An estimated 1 in 3 pet parents don't recognize their pet's weight issue. Excess weight can lead to various health issues, such as canine arthritis, heart disease, respiratory problems, certain cancers and diabetes in dogs. Overweight and obesity can also negatively impact your dog's quality of life, making dog weight control a critical part of caring for your canine companion.
Weight management dog food is a helpful tool for many pet parents who want to manage or prevent obesity. Here's what you need to know.
Tasty Tips
How Much Should Your Dog Weigh?
Before starting a weight management program, know your dog's goal weight, which is unique to their breed, size, activity level and other factors. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog's body condition and calculate the number of calories they should eat per day to reach or maintain this weight.
What Causes Weight Gain in Dogs?
Research shows obesity affects over half of dogs in the U.S. Some dogs are fortunate to never experience weight problems due to high activity levels or metabolism. Other dogs live sedentary lifestyles or have conditions that make it challenging to exercise (e.g., arthritis). Certain breeds are also more prone to weight gain.
In addition, while spaying or neutering your dog is recommended to avoid overpopulation, diseases and behaviors associated with intact dogs, these procedures can predispose dogs to weight gain. Overfeeding, of course, can also cause dogs to gain excess weight.
Breeds at Risk
Dog breeds at higher risk of obesity include but aren't limited to:
Pugs
Beagles
Labrador retrievers
Golden retrievers
English springer spaniels
Border terriers
How Does Weight Management Dog Food Work?
Weight management dog food helps keep your dog at a healthy weight to prevent obesity and associated health and wellness concerns. Here's how it works.
Supports Metabolism
Think of your dog's metabolism as an engine that burns calories for fuel. Weight management food contains ingredients that help rev that engine, encouraging your dog to burn more calories even while at rest.
Encourages Satiety
The best weight management dog food formulas include high-fiber ingredients to help your dog feel full and satisfied longer, reducing begging and foraging behaviors.
Helps Minimize Fat Storage
These formulas include ingredients like L-carnitine, which helps your dog's body metabolize fat and use it for energy.
Maintains Balanced Nutrition
Over time, simply feeding your dog less of their regular food can lead to malnourishment. Pets need the appropriate amount of nutrients to thrive. Weight management foods reduce calories while maintaining a complete and healthy balance of micro- and macro-nutrients to ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need.
"Think of your dog's metabolism as an engine that burns calories for fuel. Weight management food contains ingredients that help rev that engine, encouraging your dog to burn more calories even while at rest."
Weight Maintenance Feeding Guidelines
When determining how much to feed your dog, your vet is your best resource. Based on the food, they can provide a recommended daily amount in both cups and grams.
Weigh the Food
Even a couple extra kibbles per day can derail your dog's weight maintenance goals, especially in small dogs. For the best accuracy, weigh the food on a kitchen gram scale.
Offer Treats Thoughtfully
Your dog's daily caloric requirement includes dog food and treats. Treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of their daily calories.
Consider Your Dog's Needs
Adult dogs who are overweight or predisposed to weight gain are typically good candidates for weight management formulas. However, puppies and dogs with certain health conditions may not be good candidates.
Always consult your vet before switching to a weight management dog food. Ask them for their recommendation on the best formula for your pup.
Transition Slowly
Introducing a new dog food too quickly can upset your dog's stomach, resulting in vomiting, loose stool or appetite loss. Avoid this by gradually transitioning your dog's food over several days.
Tips for Lifelong Health
The muscular system helps drive metabolism. So, ensuring your dog gets enough daily exercise to help build muscle and burn calories is critical to weight management. Keep your annual vet appointments to stay ahead of weight gain, proactively manage health conditions, get advice on nutrition and exercise and do your part to keep your dog healthy.
Maintain Healthy Weight, Help Prevent Obesity
Obesity is easy to prevent in most dogs with proactive weight management. Talk to your vet to see if a weight management food is right for your dog. Ultimately, you can support your pup's lifelong health by feeding them the right amount of complete and balanced dog food, providing daily exercise and maintaining regular veterinary care.
Related products
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Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.