Overweight dogs are becoming more common. People who have overweight dogs should consider helping their dog lose weight. Sadly, when the dog is already suffering from various forms of obesity, the owners often don’t pay attention to the problem. By that time, the pet has already gotten various diseases associated with its overweight. When it comes to preventing obesity, simple awareness like knowing your dog’s weight and its diet are the first steps.
Here are some of the best ways to help your overweight dog lose weight:
Contents
Feed Your Overweight Dog More Protein and Fewer Carbohydrates
The ratio of carbohydrates to protein and fats matters more than calories when it comes to weight loss. Some weight-loss diets are low in fat and protein but high in carbohydrates, a mixture that makes it difficult to lose weight. Dogs need a high-protein diet, which grows muscle, and they don’t need carbohydrates at all. The ideal dog weight-loss diet is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates, which satisfies the appetite.
Avoid Feeding Your Dog High-Fiber Foods
The carbohydrates’ indigestible part, increased fiber, will not help your dog feel happy and satisfied, and too much can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Grains are a natural source of fiber, and many grain-free meals are low in carbs and high in protein, which makes them effective foods for weight loss.
Investigate How Much You’re Feeding
A pet owner’s single most significant tool in the battle against excess weight is a measuring cup. Many owners fill the bowl by guessing and without measuring. Some pets are fed all-day, which results in always eating behavior. Examine how much food you should feed each meal and measure it after calculating how many calories your dog needs. It’s essential to establish a schedule for how much to provide when it comes to the long-term management of your dog’s weight; this means determining the calories your dog needs every day.
Help Your Dog With Regular Movement
Whether it’s a game of fetch, a long walk, or a tug-of-war, your dog has an activity that they love. So this is the time to encourage your pet to get more of that exercise regularly. If your dog is more of a lazy couch potato, you might want to look at what makes it move from its usual sofa-sitting. Some dogs aren’t willing to start daily exercise right away. Twenty minutes of exercise daily is a better way to start the day.
Vital Veggies
Try offering green beans, baby carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, bananas, sliced apples, or ice cubes as an alternative to highly-processed store-bought treats. These naturally nutritious foods are a healthy alternative for many dogs. Apples and bananas have high sugar content, so be sure not to feed dogs a lot.
Smart Supplements
Some smart supplements may help keep your dog fit and healthy. Almost every dog can help by taking a regular, fatty omega-3 acid supplement. These powerful fish oils contain a significant antioxidant boost that helps prevent and treat numerous diseases. Also, they may help ease achy joints and encourage weight loss.
Find The Right Dog Food
Dogs love to eat, and if you can find a low-fat and long-lasting treat, it can keep your dog busy and satisfied, and out of trouble. Steer sticks, dried tendons, and similar chews work great unless they’re small enough for the dog to swallow.
Try Breaking Up Meals
Feeding your pet in smaller portions can also be helpful. Taking your dog’s total daily meal and dividing it up into three to six portions. Small and multiple meals require energy to digest, which also burns calories.
Feeding your pet a small meal every five to six hours keeps the dog’s insulin levels stable, and it also reduces appetite spikes and keeps their appetite full most of the day. Excess weight comes off quickly as your dog’s metabolism begins to work correctly.
Why Should My Dog Lose Weight?
Even a few pounds above the ideal body weight can put your pet at risk, and there’s also the risk of developing some severe medical conditions. Sadly, when a dog is obese or overweight, your dog will develop a condition secondary to the excess weight. It is no longer a question of how soon and how serious. Some of the common diseases associated with excess weight include:
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- increased frequency of joint injuries
- osteoarthritis (arthritis)
- some forms of cancer – especially intra-abdominal cancers
- high blood pressure
Final Words
It’s the responsibility of us to help our dogs maintain a healthy weight. It’s up to pet owners to feed nutritious and healthy foods and treats and make them exercise daily. By using those simple suggestions, your pet will be at its best and in a healthy weight.
