How can I get my dog to lose weight?

As much as we love our furry companions, maintaining their health is crucial, and sometimes that means helping them shed some excess weight. Overweight dogs are prone to various health issues like diabetes, joint pain and heart disease. A simple approach to understanding weight loss involves the balance between calories eaten and calories burned. There are safe and effective ways to help your dog lose weight while ensuring their well-being and happiness. Just like humans, when pets need to lose weight they need to eat the appropriate amount of calories from high quality ingredients for their activity level and exercise to burn excess fat. To learn more about which ingredients you should be looking for and avoiding read our blog "What is the healthiest dog food to feed your dog?" to learn more.

Portion Control and Quality Diet: One of the keys to weight loss is controlling calories and choosing high-quality, nutrient-rich food. Avoid fillers like corn, soy and other by-products. Avoid free-feeding and measure your dog's meals. Feeding according to your dogs foods feeding guidelines are a good start but you may have to adjust feeding amounts based on your dogs needs. Remember we as pet owners control the amount we feed our pets. As a owner it's your responsibility to not over feeding your dog and contribute to possible overweight complications. It's also important to take into consideration how many calories they are getting from other sources such as treats, chews etc. A great weight control food to try is the Satori Atlas Chicken Weight Control Dry Dog Food, it offers fresh meats and whole ingredients. Formulated with L-carnitine to aid with fat metabolism. It also provides an ideal fiber blend to help pets feel full which aids limiting additional weight gain.

Exercise Routine: Regular exercise is vital for weight loss. Adjust your dog's activity level gradually, incorporating daily walks, playtime, or other activities suitable for your dog's age and fitness level. Engaging in activities together can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Monitor Treats and Snacks: Treats and snacks can contribute significantly to weight gain. Limit overall treats if your pet is gaining weight and consider healthier lower calorie treats. Remember, treats should only account for a small portion of your dog's daily calorie intake and should be incorporated into their diet. Make sure all household members are on the same page for limiting treats and avoid giving table scraps. Here are some great low calorie dog treats Aura Soft Bites Peanut Butter. Completely Natural and entirely grain free – no added salt, sugar, fat, artificial colours or flavors!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Weight loss in dogs, just like in humans, should be gradual and steady. Rapid weight loss can have adverse effects on your dog's health and can lead to health issues. Aim for a slow, consistent reduction in weight over time by controlling calories and exercising regularly.

Regular Weigh-Ins and Adjustments: Keep track of your dog's progress by regularly weighing them. We do have a pet scale at out Ruth St. location that many customers take advantage of. Adjust the diet and exercise plan as needed based on the results, also consider changes in your pet's activity level such as feeding a bit less in winter when they may not be as active. A great way to track progress is to look at your dogs waist line and feel for there ribs. A dog at a healthy weight should have curves at their waist and you should be able to feel their ribs with slight pressure.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Unfortunately there is no magical dog or cat food to make your pet lose weight, switching foods is generally not necessary but adjusting how many calories they eat is important. Tailor the weight loss plan according to your dog's individual needs and health conditions.

Our Recommendations

Satori Atlas Chicken Weight Control Dry Dog Food

Vintage Oven Fresh Range Chicken & Turkey Weight Control Dog Food

Boka Chicken Weight Control Dry Dog Food

Other Conventional Weight Loss and Weight Control Foods 

Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight 12.93kg Dog Food

Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Large Weight Care 13.6kg Dog Food