How To Help My Dog Lose Weight

Perhaps you recently took your dog for their annual exam and were surprised by their recent weight or body condition score. Or maybe you noticed your pup feels heavier than normal and aren’t sure what’s going on.

Dog obesity is one of the most common health conditions for dogs in the U.S., with 59% of pups considered overweight or obese.

As a pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your dog at a healthy weight. And when dealing with dog weight loss, it’s important to follow your vet’s guidance and create a plan that works for your dog and your lifestyle.

How To Help a Dog Lose Weight

If you’re helping your dog to lose weight, it’s important to consider how a vet-recommended diet, monitoring calorie intake, a weight management supplement like Zesty Paws Vet Strength Weight Management Bites, and exercise can all work together during their weight loss journey.

Choose a Dog Weight Loss Vet-Recommended Diet

There are plenty of dog diets for weight loss available for pups these days, and your vet can help you determine the best option. Dog weight loss foods are formulated to have less caloric density and are high in fiber, which helps support your dog’s digestive system during weight loss.

If your dog has any underlying health conditions in addition to their extra weight, it’s important that your vet finds a dog weight loss diet that also supports their general health.

Also, make sure to correctly measure your dog's food during each meal. This can be done accurately with a food scale or measuring cup. Extra kibble can easily add on extra pounds, which is especially true for smaller breeds.

Monitor Your Dog’s Daily Calorie Intake

In addition to measuring dog food accurately, keep in mind that food and treats can add up quickly. When it comes to helping your dog lose weight, it’s critical that you ensure they are getting the right amount of food and that you aren’t overdoing it on treats.

Depending on how often you reward your pup, those treats will greatly increase the amount of calories your dog consumes each day. Your vet may recommend skipping treats during your dog’s weight loss timeline or rewarding them instead with vegetables as a healthy alternative.

If you’re unsure what your dog’s daily calorie limit should be, ask your veterinarian. Your vet can help you to calculate the number and determine the appropriate amount of kibble and treats you can measure out each day.

Consider a Dog Weight Management Supplement

A dog weight supplement may help support your overweight pup during their weight loss.

Zesty Paws Vet Strength Weight Management Bites are formulated with inulin, a type of fiber, and B-vitamins, which can help your dog feel full after eating and provide additional metabolism support. Metabolism support for your dog is important so that their body is burning calories but also preserving muscle mass.

B vitamins and L-carnitine (an amino acid) have been shown to aid in a dog’s metabolism of fats and may support a dog’s healthy weight when paired with exercise. B vitamins specifically help to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy rather than storing as fat. These vitamins also help maintain energy and stamina.

This vet-formulated chew also offers a postbiotic BPL1, which may support a dog’s digestion and gut health. A postbiotic helps regulate fat metabolism, which in turn supports gut health. If your pup has a balanced gut this can help them to efficiently burn calories.

Get Your Dog Moving

A healthy dog weight can be achieved with a specific nutrition plan, but exercise is also key during dog weight loss. This means spending more time outside during their daily walks or penciling in more energy-driven games like fetch or tug of war.

Your dog’s age, breed, and size will determine how much and what type of exercise they need. Chat with your vet about what makes sense for your pup’s health goals.

Stick to a Schedule

When it comes to consistency, it’s important to keep your pup on a routine.

A daily routine for meals and exercise will help you and your pup stay on track for their health goals. Dogs actually prefer sticking to a routine, as it helps them learn wanted behaviors from you, provides a sense of security, and reduces anxiety.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Healthy Weight

The journey doesn’t end once your pup hits their ideal weight goal. After a successful weight loss plan it’s important that you maintain your pup’s ideal weight. You can work with your vet to determine next steps such as what dog food they should switch to, or if a dog weight management food is ideal as next steps.

Consistently tracking their calorie intake (including treats) and sticking to an exercise schedule will help to ensure your pup stays healthy.

This sponsored article was paid for by Zesty Paws. All opinions within belong to Zesty Paws.