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10 Best Diet Dog Foods in 2024
Something we all enjoy is sharing with our beloved pets. We offer them our homes, our time, our affection, and frequently, our food.
This is great! Who doesn’t love to see the excitement on our pet’s face when we throw them a bone, literally.
However, things sometimes get out of hand, especially with dog parents fond of overfeeding their dogs.
Although we may think rover looks great with a fat tummy, it is definitely not in their best interest when it comes to health.
We’re here to help you get this under control and talk about the 10 best dog foods for managing your dog’s weight.
Table of Contents
Best Diet Dog Food for Overweight Dogs
1. Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Holistic Weight Control Dry Dog Food
When it comes to the health of our furry friends, many of us love to take an all-natural approach to dinner time. This Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Holistic Weight Control Dog Food contains a grain, soy, and wheat-free formula based around the best available natural supplements for your pet.
It is high in protein and fiber, keeping your pet feeling full without packing on the calories.
Many foods contain a high-fat percentage to accomplish this, but the Solid Gold brand does it with only natural ingredients. With protected probiotics, your dog’s digestive system is going to be in optimal health. If you want to achieve your dog’s ideal body weight, better to introduce them to Solid Gold’s dog food for weight loss. Know more by checking reviews about Solid Gold dog food.
First 7 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Protein…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 320 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 26.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 6.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 10.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 100 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.1% min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 100 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Real Chicken as the 1st ingredient for easily digestible protein
+ Support immune system health with superfoods
+ With living probiotics for gut health nutrition
+ Holistic blend and balanced diet for dogs of all breeds and sizes
+ Healthy fatty acids to improve dog’s coat and skin
+ Grain and gluten-free weight loss dog food
Cons:
– Not recommended for dogs with diabetes and pancreatitis
Why We Like It – This brand has essentially cut out all fillers, making it an excellent choice even as a stand-alone food. However, by cutting these fillers and replacing them with low-fat dog food options like veggies and proteins, this food is an excellent choice for weight management.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites With Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food
If you’ve owned dogs for a while now, you’ve undoubtedly come across the brand Hill’s Science Diet more than once. This is a large brand with years of experience and development under its belt. This brand has been among the best for so long for a good reason.
Hill’s is continually putting out new formulas, and this Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites science-based weight loss formula is great for our more sedentary furry friends. Using a blend of all-natural proteins, this formula boasts 18% fewer calories than its normal dog food making it the perfect choice if your pup needs to shed a few pounds.
First 7 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 271 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 20.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 5.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 14.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.5% max |
| Vitamin E | 400 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.5% min |
| Carnitine | 200 ppm min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 85 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Same great Hill’s taste with 18% fewer calories
+ L-Carnitine to promote weight loss and optimal heart health
+ All-natural protein sources and natural fiber
+ Packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
+ Clinically proven blend of antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system
+ No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons:
– Only comes in small bags
– Not ideal for dogs with digestive issues
Why We Like It – Hill’s has been a trusted name in the pet industry for many years, making this great formula a no-brainer. This food is packed with vitamins, minerals, and many other things our furry friends need to live long, healthy lives. All while packing significantly fewer calories than standard food.
3. Nulo Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food
The Nulo brand has set out to help those dogs who need a little help keeping the pounds off. This blend of grain-free dog food acts to not only reduce the caloric intake of your pet but also to encourage fat burning from the inside out by adding ingredients that support this. Check the Nulo dog food review here to know more.
Nulo also takes a step out from nearly every other weight loss formula. Its protein comes from non-chicken or egg sources, making it ideal if your best friend has any allergies or issues with those ingredients.
We Think You’ll Like: Best Dog Food for Allergies
This Nulo Adult Weight Managagement is made out of 74% high-quality protein with fewer carbs and low-glycemic ingredients. Even better, it has L-Carnitine to boost your dog’s metabolism, enabling them to burn fat faster.
This low-fat diet makes your pupper feel full for a long time with its natural fiber, so you can limit their meals per day without sacrificing nutrition.
