Low-calorie wet dog food for weight loss is great for overweight animals.
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What is the best wet dog food for weight loss in 2024?
Excessive weight can cause some serious health problems in dogs. That's why it's vital to give your overweight pooch the appropriate diet. There are plenty of varieties of low-calorie wet dog food. Take a look at our guide to choose the perfect meals for your little friend.
You'll come across many types of wet dog food for weight loss, including those made with chicken and beef and free from vegetables or gluten. Weight control wet dog food is very effective as it is over 80% water. That means that the feeling of fullness comes quickly.
To choose the best wet dog food for weight loss, account for your pet's tastes, age, energy requirements and body shape. For example, a senior dog that doesn't exercise much and gets fat will not have the same energy needs as a one-year-old dog that has just been neutered. To make your dog lose weight, you must also have them exercise and avoid too many treats.
Can't feel your dog's ribs anymore? It may be time to start watching their weight!
Summary
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
It's not very difficult to tell if your dog is overweight. Typically, dogs with a healthy weight have a slightly hollow abdomen. Their rib cage is wider. If your pet does not have this body narrowing, it is overweight. You can also try to touch your dog's ribs. If you can feel them, your pet's weight is normal. If not, chances are your pet is overweight.
To find out how overweight your dog is, take them to a vet. Only a doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis.
What are the risks of excessive weight in dogs?
As with humans, excess weight in dogs can cause several health problems of varying degrees of severity. Even if it is only a slight weight gain at first, it can quickly develop into obesity. An obese dog gets out of breath quickly and has difficulty moving around. The pet, therefore, exercises less and less and gets fatter and fatter; it's a vicious circle.
Being overweight can lead to heart weakness, respiratory problems, diabetes and joint problems, including arthritis and osteoarthritis. Therefore, this canine condition is likely to reduce your pet's life expectancy. That is why it is crucial to take care of it as soon as possible to make your dog lose weight.
How much food should I give my overweight dog?
That depends, of course, on the breed of your dog. A St Bernard will not need the same amount of food as a Chihuahua.
The amount of food you should give your dog is based on its activity level and ideal weight. A rationing chart is displayed on the kibble pack as a general rule. You should therefore adjust the proportions to your dog's needs.
Feeding your dog less will not make them lose weight. You run the risk of creating deficiencies. That is why it's good to choose special food for overweight dogs. This food will give your dog all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy while limiting the amount of fat.
What do I do if my dog is overweight?
If you notice that your dog is gaining weight, you need to introduce some new habits. Forget about daily treats! Replace them with snuggling and playtime.
You should also see the vet to ensure that your pet's weight gain is not related to health problems. In addition, the vet can give you several tips to help your pet lose weight efficiently. Ask the vet what your pet's ideal weight is.
Break meals up into smaller portions and serve them throughout the day to reduce hunger.
Which breeds are more likely to be overweight?
Some dog breeds are more prone to being overweight than others. That is the case with Labradors, for example. The weight of these greedy animals must be thoroughly monitored. Beagles and Pugs are also known for gaining weight quickly.
As a general rule, all small breeds tend to gain weight. Of course, a dog that does not exercise much will develop body fat more quickly than an animal that runs around every day.
Spayed or neutered dogs tend to gain weight after their surgery. That is because they don't have the same energy requirements as before. If you continue to feed them the same food, they will gradually gain weight.
How can I encourage my overweight dog to exercise?
Because overweight dogs have poor stamina and joint pain, physical activity should be increased in moderation. Start by playing with your dog for an extra five minutes every day outside. Additionally, you can increase the amount of time spent walking your dog by 10 minutes at a time.
Swimming is a good sport for overweight dogs. It allows them to exercise their muscles without suffering from joint damage. Don't hesitate to take your big dog for a swim.
