The complete guide to weight loss for dogs: from risks to solutions

 

Hi, pet lovers! 

 

We know that we, vets, can be a little too honest with you! Sometimes we even dare to say that your Fido is… “a little overweight”! Can you believe how inconsiderate we are? But let’s talk about why we say such things!

We’re sorry (or not), but carrying extra weight isn’t cute - it can lead to serious health issues. The truth is, our role as vets in this issue is huge. We know you can’t resist those adorable dog eyes that are constantly begging for food! 

Vets aren’t here to judge you or make you feel guilty - we just want to see happy and healthy dogs. Weight loss is a journey and we’re in this together! With the right approach and plan, your Fido can go back to being fit and healthy again. 

Would you like to assess your dog's weight like a vet? The Body Condition Score (BCS) is what you need to detect obese dogs. But, more on that later. 

 

Stay with us and let us present you the complete guide to weight loss for dogs! 

Jump To: 

• Health risks of dog obesity
• Identifying the ideal weight for your dog
• Best diet plan for weight loss in dogs
• Best weight loss supplements

Health risks of dog obesity

 

We can all agree that being overweight does not bring any benefits to both humans and animals. To help your pet lose weight can be challenging at first. So, here are the most common risks in overweight dogs!

Increased risk of diseases

Obesity in dogs can cause insulin resistance and lead to diabetes mellitus. This is a chronic condition that requires constant treatment. 

Another serious problem is problems with mobility or joint problems. This condition is also common for senior dogs, but having extra weight puts additional strain on joints, and increases the risk of arthritis. Other musculoskeletal problems related to weight can also result in pain or reduced mobility. 

Dogs that have extra weight put additional pressure on the heart which leads to increased workload. It can contribute to cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

Read more about weight loss for senior dogs.

 

Reduced lifespan

Obesity largely impacts the dog’s daily activities. It reduces their ability to run, play, or even have normal behavior. This can lead to frustration and lower overall happiness. 

Researchers analyzed data from Banfield Pet Hospital, examining over 50,000 dogs across 12 popular breeds. This research included groups of dogs aged between 6.5 and 8.5 years with both “overweight” and “normal” body conditions. The study found a consistent link between being overweight and a reduced lifespan in all breeds. However, the extent of the reduction varied, ranging from 5 months for male German Shepherds to 2 years and a half for male Yorkshire Terriers.

Another study shows the effects of 25% diet restriction on the lifespan of dogs. This study involved 48 Labrador Retrievers, the dogs were paired, with one in each pair receiving 25% less food from 8 weeks of age until death. Results revealed that food-restricted dogs had lower body weight, body fat, and serum levels of triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and triiodothyronine compared to controls. Median lifespan was significantly longer (13 years compared to 11.2 years), and the onset of chronic disease was delayed in food-restricted dogs. Results indicate that a 25% reduction in food intake extended lifespan and delayed chronic disease onset in Labrador Retrievers.

Difficult mobility

Imagine you are an overweight dog. Do you think you can play and run with the same intensity as before? The answer is of course, no. Overweight dogs have extra pressure on the joints and have difficulties moving normally. They face difficulties in climbing stairs, running, and even lying down. 

Brachycephalic breeds might feel this problem the most. This is because they can additionally experience heat intolerance and breathing difficulties.

 

Identifying the ideal weight for your dog

 

If you don’t know what BCS is, we will explain it to you in simple terms. It ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 being extremely underweight, 4 or 5 being ideal, and 9 indicating severe obesity. The best way to determine your dog’s body condition is to run your hand along the dog’s ribs behind the elbow. If you feel the ribs without pressing too hard, but can’t see them, your dog is having a healthy weight. 

Visit this resource from the American Animal Hospital Association, and find out what the BCS of your pet is and how to reach a healthy body composition for your pet. Or read our detailed article on - Is your dog overweight?.

Each dog breed has a typical weight range based on factors like size, build, and activity level. Knowing the ideal weight range for your dog’s breed can help you maintain their health and prevent obesity or underweight conditions.

It can be hard to determine the ideal weight of a mixed-breed dog. If you feel like you cannot determine the BCS score on your own, then consult a veterinarian. In case you have an overweight pet, you might get personalized advice and even a weight loss program for reaching the ideal body weight.

 

For pure breeds, here you can find a weight chart proposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

 

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help in preventing diseases like diabetes, joint issues, and heart problems. 

 

Best diet plan for weight loss in dogs

Diet is always the key to managing obesity in dogs and excess body fat. 