First 7 Ingredients: Deboned Cod, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Lentils, Yellow Peas, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas…
Pros:
+ Made from 74% animal-based proteins
+ Blend containing no chicken or egg product
+ Mixed with L-Carnitine to support fat loss
+ Has probiotics to support digestive health
+ Contains many vitamins and minerals to support entire body health
Cons:
– Has a fishy smell
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 368 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 7.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 300 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.35% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.35% min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 65 mg/kg min |
Why We Like It – Coming from a protein source other than chicken and eggs makes this food a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities. Even with that, the vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and lower calories make this a great overall choice when combating some unwanted weight gain.
4. Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
As we age, we tend to slow down a bit. It’s not uncommon for people to gain a few pounds, drop down in energy levels, and become overall tired and sore. Well, dogs are no different. With age comes some discomfort, some fatigue, and sometimes, some unwanted poundage.
Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food wants to fix that by supplying proper food for your aging dog to stay healthy. While also cutting down the fat to keep your best friend healthy and strong for as long as possible. This reduced fat dog food also has Glucosamine and Chondroitin to care for your senior pup’s bones and joints.
First 7 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Meal, Yeast Culture…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 360 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 27.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 11.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.5% max |
| Moisture | 9.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.6% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4% min |
| Glucosamine | 800 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Premium quality Beef meal as the first ingredient
+ Formulated with optimal protein and fat levels for keeping the energy high
+ Nutrient-dense formula that’s created with 72% animal proteins
+ No corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
+ With bone and joint support
Cons:
– Not advisable for picky eaters
Why We Like It – It’s always a little hard to watch our beloved pets age, and Victor’s formula does a great job of keeping them energized and healthy well into their later years. With its nutrient-dense and digestively friendly formula, it’ll have your dog feeling great for years to come.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dry Dog Food
Hill’s comes back again with another wonderful weight loss formula, but this time, it keeps those pets with skin and stomach irregularities in mind. Struggling with weight is its own issue, and coupled with other dietary issues, it can become an absolute nightmare.
Hill’s combats that with the sensitive pet-friendly formula that will not only keep their stomach happy but their body slim and healthy too. The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food is formulated with Vitamin E and Omega-3 to promote healthier skin and a shinier coat.
First 7 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 382 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 21.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 400 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 85 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Formulated with only the best ingredients to keep your dog’s skin and stomach healthy and strong
+ Antioxidants act to keep your dog’s immune system bolstered
+ Made from all-natural ingredients
+ Free from any preservatives or fillers
+ Balanced enough for weight loss and everyday feeding
Cons:
– Not for picky eaters
– Not recommended for sensitive stomachs
Why We Liked It – This is a great quality food product for dogs. Hill’s Science formulas are greatly trusted and for a good reason! We were happy to include this weight management food option with an affordable price and vital ingredients in our review.
6. Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Formula Dry Dog Food
Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Formula features a unique blend of carbs, fats, and protein to keep your dog looking and feeling great. Other weight loss formulas attempt to almost completely remove carbs from your pet’s diet, but the creators of Dr. Tim feel otherwise.
This blend is meant to keep your dog trim and give them the energy to move around and make that weight loss happen for themselves.
This formula was created by a Ph.D. canine nutritionist and an experienced veterinarian and was made with your pet’s best interest in mind. Enjoy healthier skin and a luxurious coat with ocean-sourced Omega-3 fatty acids. This low-calorie dog food is formulated with L-Carnitine to help your pooch burn more calories faster.
First 7 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Oat Groats, Dried Field Peas, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Plain Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Salmon Meal…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 268.6 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 10.0% max |
| Crude Fiber | 8.0% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 100 IU/kg min |
| Calcium | 1.0% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.75% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.35% min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 150 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Unique blend of carbs, fat, and protein to keep your dog energized while also burning fat
+ Low calorie while also providing essential amino acids to your pet
+ Contains fish oils to help your pet’s immune system and coat
+ Contains BC30 to promote digestive health
+ Veterinarian recommended
Cons:
– Not for dogs with grain allergies
– Kibble size is not ideal for large dogs
Looking for a Dr. Tim’s Grain-Free Weight Management Formula? Click here.
