Obesity is a serious problem. An estimated 34% of dogs in the United States can be considered overweight or obese¹ Maintaining a healthy body mass not only has the benefit of reducing the risk of developing obesity-related diseases, but also minimizes food waste through overconsumption. At Vetdiet^®, we attribute two specific benefits to weight management. We call these “reduced calories” and “healthy weight,” which we explain below.

What is the best diet for healthy weight management for my dog?

A healthy diet with reduced caloric intake is the key to helping a less active dog maintain a healthy weight. However, before starting a weight loss program, we recommend consulting your veterinarian. Simply reducing portion sizes is not the best way to reduce your dog’s caloric intake. Vetdiet^® Weight Control dog food is balanced to provide your dog with an optimal level of nutrients while having fewer calories per cup of food. We reduce caloric density, or the amount of calories per weight of food, by decreasing fat and increasing fiber. Studies have 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 ate the same number of calories².

How do I know if my dog ​​is overweight?

There is a simple way to determine if your dog is overweight. Feel his ribs and spine: Your dog should have a thin layer of fat separating the skin from the bone. If you can't feel them, or if the layer of fat is thicker than necessary, your dog is probably obese. Before jumping to conclusions, you should always talk to your veterinarian.

Why is my dog ​​overweight?

While some breeds are naturally more prone to weight gain, any dog ​​can gain weight if their diet is not managed properly. As pet parents, we all love to indulge our dogs with treats or table food. However, you need to be careful, as this could be the reason why your dog is overweight. As with humans, it’s usually not our main meals that cause the problem, but rather the nibbling in between.

Why isn’t my dog ​​losing weight?

We always recommend working with your veterinarian to help your dog lose weight. A reduced-calorie diet combined with regular exercise, as well as avoiding table food and too many treats are part of any healthy weight loss plan. Your veterinarian may also run tests to rule out other medical issues, such as low thyroid levels or hormonal imbalances.