Dog Owner's Manual › Chapter 5: Dog Food & Nutrition › Weight Reduction for Dogs ›

Guidelines to Dog Weight Reduction

Keep the following tips in mind as you proceed with your program:

  • Weight loss should in most cases not exceed 8 ounces to 1 pound (225–450 g) per week.
  • During this time the dog should (if your vet concurs) also receive extra exercise.
  • Avoid fatty treats. Reward the canine with praise, or offer low-calorie tidbits such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
  • If the dog seems unsatisfied with the amount of food it receives, try serving it several, smaller meals a day.
  • If you have multiple canines, feed them in separate locations so the dieting dog does not receive extra food.
  • Be sure the dog has plenty of water at all times.
  • Be sure all family members understand the diet plan. One person providing unauthorized food can disrupt the program.
  • Weigh the dog weekly and keep track of its progress.
  • Remember: A dog loses roughly 1 pound (.5 kg) of weight for every 3,500 calories it expends.

Other Resources on This Topic

Food & Nutrition Forum
Raw Food Diet Forum
Home Prepared Food & Recipes Forum
Food and Nutrition Q&A

Comments (3)

Chapter 5: Dog Food & Nutrition

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Why is there no mention of the benefits of exercise!? Like humans... dogs will not lose weight properly unless they are excercised!

barked by Melanie Elmore on Apr 6, 2008 AT 7:23 pm PDT
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I feel it is important to mention the health hazards related to overweight dogs. Please include how dangerous it can be. Diabetes, arthritis, strain on the joints can mean expensive surgeries, bloating, gas, in some rare cases the weight can be so bad the dog literally kills them self by lack of movement. Also there is no mention about the dangers of free feeding. Dogs are horrible at self-regulation their food intake. It is not their nature to leave food out. Because obesity is such a large issue now, there are diet drugs for dogs, as well as special exercise programs for overweight pups: Like a fat camp for dogs. If more owners were knowledgeable on what ideal weight looks like in dogs, this would be less of a problem. A fit dog costs less money in the long run. Less dog food, no surgery for weight related problems, and no weight related medications! You might spend more in dog toys like frisbees and balls, however.

barked by Kat on Jun 27, 2008 AT 7:33 pm PDT
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i want to cancel account

barked by amie Luv on Jul 19, 2009 AT 1:40 pm PDT
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Quirk BooksThe Dog Owner's Manual is a basic guide to dog care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides dog owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!