Healthy weight management

Obesity is a serious problem, with about 34% of dogs in the U.S. considered to be overweight or obese.¹ Maintaining ideal body weight not only has the health benefit of avoiding obesity-associated disease, it also minimizes food wastage through overconsumption.At Vetdiet^®, we recognize two specific benefits related to weight control, which we call “reduced calories” and “healthy weight,” as explained below.

What kind of diet is the best to manage a healthy weight for my dog?

A healthy diet with reduced calorie intake is key to managing a health weight for dogs that are less active.

Before starting any weight loss program, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian. Just feeding your dog less food is not the best way to reduce their calorie intake.

Vetdiet^® weight control dog food is balanced to provide the optimal level of nutrients while delivering fewer calories per cup of food. Reducing caloric density – or the amount of calories per weight of food – is achieved by decreasing fat and increasing fiber levels.

Research has shown that obese dogs lost more body fat when fed a low-fat, high-fiber diet compared to a high-fat, low-fiber diet, even though dogs in both groups were fed the same amount of calories. ²

How do I know if my dog is overweight?

To know if your dog is overweight, there is a method you can try at home. When you touch their ribs and spine, your dog should have a slight layer of fat separating the skin from the bone. If you can’t feel them, or if the layer of fat is larger than it should be, your dog is likely overweight or possibly obese.

Before jumping to any conclusion, you should always speak with your veterinarian.

Why is my dog overweight?

While some breeds are naturally more prone to weight gain, any dog can put on extra weight if their diet is not actively managed.

As pet parents, we all love to indulge our dogs with special treats or table food. You need to be careful, however, as this might be the reason why your dog is overweight. Much like humans, it is usually not our main meals that cause the problem, but the snacks in between.

What to do if my dog is not losing weight?

We always recommend working with your veterinarian to help your dog lose weight. A reduced calorie diet with regular exercise, no table food and fewer treats is part of any healthy weight loss plan. Your veterinarian may also need to conduct tests to rule out other medical concerns such as low thyroid levels or hormonal imbalances.