Why We Like It – Dr. Tim’s formula takes a fresh approach to the weight loss game by giving your dog the energy it needs to take weight loss into its own hands. Having been developed by two very qualified dog lovers, this brand supports your dog’s health entirely while also kicking the extra pounds to the curb.
7. Eagle Pack Natural Dry Reduced Fat Dog Food
Eagle Pack Natural Dry Reduced Fat Dog Food is one of the good weight loss foods for a struggling overweight dog. This diet food is designed with optimal levels of protein, carbohydrates, and fewer calories for adult dogs.
More than that, its reduced fat formula promotes a healthy weight. You can trust that this healthy weight formula doesn’t contain any fillers, meat by-products, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.
Managing your dog’s weight will be easier with this dog food for weight loss. Not to mention the Glucosamine to protect your canine’s bones and joints essential for supporting their body weight.
This recipe is also enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health and brain and eye development.
First 7 Ingredients: Pork Meal, Dehulled Barley, Peas, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Tomato Pomace…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 3,240 kcal/kg, 343 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 9.0% max |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.4% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.35% min |
Pros:
+ Fewer calories to promote a healthy weight
+ Pork meal as the #1 ingredient
+ Omega-3s and 6s to improve dog’s coat and skin
+ With antioxidants to boost the immune system
+ No corn, wheat, by-products, or artificial additives
Cons:
– Not recommended for dogs with chicken or pork allergies
Why We Like It – This weight-loss food from Eagle Pack has better-optimized nutrition for weight management compared to regular dog food. Dog Food Advisor has given this weight loss dog food a rating of 4.5 out of 5, which is very satisfactory! Even dog owners recommend it for dogs with stomach issues like pancreatitis.
8. Hill’s Science Diet Advanced Fitness Dry Dog Food
Hill’s comes back again with yet another excellent weight loss formula. However, this time, we’re targeting young and active dogs who may have put on a couple more pounds than their owners would like. This blend is formulated to help your dog lose weight and become the strongest version of themselves in every category.
This Hill’s Science Diet Advanced Fitness Dog Food has an exclusive blend of Omega-6, Vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants, all packed into a great-tasting formula to keep your dog feeling great. It also comes with a 30-day coat improvement guarantee!
First 7 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 363 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 20.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 11.5% max |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 400 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5% min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 85 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Packed to the brim with vitamins and nutrients
+ 30-day coat-improving guarantee
+ Formulated for dogs in their prime
+ Flavorful and easy to digest
+ Comes from the trusted Hill brand
Cons:
– Not for dogs with grain or chicken allergies
Why We Like It – Hill’s strikes again with this amazing formula targeted at dogs who are in their prime. This blend will not only keep your dog feeling healthy and light but will also keep them strong for years to come.
9. Nutro Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro strikes hard at fat with this great formula. Unlike most other brands, this food combines a trio of protein, lamb, chicken, and salmon, to provide your furry friend with a great tasting, micronutrient-rich diet.
Another added bonus is that this food is created free from any GMO-grown foods and has a blend of over 15 superfoods, including coconut, blueberry, and kale.
The Nutro Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food is also made with no chicken by-product, common with many other brands. It also excludes corn, soy, and wheat. You can’t go wrong with a high-quality dog food made with premium ingredients designed to offer complete and balanced nutrition.
First 7 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Lamb Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Whole Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Vitamins, Rosemary Extract…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 335 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 23.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 10.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 80 IU/kg min |
| Calcium | 1.2% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4% min |
| Glucosamine | 80 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Combines a trio of protein for optimal micronutrient dosage
+ Glucosamine and Chondroitin for hip and joint health
+ Taurine for heart and eye health
+ With a blend of 15 superfoods
+ Specially formulated for weight management in adult dogs
Cons:
– Small kibble size is not ideal for large breed dogs
– Not for picky eaters and dogs with poultry allergies
Why We Like It – This food is the only weight loss formula to combine three different protein sources for an added boost to your pet’s overall health. That, coupled with GMO and filler-free food, makes for an excellent choice for your pet. We also love the lack of by-product use here! Only whole foods for us!
10. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Wellness is a food brand that has been around for a long time now. They were started and base their foods around a premium blend of wonderful ingredients specifically targeted to your dog’s health. Wellness has kept that same mentality when creating their healthy weight dog food.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Healthy Weight Dog Food is formulated to keep your furry friend trim while also helping to maintain energy levels. This formula uses natural and whole ingredients to help your pet. This means no corn, wheat, or other fillers and no added chemicals.
First 7 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Barley, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Rice, Ground Flaxseed, Tomatoes, Chicken Fat, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract, Vitamins…
Nutrition Information
| Caloric Content | 405 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 10.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 200 IU/kg min |
| Calcium | 0.8% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
| Glucosamine | 400 mg/kg min |
Pros:
+ Formulated with premium proteins and wholesome grains
+ Fewer calories to support a healthy weight
+ With Glucosamine for bone and joint health
+ Fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
+ No meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives
Cons:
– ​Not recommended for dogs sensitive to whole grains
Why We Like It – Wellness has been making great foods for years, and this weight management blend is no different. We love the lack of fillers and by-products, along with the addition of great whole foods. We also love that it’s made right here in the USA and has a wellness guarantee! This is a fantastically cheap dog food option, too.
Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss Buyers Guide
How We Picked Our Top 10 Weight Loss Dog Foods
Some weight loss formulas can be deceiving. Because although they have the label “weight loss or weight management dog food” in their packaging, they still use ingredients that are not high-quality. To get the right dog food for weight loss, here are some things you want to watch out for before buying.
Fewer Calories and Low-Fat Formula
The best dog food for weight loss should contain fewer calories compared to the average dog food. A low-fat formula dog food is also good for dogs with excess fat. Ideally, you want to look for a weight loss dog food with 300 to 400 calories per cup. Anything higher than 400 is not a good option. Meanwhile, the fat content should be between 8% to 10% to consider it as a low-fat diet.
Protein-rich Diet
Preferably you want the best dog foods for weight loss high in protein, not only in quality but also in quantity. Having a protein-rich diet ensures that your pooch is getting the proper nutrition they need to thrive. Most importantly, the protein should be listed as the first ingredient, and the animal species where it came from should be specified. Protein is good for developing lean muscles, so as your dog loses weight, their fat will be replaced by strong muscles.
High-Fiber
Another contributing factor in dog food for weight loss is the fiber content. A high-fiber diet also promotes healthy weight management because it allows your dog to feel full and keeps them satisfied for a long period. More than that, it also aids in digestion and avoids symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.
No Fillers, Meat By-Products, Artificial Flavors, or Preservatives
At most times, low-quality ingredients or cheap fillers can also cause unwanted weight gain in dogs. Although they can help fill your dog’s stomach, there’s little to no nutrition that your dog can get from these ingredients. It’s better to stick to natural and whole ingredients with added vitamins and minerals to ensure your dog gets optimal nutrition.
It is undoubtedly difficult to pinpoint which brand is best for you and your dog, given all this information. But don’t worry, this list will give you all the advice and information you need to make the best decision for you and your furry best friend.
According to the Canine Arthritis Resources and Education, 56% of the dog population in the United States are suffering from obesity. Although this statistic is surely something you should concern yourself with, it doesn’t mean it’s not preventable. This is why dog food for weight loss is advisable for puppers who have unwanted weight gain.
But before anything else, here’s what you need to know about canine obesity.
Causes of Obesity in Dogs
It’s also important that you, as a pet owner, understand well what led to your pooch gaining weight. And by understanding the factors that contribute to canine obesity, you (together with your vet) can come up with a solution on the best approach to help your dog lose weight.
Old Age
Dogs are not far apart from humans (or any other living thing, really) as we might think. A dog’s overall body function slows down as time passes, especially when they reach their senior stage. This means that their organs don’t work as efficiently and quickly as they used to. This includes the thyroid gland responsible for metabolism.
