Dog Diets for Weight Loss

Study reports show that about 40% of America's pet population is overweight. A healthy and active pet can lead a pain-free life but an overweight pet, especially a dog, is more likely to develop various diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart, thyroid or other metabolic disorders, which might lead to a painful situation for both owner and the dog. Being in normal weight range is absolutely essential for dog health. Just like human beings, exercise and balanced diet play an important role in the health of a dog.

Right from the young age, puppies need to develop a habit of following a low calorie balanced diet. Along with aging, dogs become less active. Decreased physical activity promotes weight gain. Some breeds like labrador retrievers, English bulldogs, beagles, dachshunds, pugs, dalmatians and cocker spaniels naturally gain weight. It is the duty of the dog owner to control the weight of the dog, through proper dog diet and exercises. Following simple tips might help manage the weight of your pet.

Diet Tips for Dogs

#1: The health mantra for dogs says that you should provide them only the food they need, not all that they want. Regular checkup, prompt medications, balanced diet and regular exercise help maintain dog's weight and health.

#2: Watch how and how much your dog eats. If your dog is one of those who naturally regulates the food intake, then you need not worry. If your dog is taking in more calories than he needs, then you need to change the frequency of exercise, amount and type of food, etc.

#3: Take your dog for a walk at least twice a day and increase the distance gradually. Similarly increase the playing time and the pace of other exercises gradually. Running and playing with another dog proves to be a great exercise, when it comes to weight loss. Cut down on each meal, and provide two smaller meals rather than one big meal. This will also help maintain normal blood sugar level.

#4: Dog food industry has created a wrong picture of the "eager eater" for their customers. To avoid dog obesity, it should be borne in mind that healthy dogs do not need to be "dog treat"ed every day (a few breeds are exceptions). You should never try to entice your pet to eat if it isn't eating. Good quality food and plenty of water is what your pet needs. Let your pet eat when it wants, don't force it to eat when you want and what you want. You should feed your dog before you cook and eat. Eliminating table scraps (which are often high in fats and sugars) and minimizing treats can make a lot of difference. Here are some instructions regarding how to design a "healthy dog diet".

Healthy Weight Loss Diet for Dogs

If your dog is hesitating to exercise and if you notice increasing laziness, then you should consult your vet. If your vet confirms that your dog is overweight, then you may feed less and/or you may switch to special weight reduction diets. After consulting your vet, you may opt for a good weight loss supplement. Generally, traditional diet and exercise plans help lose weight. Never feed 'junk food' (leave that for humans) and remember, treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog's diet. Vets recommend occasional use of low calorie commercial dog treats.

Depending upon the breed, age, physical activity, overall health, and what your dog eats etc., design a special low fat/high fiber diet for weight loss. Avoid ready to eat raw foods available in markets. Instead, you may give your pet fruits like oranges, apples, pears, etc. and vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli, parsley, spinach, etc. This type of raw food diet for dogs is naturally rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Raw meat should not be included in raw diet for dogs. Don't include chocolates, sweets, desserts, spicy food and fried items in the diet designed for your dog.

For pets diagnosed with kidney failure or heart failure, your vet may suggest a low protein dog food diet. But in normal cases, the diet which contains proportionate amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, (a balanced mixture of 40% meat, 30% fiber and 30% starch) and other nutrients is considered as the best dog diet for weight loss. Instead of buying top dog food brands, you should try making your own dog food. You may refer to a healthy dog biscuit recipe on the Internet.

If you are concerned about dog diets for weight loss, consult your vet first. Let the vet find out the underlying cause of dog obesity. Because, if hypothyroidism is the cause of excess weight in pets (which is, in fact, a very common cause), then it needs to be corrected, otherwise, feeding a low calorie food and increasing the time period of exercise may result in serious health complications. Remember, you don't need to provide lot of food to express your love, food is not love! You should just ignore those begging eyes and follow only two or three fixed mealtimes everyday. Food quantity required varies from breed to breed and depends upon various factors. So it is quite possible that feeding instructions printed on labels may not apply to your own dog. You should consult your vet to know the right amount and type of food for your pet.