Managing Your Dog’s Weight
Important Nutrients
Gradual Weight Loss
Obesity is a common problem in dogs. Identifying the causes and following a weight management program can result in controlled weight loss and maintenance. A weight management program includes evaluating your dog, then modifying behaviours.
Definition, Causes and Contributing Factors to Obesity
DEFINITION OF OBESITY
Obesity is defined as an increase in body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, resulting from an accumulation of excess body fat.
CAUSES OF OBESITY
Obesity is caused when caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure. This simply means that a dog eats more energy (calories) than he uses and stores the excess energy.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY
- Overfeeding
- Inactivity
- Breed
- Age and Sex
- Spay/neuter status
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Hypothyroidism
Important Nutrients
FAT AND CARBOHYDRATES
Dogs use fat as their primary energy source. An overweight dog stores fat more easily if the calories are consumed in the form of fat than if they are from carbohydrates. An overweight or obese dog should be fed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet to restrict calories available from fat.
FIBRE AND FATTY ACIDS
A normal fibre level, provided in a moderately fermentable fibre source, helps create and maintain a healthy gut. This is especially important to the dog on a weight-reduction regimen. Some weight-loss products for dogs dilute calories with high levels of fibre. High-fibre foods may reduce the digestibility and absorption of many nutrients, including fat. These foods reduce weight by providing what would be considered poor-quality nutrition. These high-fibre diets also result in large frequent stools, and decreased skin and coat condition. Diets that provide essential fatty acids, like those found in vitamin-rich fish oils, help maintain your dog’s healthy skin and coat, despite lowered fat levels.
Gradual Weight Loss
The goal of a good weight management program should be gradual weight loss. Dogs should lose 1 to 2% of their initial weight per week. This can be achieved by reducing the caloric based on label recommendation. A total weight management program can lead to successful weight reduction in the obese dog. Complete evaluation by your dog’s veterinarian is always recommended. Remember—your help is essential to your dog’s success.
