Our Weight Loss Tips For Dogs! Easy to introduce and ideal for those who have had that warning from the vet, that it’s time to scale back on the treats and increase their walks instead!
By bringing in some simple changes, you can help bring your dog’s waist line back and keep them (and your vet) happy!
Check out our Top 5 Weight Loss Tips for Dogs below 👇👇
Weight Loss Tips for Dogs 1–
Assess the main diet of your dog.
Have a look at the kibble or meat that you are feeding your dog. Is it high in fat? Look to move to a low fat option. Your vet or local pet store will be able to help you find low fat kibble options. For meat feeders, look at low fat proteins such as turkey or kangaroo.
Make sure that you understand what is really in your dogs food. Our blog here will help you to better understand what really is put into the food your dog is eating and help you have a better understanding of the right food options for your dogs diet.
Weight Loss Tips for Dogs 2-
Adjust your meal sizes.
Make sure you are feeding a meal size that is suitable for your dog’s IDEAL weight, not their current weight. Feeding to the current weight will only maintain the weight they are at. Ensure if the suggest meal size for your dog is 1 cup and you feed twice daily, that your dog is getting 1/2 cup each meal to meet their daily requirements, not 1 cup daily.
Weight Loss Tips for Dogs 3-
Treats.
Is your dog getting treats often throughout the day? A lot of dog treats are high in fat so it’s best to substitute them with more health friendly options. You could use a portion of their low fat kibble or diced low fat loaf from their daily requirements or check out our blog on healthy treat alternatives HERE.
Weight Loss Tips for Dogs 4-
Increase physical exercise.
Providing your dog has no physical restrictions, they may need their daily exercise increased. You can reach out to family members or neighbours who may have some responsible teens who are looking to make some pocket money or use a professional dog walker if you are unable to increase their exercise.
Alternative options to walking and running include water exercise, either at the beach or a dog suitable pool. This can be a fantastic option for arthritic or recovering dogs as it takes the weight off their legs and can relieve sore joints too.
❗❗ REMEMBER to always be cautious of the time between your dog eating their meal and then being exercised. Bloat is a condition that can be caused by dogs exercising too close to eating a meal. Be sure to read up on bloat, it's dangers and the steps you can take to try to avoid it here! ❗❗
Weight Loss Tips for Dogs 5-
Meal numbers.
How many meals is your dog eating each day? Ideally two meal a day, morning and night, will help to regulate your dog’s ability to process their food and burn fat and energy. If you choose to only feed once daily, ensure this meal is given in the mornings and not at night. A large meal at night will only get the chance to turn to fat.
You can also divide your dog’s total meal quantity by given 3/4 in the morning and 1/4 at night to help with this too.
If your dog suffers from a health condition, such a diabetes, which relies on a specific diet to be followed, you should always stick to the instructions given by your vet. Any changes to this type of diet should always be confirmed by your vet.
