Weight Loss Food for Dogs

Finding the right food to assist your dog with losing weight can seem like a complicated matter. But after talking with your veterinarian and taking time to research the options, you'll have plenty of options to create a diet to keep your pet happy and healthy.

  1. Talk to an Expert

    • Anyone with a dog knows there are few times of the day more beloved than feeding time, whether the dog is devouring a bowl of its own food or eagerly awaiting a few nibbles of family dinner or delicious plates to lick clean. However, selecting the proper weight loss food for a dog is a critical decision.

      As with almost any question or concern regarding your pet, the first step should be a chat with your veterinarian. Set up a time to discuss the matter so you can receive detailed information on the proper food plan, specific to your pet's needs. After all, who better to talk about your pet than the person you trust to ensure its well-being?

    Choices, Choices, Choices

    • There are several reasons a dog may require food for weight loss. If illness is the cause, the discussion with your vet is particularly important, as he will be able to lay out the proper and specific course of action to make sure your dog stays as healthy as possible.

      If your dog is simply overweight, however, the decision ultimately is in your hands. There is no shortage of options out there. Almost every major dog food brand now stocks the shelves with a food focusing on weight management.

    Finding the Right Diet Dog Food

    • Keeping a dog at or near its ideal weight is important to help stave off potential medical conditions. Choosing the food that will best complete that quest may seem daunting, but don't fret. Armed with a little research, you'll be prepared to make the right call.

      If your dog requires prescription pet food, you likely will be able to find a food for the appropriate condition at your local pet store, according to vetinfo.com.

      The pet store also can help you find the right food for dogs simply looking to lose a little weight. A quick Internet search of Petsmart.com produced no fewer than 31 weight loss foods available, from well-known brands such as Purina, Pedigree, Eukanuba and Iams, as well as brands with a reputation for specialty food options such as Hill's Science Diet and Nutro.

      The best course of action is to take a list of the options to your veterinarian and discuss which would be the best choice for your pet. She can help you select the proper brand and food to make sure your dog is on the way to a healthy weight--and that should ensure feeding time remains the happy event it always has been, even as your dog is heading toward a more healthy weight.