited amount of protein in every bite and carbohydrates to give a regular shape. However, you will find that there are restrictions on raw or canned food. This means that raw and canned foods have a greater variety of low carbohydrates and higher proteins.

Often you may find dog owners to be mixing canned, kibble, and raw food together. This adds to food nutritional advantages without an added cost. Additionally, only 25% of kibble components are substituted for weight loss purposes.

Step 2: Investigate The Amount Of Food Intake.

Often dog owners are confused in terms of the number of meals to be given. Many times, owners may resort to suggestive recommendations on the backside of the can or the bag. Although they are unaware that these instructions are unlikely to match your dog’s feeding needs since it is an individual. It is also likely for these recommendations to be a major cause for your dog’s extra gained weight. You can try to deduct 5% of the regular food each month to gradually prevent bloating and reach a weight loss objective. 

For a more precise measure, you can use Mud Bay’s meal calculator by inserting your dog’s details like lifestyle, age, and body. By collecting individual information, this calculator will provide you with a specific feeding recommendation for your dog. It would also suggest the brand and the type of food you need to give to your canine friend. It will also decrease the meal amount if your dog is overweight.

You may witness a decrease in meals be turned into an act of begging. You can resolve this dilemma by feeding them small portions of food throughout the day instead of a large meal altogether. 

Step 3: Keep Your Dog In Motion With Increased Activity 

All dogs love activities like to go for, fetch the ball, anyone long walks – whichever it is, make sure that you increase its duration. The more your dog gets to exercise each day, the healthier it would be. Physical activity can vary according to your dog’s breed and ancestors. For instance, Labradors Love to play in the pool.

A few dogs may not appreciate an exercising session right away. Initially, you can start with a 5 to 7-minute exercising session and eventually take it up to 20 minutes as each week passes. A 20-minute session every day should be your ultimate goal.

Diseases like joint problems and arthritis can make it difficult for your dog to indulge in physical activity. As a remedy, you can resort to swimming exercise since it is a complete body workout and will not significantly impact their joints.

Step 4: Weight Loss Can Be Boosted Via Supplements

Generally, supplements are not required for a dog’s weight loss journey. However, once they start to lose weight, you can include additives like Chondroid to help them with their exercise and physical activity. These beneficial nutrients will help increase your dog’s mobility. 

L-carnitine is a renowned supplement that can help aid your dog’s weight loss process. This nutrient helps in normalizing the dog’s body metabolism by increasing muscle and decreasing fat content. 

Step 5: Opt For Different Methods To Reward Your Dog Friends 

Dogs may find tasty meals as a method of positive rewards. However, this may turn out to be unhealthy for them. You can shower unlimited love with gestures like verbal phrases, head scratches, and belly rubs instead. In fact, don’t forget to schedule a play session with your dog’s all-time favourite toy instead of a treat.

In case you desire to opt for a tasty treat, consider options that have low carbohydrate and an increased protein intake. You can also try meat-based foods, although make sure that it only constitutes 10% of his whole meal.

Step 6: Eliminate Additional Food Sources.

Dogs come from a scavenger’s background and are bound to have a habit of feeding on leftover meals. In order to keep a check on your dog’s eating amount, make sure that they are not fed together with other pets. Don’t forget to put away leftover meals immediately.

The Final Verdict

Hopefully, with the help of this informative guide, you would be able to help your dog lose weight. However, the best strategy for your dog’s weight management would be to develop long-term and consistent good eating and playing habits. 

Related Links

Can dogs eat blueberries

Can dogs eat strawberry jam

Can dogs eat crab apples

Leave a Comment