Memes about super-sized pets may be funny but the reality isn’t so. The life of an overweight pet is no walk in the park. Obesity can lead to heartbreaking, debilitating diseases. Some of these, like canine diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, can be life-threatening.
According to the latest research, over half of the dogs in the U.S. are overweight. That’s about 50 million canine companions suffering in silence, missing out on a better quality of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you’re wondering, “How can I help my dog lose weight?”, you’ve come to the right place. It may be easier than you think!
Does My Dog Need To Lose Weight?
To start, you need to figure out if your pup’s actually on the heavy side. Of course, the best way to do this is to head to your trusted vet for a check-up. But you can also clue-in to a potential weight problem just by giving your dog a once-over.
For example, can you see your dog’s waist? Can you feel their ribs? If not, your dog may need to lose some weight. Also check for a swinging stomach or sagging waist. These can be tell-tale signs that it’s time to make a change.
How To Help My Dog Lose Weight?
That’s a question that comes up from time to time. As treat connoisseurs, we’re always looking for ways to help doggy parents reward their dogs with flavors they love, while sticking to quality ingredients.
That’s one reason why we’ve made it our mission to avoid unnecessary fillers and sweeteners when crafting our treats. We’re concerned about your dog’s well being, too! And if there’s one thing we’ve found through years of testing and research, it’s that DIET is profoundly important when it comes to weight.
You can’t expect your dog to burn more calories than they consume through exercise. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), it’s not that simple, so food is the MOST important factor in doggy weight management.
What Should I Feed My Dog?
So if food is the key to helping a dog lose weight, it’s crucial to feed your dog quality chow. But you also need to take into consideration how much you’re feeding them, and also the amount of treats they’re ingesting. It needs to be the right amount.
Here’s how to do that:
Pay A Visit To Your Veterinarian.
Doggy diets aren’t one-size fits all. Guidelines on food packaging may be too broad to fit your pet’s unique needs. Plus, your pup could have an underlying health condition that’s causing them to gain weight.
Calculate Calories.
To keep your dog happy and healthy, calorie counting is key. But first, you need to figure out how many calories your furry friend should consume per day. This number depends on a few things:
- Your dog’s weight
- Whether your dog is spayed or neutered
- How active they are
- What health conditions they may have
- Your dog’s age
Keep in mind that every pet is different, so it’s best to consult your vet. For more information, you can check out this caloric intake guide from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).
Measure Meals.
Want to help your dog lose weight? Don’t “eyeball it” when you scoop your dog’s food into his bowl! Yes, even a few extra kibbles count. APOP studies found that as little as ten extra morsels per day can add up to an extra pound each year.
What About Treats?
Do treats count as part of your pooch’s diet? Yes, they sure do! They won’t magically “poof” out of your dog’s system like angels, just because they taste like heaven. So make sure you factor those delights into your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Here are a few more tips about treats:
- Make sure treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Processed, high-carb treats can mess with your dog’s health, even if you feed him healthy food. Stick to high-quality treats, made with wholesome ingredients. Your pup’s sure to love our smoky Chicken Tenders!
- Need to use treats to train? Use treats with lower calorie content, like these Salmon Topper-Trainers. (Just 3kcal per treat!)
- Don’t assume your dog needs a giant treat to get them excited. Even tiny pieces get their tails wagging!
Make An Exercise Plan
If you want to help your dog lose weight and stay healthy, exercise is important too. Even 20-30 minutes of brisk walking per day can boost health.
Make a plan that works for you, and stick to it. It may mean starting out with just 10-15 minutes to get a lethargic pup (or a tired human!) used to the idea. You can gradually increase the amount of exercise to up to 2 hours total per day. The optimum amount depends on your dog’s age and breed.
Other Tips To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
- Helping your dog lose weight is a journey. Don’t try to make him shed the pounds too fast! That can harm his health. Try applying good habits little by little.
- Your best ally in getting your pup to an ideal weight is your vet. So don’t skimp on visits!
- Is your dog constantly begging for food? Pet or play with him instead. Remember, what your dog wants the most is your love and attention. So give it freely–it won’t add a single pound!