When they get older, their ability to digest food and their metabolism will slow down. This means that you can’t feed your doggo as much as you used to feed them because they will gain weight faster due to a lower metabolic rate. That’s why with senior dogs, it’s recommended to decrease their meals per day to avoid overfeeding them.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Another factor that contributes to obesity in dogs is unhealthy eating habits like overeating. With this one, it might be more of the dog owner’s fault if their dog develops an unhealthy eating habit. It’s either that you overfeed them with treats or you don’t follow the recommended calories per day your dog should receive. Once they’re used to being given larger portions of food, they tend to develop a habit out of it and expect it for every meal, leading to overweight dogs.
Lack of Exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight is so much more than eating good food and feeding your dog the right portion for their age, size, and weight. Aside from watching what your dog eats, exercising is also a big factor in your dog’s overall health. Low activity levels or lack of exercise can also cause weight gain. Like humans, dogs need a proper diet partnered with proper exercise to maintain a healthy figure. If you want a healthy lifestyle, you need to work for it!
Health Risks of Canine Obesity
You don’t want to see your pooch suffer when they get older, so it’s better that you prevent them from gaining too much weight as early as possible. To ensure your dog thrives properly, you must make sure that they maintain a healthy weight as excess fat can also increase health risks.
As mentioned by Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT, a veterinary food therapist and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, here are some of the health risks that can come with pet obesity.
- Decreased Life Expectancy
- Poor Quality of Life
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Losing weight is not an easy task for anyone because to achieve your goal you have to moderate everything you take in, and that can be a struggle for those who love food. Fortunately, for your beloved dog who loves to eat there are also other things they can do to help them lose weight.
1. Take your dog out for an exercise
It may be adorable for some pet owners to see their chonky or chubby dogs, but in the long term, it’s not good for their health. It’s not just weight loss dog food that can help overweight dogs in shedding a few pounds. Diet and exercise go hand in hand when you’re looking to lose some weight.
So if your pooch used to have little to no exercise before, you might want to get them more active. You can play fetch with your furry friend or take them running out in the park or even just around the neighborhood. However, you must build up their strength and endurance first, so you can start by giving them low-impact exercises to not overstrain them.
2. Avoid overfeeding
As loving fur parents, we may tend to go overboard with the food we feed them. Whether you’re feeding your pooch wet food or dry dog food, you need to watch out for your dog’s caloric intake.
The recommended calorie intake differs for every dog. How many calories you should give them will depend on your dog’s age, size, weight, health condition, and activity levels.
More importantly, avoid free-feeding because it’s better to follow a healthy feeding plan and stick to that. Just make sure you don’t give in to those puppy dog eyes when they ask you for more!
3. Consult the vet
There are some cases where obesity can be caused by other health problems. The best way to know if that’s the case is to inform your vet about your dog’s current condition. It might also be helpful for them to know if you’re putting your dog on a diet. That way, your vet can help you develop a proper meal plan for your overweight dog without sacrificing any nutritional value.
How do I check if my dog is obese?
For most dog breeds, it’s rather simple to tell if they are overweight. A healthy weighted dog should have a noticeable difference in depth between its chest and stomach. The chest hangs down lower while it recedes up at the stomach. Another good way to check your dog’s fat levels is to do the rib test.
This is where you would place your hands on either side of your dog’s ribs. There should be a thin layer of fat, and it should be quite easy to feel each of your pup’s individual ribs. If you can’t, then it is highly likely that your dog is overweight. Of course, check with your veterinarian if you’re still unsure.
Conclusion
Having our pup’s health out of whack is never an easy time, and it’s easy to forget that their weight is a large part of that. A healthy weighted dog will live a longer, happier, and overall more healthy life.
If you’ve taken the time to read this article, that means you’re as serious about your pet’s health as we are, and now is a great time to start doing something about it.
So, get out there and get your pet whipped into shape for the summertime! Before you know it, you could be taking some great runs together!
Pro tip: Diet is only half the battle! If you want to help kickstart your pet’s weight loss, there is nothing better than some bonding exercise!
Be careful, though! Don’t start off with sprinting a 10k. Light walks once or twice a day for even as little as 20 minutes are a great way to start, and who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself on the way to some great health benefits as well!
