[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is your pooch's paunch expanding? A
new study suggests that a high-protein, high-fiber diet can help overweight dogs slim down.
In the study, researchers fed overweight dogs a reduced-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber diet for 24 weeks. As with humans who eat similar diets, the dogs' body composition and inflammatory markers changed in positive ways. The dogs:
- Improved to a healthier weight while mostly maintaining muscle mass
- Saw their serum triglycerides, insulin and inflammatory markers all decrease
While results are impressive, it is probably a mistake to overhaul your dog's diet based on one study.
Erin Katribe, a veterinarian and medical director of the Best Friends Animal Society, cautions that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for overweight dogs.
"As with humans, each dog will be an individual in terms of metabolism," Katribe says. "So, keep in mind that any feeding guidelines should be thought of as a place to start, rather than definitive guidance."
First steps to starting a dog diet
If your dog is packing on the pounds, your first move should be to consult a veterinarian. There might be an underlying illness causing the weight gain or signs of laziness, Katribe says.
"A veterinarian can also provide guidance on an ideal target weight and on the various diet options that are appropriate for your individual pet," she says.
Many over-the-counter
dog foods marketed as weight-loss diets for dogs typically have higher protein and lower carbohydrate content, Katribe says. However, a veterinarian might suggest a prescription diet that can be more effective, although such foods typically come with a higher price tag.
Before changing your dog’s diet, you must determine the actual calorie content that the dog is consuming, Katribe says. Then, adjust amounts based on weight loss or gain.
She suggests measuring the amount of food the dog is getting -- with a measuring cup, not just visually – before “reducing that calorie amount by a small proportion through either feeding less of the same food or by switching to a lower-calorie food."
If you are changing the dog to a new diet, do so gradually.
“Start by replacing only a small proportion of the old food with the new food, then gradually increasing the proportion of new food over a few days,” Katribe says. “This can reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset.”
Also, keep an eye on your dog’s snacking routine. It is common for owners to fail to account for treat items when determining how much to feed the animal, Katribe says. “High-calorie treats can contribute a significant amount to the diet,” she says.
So, you may want to switch to lower-calorie treats, such as:
- Baby carrots
- Frozen green beans
- Ice cubes
Another option is to reduce the amount of food the dog eats during meals to help balance the calories that come from treats.
Weight management activities to accompany a dog diet
Increasing your dog’s activity level is another way to help your pet lose weight.
Just as with humans, weight maintenance principles begin as "a balance of calories in, calories out, Katribe says.
"Reducing calories, increasing exercise -- and subsequent calorie burn -- or a combination can be utilized to halt and reverse the gain," Katribe says, adding that exercise provides "much needed mental stimulation for dogs, too."
Ways to increase your dog’s level of activity include:
Daily walks. If you already do this, increase the duration by a few minutes each day or add additional daily walks to your routine.
Scavenger hunts for food. Instead of feeding your dog at a single sitting, hide food or treats around the house so activity is required to find them.
Increasing play time. Throwing around a
ball or frisbee in the yard can get your dog moving. "Some dogs will also play with laser pointers, even though these are typically marketed for cats," Katribe says.
Signing your hound up for doggy daycare or play groups. Many boarding facilities offer doggy daycare where dogs have the opportunity to play with other dogs and be active during the day[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="158330" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1646755207423{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/greenies-weight-management-petite-dog-dental-treats-15-25-lbs"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="158331" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1646755280865{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/fruitables-skiny-minis-dog-deliciously-healthy-dog-treats"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="158332" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1646755394082{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/whole-life-pet-living-treats-for-dogs-digestive-pumpkin-blend"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
