Tips on Dieting for Obese Dogs

Commercial Diet Foods

• Weight loss is as simple as taking in fewer calories than are burned, whether the dieter is a human or a dog. There are many reduced calorie dog foods available. While these foods work for some dogs if fed according to the manufacturer's directions, they often are lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates than is ideal for optimal health.

  Dogs are carnivores. Carbohydrates are not part of the natural diet of a canine. A small amount of high-quality carbohydrate is beneficial to dogs, but large quantities of carbs do more harm than good. The short digestive tract of a dog is designed to process meat. Some diet dog foods include poor-quality ingredients like ground peanut hulls and corn cobs, which are filler ingredients to make the dog feel more full while consuming less quality food.

  Dog owners who don't want to pay for filler ingredients should choose a top-quality dog food regardless of caloric content and simply feed a smaller amount of that food. The full feeling achieved by adding filler ingredients can be duplicated by adding cooked green beans to the dog's diet. In addition to being filling and low in calories, green beans provide beneficial fiber that will help the dog digest his food.

Raw Diet

• A raw diet is also an option for obese dogs. This method of feeding requires the owner to perform a significant amount of research and experiment with different quantities of food until a balanced diet that allows for safe weight loss has been established.

  The raw diet allows the owner to control how much protein and fat his/her dog consumes. Some fat is necessary for good overall health and coat quality, but trimming fat and skin from some cuts of meat will reduce calories and help to promote weight loss. This can also be achieved by choosing lean cuts and grass-fed meats.

  As an added bonus, dogs on raw diets tend to build lean muscle as they lose fat. Consuming lots of fresh, high-quality protein will help with everything from coat quality to digestive health.

Other Considerations

• Obese dogs should get as much exercise as they can safely tolerate. In the absence of a health problem preventing the dog from exercising, at least one long walk and two or more play sessions daily are recommended. More intense exercise such as hiking and swimming can be incorporated as the dog becomes more fit.

  Always consult a veterinarian before putting your dog on a diet. Find out what your dog's ideal weight is and weigh him regularly. Check in frequently with your vet to make sure your dog's rate of weight loss is safe and adequate.