The best dog food to help dogs lose weight is one that is formulated to provide fewer calories per serving, while still meeting the minimum requirements of essential nutrients, as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). A label on the side of the food with the AAFCO Statement assures you nutritional needs are met. But what about low-fat dog foods and calorie levels?
In dogs, excess energy (calories) consumption is a common issue in weight control problems. This is due to a variety of factors including the high calorific density and palatability of many dog foods, low activity levels, and supplemental treats, toppers, and foods.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates show that over 40% of dogs are considered overweight, or 10% to 15% above their desired body weight, and 25% of dogs are considered obese, which is 20% to 25% above their desired bodyweight.
Excess energy intake has several detrimental effects on dogs during growth, especially on the skeletal growth in puppies of large or giant breeds. Excessive energy intake during growth also impacts the total number of fat cells present in the body, meaning that overfeeding a puppy can contribute to obesity later in the dog’s life. Once a fat cell has been formed, it will never go away, and research has shown that individual fat cells produce hormones that increase appetite and hunger and help the fat cell to retain its stored fat.
Obesity has been linked to the development of orthopedic problems later in life, such as arthritis, as well as increasing the likelihood of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, and heart failure. One study showed that by reducing the amount of food fed to a controlled group of labradors by 25% they lived an average of 1.5 years longer and had lower incidences of orthopedic problems, cancer, and metabolic diseases.
While we all strive to keep our companions in tiptop shape, changes in lifestyle, age, or environment can lead to weight gain, for both us and our pets. So, what is the best course of action if you have an overweight or obese dog, and what is the best dog food for weight loss?
Choosing a dog food designed for weight management is key to helping your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight without causing any nutritional deficiencies. Weight management, weight control, and lite formulas are fancy ways to say “diet dog foods,” which focus on achieving nutritional adequacy while being low in calories. These diets are formulated to provide fewer calories per serving but still provide adequate essential nutrients, as defined by AAFCO. In addition, these diets also typically allow owners to feed their dog a larger volume of food, helping their pet to feel full and satiated longer.
When looking for a weight-loss formula, look for diets that contain high-quality proteins. Protein is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass, especially during weight loss. Dogs require protein to maintain and build muscle tissue, repair cells, maintain healthy skin and coat, and more. Protein can also be used as an energy source for dogs. Proteins are metabolized throughout the day, providing sustained energy levels. Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, kangaroo, and venison, are optimal as they are high in protein while also being low in fat.
While fat is an essential nutrient for our dogs, fat is very energy dense and should be avoided in excess. Because of this, weight-management formulas typically have a significantly lower fat content compared to conventional dog diets and may be marketed as low fat dog foods.
Diets that are higher in fiber can help your dog feel full and satiated without adding additional calories to the diet. You may see ingredients such as cellulose (plant fiber), miscanthus grass, or beet pulp added to weight-management diets to help add additional fiber. Many vegetables are also high in fiber, low in calories, and can provide beneficial vitamins and minerals to your dog.
If your dog enjoys veggies, adding unsalted green beans to their food can help add bulk to their meals while also providing additional vitamins and minerals. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini make for a great low-calorie, nutritious snack or treat for pups striving for weight loss as well. While fiber is fantastic for aiding weight loss, excess fiber can cause flatulence, constipation, or diarrhea, so be sure to introduce vegetables to your pup slowly and in moderation.
Excess weight can put a lot of strain on joints, so look for a weight-management formula that includes ingredients to support joint health. Fish oils and marine microalgal oil provide a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may also be added to the diet and may benefit overweight dogs prone to joint issues.
If the diet does not contain ingredients to support joint health, they can be added in the form of a joint supplement. It is important to note that fish oils, fatty fish, and green-lipped mussels are calorie dense, so they should be supplemented in moderation and carefully measured.
Choosing the right food for weight loss and management is essential for ensuring your dog reaches and maintains a healthy weight and enjoys a long, healthy life. By selecting a balanced, calorie-controlled diet that prioritizes high quality, lean protein, and is formulated with high-quality, whole, ingredients, you can support your dog’s weight management goals. Always monitor your dog’s progress and consult your veterinarian for personalized care and routine body condition score (BCS) assessments. Be sure to adjust feeding based on your dog’s activity levels and rate of weight loss. With proper diet and regular exercise, you and your dog can maintain a healthy weight for years to come.