Homemade Diet
Vets recommend homemade diets for a lot of medical conditions, as the dog will receive controlled amounts of foods that are helpful in healing him.
In a weight loss program, preparing the food at home for your dog can give you control over how much and what your pet eats. You can increase the amount of protein and reduce the carbohydrates.
Commercial food contains a lot of additives and preservatives and may be rich in carbs. Sick dogs or overweight dogs don't need carbs in excess.
If you opt for a homemade diet, make sure you talk to your vet about the optimal amounts of protein, fat and fibers needed on a daily basis. The vet will let you know about the ingredients needed to keep your dog healthy or to promote healing, giving you a diet tailored to your dog's condition.
You will need some time to prepare the food, so make sure this fits in your schedule.
Prescription Diet
Prescription diet is often recommended for overweight and sick dogs. You can find prescription food in pet stores. There are several types available, created for different medical conditions.
Wet Food
Wet food is recommended for dogs with a kidney problem or in weight loss programs.
Wet food is easily digestible and takes workload off the kidneys, promoting a healthy bowel movement.
It has a high percentage of water, which will make the dog feel satiated, causing him to eat fewer calories and gradually lose weight.
Dry food contains more carbohydrates than canned food; carbs in excess can lead to weight gain.
Light Dog Food
Light food is recommended in diets for overweight dogs. Make sure to read the label and talk to your vet to establish if the light food is healthy. The dog should cut down on calories, but not on the vital nutrients.
Fewer Treats
The diet of a sick or overweight dog should contain treats; however, you have to watch how much you give to your dog. Too many treats can lead to weight gain.
Treats are important to reward your dog and to reinforce positive behavior, and may also prevent dental problems by reducing plaque.
Opt for treats that are low in calories and carbs, and high in protein or fat.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are recommended for dogs on a diet, to ensure that he gets all the essential nutrients.
Antioxidants are recommended in diets and are also beneficial in weight loss. Get some supplements of omega 3, 6 or 9 and vitamin E for a healthy coat.