Balanced meals 

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), weight loss in dogs and people is about 60-70% diet and 30-40% exercise. We, at Jope, are all about promoting healthy lifestyles in dogs, and we aim to teach dog owners to resist the “food begging”. Once we become neutral on this behavior, we will start seeing results. 

Then, you need to choose high-quality food that is high in protein and low in calories. This is important because proteins preserve muscle mass during weight loss while ensuring the pet loses fat and not muscles. When choosing a food, always read the label and look at the total calories, but be especially cautious with the caloric concentration (kcal/kg). You can check our guide on calculating calories for dogs

When choosing, put your focus on what is the lean protein source. If chicken, turkey, or fish is the first ingredient, then that food is a good option.

Portion control 

Overfeeding, even with healthy food, can lead to weight gain. Dog owners need to determine their dog’s daily calorie needs based on their weight, activity level, and breed. Then, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian on what is the ideal portion for the dog, and use a kitchen scale to measure portions accurately. 

 

Note: Avoid free-feeding as this is a sure way that your dog will overeat. You can try using automatic feeders or measuring portions manually.

Healthy treats alternatives 

Pet owners need to replace high-calorie treats with low-calorie treats or veggies like:

●    Carrots: Crunchy and low in calories.
●    Cucumbers: High in water content, great for hydration.
●    Lean Proteins: Small pieces of boiled chicken or turkey.

 

Note: Make sure that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

 

And if you opt for commercial treats, be sure to check the calorie content. Aim for products with under 3100 kcal/kg, ideally closer to 2500 kcal/kg. Also, review the ingredient list and choose treats made with wholesome, high-fiber ingredients and low fat.

 

Best weight loss supplements

We’ve done in-depth research and found what supplements and ingredients would be the best for an overweight dog. 

L-carnitine 

L-carnitine is an ingredient that has fat-burning properties. It is an amino acid nutrient that is included in the building blocks of proteins and is essential for fat and energy metabolism.

Studies suggest that some commercial dog foods contain L-carnitine as a chemically pure ingredient, or under a patented label like Carniking®, typically listed on the packaging. In pet foods, L-carnitine promotes fat metabolism, supports lean muscle development, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Veterinarians frequently recommend dog food brands with L-carnitine for weight management, as well as for improving heart and liver health.

 

Read more: Besides helping in reducing weight, read other benefits of L-carnitine.

 

Spirulina 

This is an ingredient that is rich in proteins and can support the maintenance of lean muscles, which is important during the weight loss journey. The most important function of this journey is that it promotes satiety and can keep the dog feeling fuller for longer.

 

Read more: Find more about digestion and gut health and the role of spirulina.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) 

In the large intestine, FOS produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which boost fat oxidation, reduce fat storage, and support gluconeogenesis by providing propionate. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and minimizes fat accumulation in several ways.

 

Also read: Find out which natural sources of FOS you can add to your dog’s die.t

Fiber-rich supplements

-        Pumpkin is a low-calorie treat that supports weight management in dogs. Its high fiber content promotes the feeling of fullness and reduces overeating. As a natural ingredient, it can be easily added to meals as a filler, replacing higher-calorie components without compromising nutrition.

-        Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber known for its ability to regulate digestion and support healthy weight loss in dogs. It absorbs water in the gut and forms a gel-like substance that slows digestion and prolongs satiety. It also prevents excessive calorie intake. Additionally, psyllium aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels by moderating glucose absorption, which is a factor for overweight dogs. 

UC-II® collagen

We recommend this supplement for dogs that are already overweight and have increased stress on their joints that is accompanied by discomfort and mobility issues. UC-II® is an undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage, known for its joint health benefits. It works by modulating the immune response to prevent the breakdown of joint cartilage, by reducing pain and inflammation.

This supplement can improve flexibility and mobility in overweight dogs, making physical activity more comfortable. Remember, that regular physical activity is crucial in the weight loss process.

 

Read more about UC-II® Supplement for Dogs

To sum up

Let’s end this research with the fact that obesity in dogs is very common and almost 56% of pet dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. This highlights the importance of proactive measures to manage your dog’s weight. Obesity isn’t just about appearance—it impacts a dog’s overall health, increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes, joint issues, and heart disease while also shortening their lifespan.

By focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and portion control, you can help your dog get rid of excess weight and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

The supplements and ingredients that we suggested can be an important factor in the weight loss journey for many dogs. Let us know if you have added some of those and what were the outcomes! We are curious!