Weight Loss Tips for Small Dogs

As your dog ages, its nutritional needs change. If you continue to feed the dog the same amount of food as it ages, often the dog will add weight slowly. You may not notice the weight gain until it becomes serious. According to Steven J. Covert of the University of Missouri, half of the pet dogs in the United States weigh too much, and obesity reduces their life expectancy.

  1. Feed Smaller Portions

    • Because your dog's calorie requirements change as it ages, you should decrease the amount of food at each meal. The National Academy of Sciences states that older dogs need 20 percent fewer calories than active middle-aged dogs.

    Change Food

    • Most reputable brands of commercial dog food provide complete nutrition for most dogs, according to U C Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. However, as your dog ages, your veterinarian may recommend a different brand or type to provide the necessary fiber and nutrition with fewer calories. He may suggest a food made especially for overweight dogs.

    Remove Food Between Meals

    • Feed your dog at approximately the same time each day. Often, small dogs will want to eat twice a day. Allow enough time for the dog to eat, and then pick up the food. Do not leave it down for the dog to graze during the day.

    Stop Feeding Table Scraps to the Dog

    • Sure, your dog enjoys the leftover scraps from your dinner. However, those scraps add excess calories and fat. Too many table scraps will upset the balance of nutrition that has been carefully established in the commercial food that makes up most of the dog's diet. The University of Missouri states that fat and spices in some people food can make your dog very sick, and many dogs cannot digest milk products.

    Cut Down on Snacks

    • Dog biscuits, rawhide chews and other dog treats add calories. Some of them are very fattening. Most dogs become just as excited over a very small treat as a large one. Many dogs enjoy raw carrots as chewy treats.

    Increase Exercise

    • Your dog will benefit from more exercise and so will you. Take it for a walk or play ball. If your pet has medical problems that prevent walking and running, have your veterinarian recommend alternative activities.