Food for Overweight Dogs

Overweight dogs are exposed to a number of serious medical conditions, so losing weight is recommended for a better health and a longer life. Always consult your vet before starting a dog diet.

Canine Obesity and Health Problems

Obesity in dogs is frequent and more common in neutered dogs. Canine obesity may lead to several diseases such as:

  • Diabetes, due to high glucose levels
  • Heart disease, as the heart is has to pump more blood and may get weak
  • Arthritis, due to the extra weight that add stress on the joints
  • Respiratory disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Thyroid issues

Reaching a normal weight may prevent these diseases and reaching a normal weight is possible through diet and exercise.

Grain-Free Dog Food

Grain dog food contains a lot of carbohydrates and during a diet, the amount of carbs needs to be reduced. The dry dog food also contains a lot of sugar, flour and additives, which may contribute to weight gain, so a grain-free dog food is recommended for weight loss.

A grain-free dog food may be bought from pet stores or prepared at home. You need to keep an eye on the nutritional needs of your dog. Dogs need proteins and fibers. A healthy amount of fats is also recommended. Include lean meat such as turkey and chicken and vegetables, as these are a great source of fibers and are low in calories.

Alternatively, you may choose wet dog food. Wet food contains more water, less calories and will make the dog feel full for longer. If you switch to wet food, offer some dry chew treats to your dog to prevent plaque buildup and other teeth problems.

Talk to your vet whenever you want to switch to a different dog diet. Make sure you make the transition from dry food to the new diet progressively; otherwise your dog may experience digestive problems.

Light Dog Food

Dogs that need to lose weight can get light dog food. The light dog food is poor in calories.

However, read the labels and make sure these foods contain all the necessary nutrients for your dog. If the formula does not contain certain vitamins, the vet may prescribe some supplements.

The Ideal Weight Loss Formula

An ideal weight loss formula that works for all dogs does not exist.

Talk to your vet about establishing an optimal diet for your dog. There are many contributing factors that make up a weight loss formula that is suitable for your dog: your dog's energy level, medical condition, weight and breed.

A vet may recommend a prescription diet and even some supplements that will promote a healthy weight loss. Antioxidants and fatty acids are beneficial in weight loss.

Stay away from diets that promise quick results. Your dog should lose weight progressively. Monitor your dog's weight and add some workout time to ensure that the weight loss is successful. Start with walking and gradually introduce higher intensity exercise such as running or swimming.

 

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