If you simply feed less of a regular or weight maintenance food, your dog may not get the necessary nutrients, as these diets are nutritionally complete based upon a regular-sized portion, not a diet-sized portion. The value of choosing a diet formulated specifically for weight loss-and not “weight control” or “weight management”-is related to two factors:ĭiets formulated for weight loss in dogs are designed to decrease caloric intake (so weight loss occurs) while also maintaining appropriate nutrient levels and not inducing nutritional deficiencies. Prescription weight-loss diets are incredibly effective in the battle of the bulge. Several components to look for in a weight loss diet include: Pet parents are responsible for what dogs eat and have control over the calories they take in. Weight loss happens when the calories your dog is taking in (through food and treats) are less than the calories expended (through exercise and maintenance needs). Choosing the Right Dog Food for Weight Loss Once your dog’s target weight is achieved, a new feeding plan will be initiated with the best weight-management dog food to stabilize your dog’s body weight. Your dog’s diet will be adjusted based on how they’re doing.
Often, the weigh-ins will be scheduled every two weeks for the first two months of weight loss. Then your veterinarian can suggest the best dog food for weight loss, explain ways to determine how much to feed, and schedule regular weigh-ins. Your veterinarian will also determine your dog’s target weight and the amount of time needed to reach this goal. Depending on a number of factors, a loss of 0.5% of initial body weight per week can be used as the minimum desired rate of weight loss. Calculating Your Dog’s Calorie Intake and Target Weightįor otherwise healthy dogs, most veterinarians will calculate the calories your dog needs with a maximum goal of losing 2% of initial body weight per week. To get your dog on a weight-loss diet, you’ll need to determine their target weight, calculate their recommended calorie intake, choose the best dog food for weight loss, establish a feeding routine, and work toward reaching their target weight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an estimated 56% of dogs are overweight or obese.īecause obesity in dogs is associated with a host of medical ailments-from diabetes and osteoarthritis to heart disease and cancer-it’s important to find the best dog food for weight loss to complement your pet’s weight-loss plan. Note: Javascript must be enabled for this page to work.Today, pudgy pups are becoming the norm in many U.S. Amount of food required should be adjusted for other caloric intake such as treats.įor additional information please see: How Much to Feed a Dog to Meet His Energy Needs. ** These numbers, particularly the MER, should be consistent with the feeding chart the dog food manufacturer provides. Another place to find this information is the manufacturer's website. * Information about the KCal/Cup and KCal/kg is typically found on bags of dry dog/puppy food. Note: This formula is valid only for dogs/puppies weighing between 2 and 45 kg (5 - 99 pounds)Īpproximate Minimum Energy Requirement (a dog at rest, does not allow for growth as in a puppy):Īt normal activity level / growth rate, your dog / puppy requires approximately:Īnd the bag contains approximately days of food. Input information about your dog/puppy and the dry dog food: Your Puppy / Dog's Information
0 kommentar(er)
