FAQ / Dog / Weight

Weight

"How can I help my dog lose weight?"

Obesity in our pets has become an increasingly common issue, bringing several health risks. For a dog to lose weight, it needs to be in a negative energy balance, meaning it must burn more energy than it consumes. This can be achieved either by increasing exercise or by reducing calorie intake—ideally, a combination of both. Calculate how much food your dog should be eating and stick to that amount.

 
A dog’s energy intake is entirely controlled by the owner, so making a change requires adjusting your own behavior. The first step is to stop giving your dog extra food or treats between meals. It can be hard to resist, but remember—it’s for your dog’s well-being. If you want to have rewards available for walks or training, you can set aside a portion of your dog’s daily food to use as treats. If you prefer to give something else, raw carrots in small pieces are a low-calorie alternative that many dogs enjoy 

For some dogs, simply cutting back on treats is enough to promote weight loss. However, there are also various light dog foods designed to help reduce calorie intake. If you decide to decrease your dog’s complete feed below the recommended daily portion, keep in mind that this also reduces the intake of essential minerals and vitamins. In that case, you can supplement with MultiVitamin. 

 
When it comes to exercise, a good first step is to increase the length of your walks. If you want to start running with your dog, it’s advisable to let them reach a healthier weight first before introducing more intense activities. Even a few extra kilos can put undue stress on a dog’s joints, so always increase activity gradually.

Would you like to learn more about how to assess your dog’s body condition? Read more on Trikem Academy!