Has your dog been gaining weight? Maybe you noticed they are heavier to carry or they are struggling to move as freely as they used to. Excess weight is common in dogs that are relatively less active and/or eat more than the recommended amount. Dogs may also be more prone to obesity during colder seasons like winter when outdoor activities may be more limited.
So is it time to turn to weight management dog food? This guide by Sploot Vets tells you all you need to know—along with some examples of some of the best dog food for weight loss!
Overview
- Weight management dog food is only one aspect of treatment for excess weight or obesity in dogs—it may be combined with other lifestyle recommendations.
- The best dog foods for weight loss typically have fewer calories than regular food and may be relatively higher in fiber and protein.
- Dogs have excess weight issues when they are more than 10% more than their ideal body weight.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Excess Weight
If you suspect that your dog has excess weight or obesity, we recommend scheduling a pet wellness exam. These comprehensive, snout-to-tail exams are the equivalent of an annual physical for dogs.
Consulting a veterinarian about your dog’s weight issues helps you find the safest and most effective strategy to help your dog get back to a healthy weight—as a bonus, their overall health will also be screened.
Overweight vs Obese Dogs: What’s the Difference?
Overweight vs Obese Dog’s Weight & BCS
The main difference between overweight and obese dogs is how much excess weight they have.
- Overweight dogs are 10 to 20 percent above their ideal weight.
- Obese dogs typically weigh more than 20 percent over their ideal weight.
Overweight vs obese dogs can also be differentiated based on the body conditioning score (BCS), a standardized scale to classify a dog’s weight. Here are the ranges for overweight and obese dogs:
- Overweight dogs have a BCS of 6 to 7, wherein the ribs, spine, and hip bones are difficult to feel because of excess fat. The waist is minimal or absent when viewed from above.
- Obese dogs have a BCS of 8 to 9, wherein the ribs, spine, and hip bones are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat. The waist is observably distended from above and there are prominent fat deposits over the neck, chest, and lower spine.
Overweight vs Obese Dog Treatment
Another key difference is the strategy of treating overweight dogs vs obese dogs. Both severity and complications may differ.
Sploot veterinarian Dr. Deluty states: “When pets reach a BCS of 7.5 to 9 [obese], I start recommending prescription diets [weight loss dog food] to help manage the behavior changes associated with rapid weight loss and to help them reach a goal weight faster— mitigating the negative health effects of obesity.”
Treatment would typically consist of the following:
- For overweight dogs – moderate dietary changes (i.e. optimized portions, fewer treats) and additional exercise may be recommended. Weight loss dog food may or may not be needed.
- For obese dogs – strict dietary prescriptions (i.e. prescription weight loss dog food) and controlled joint-friendly exercise may be recommended. Vets may also incorporate treatment for complications like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—and they may also require regular weigh-ins and monitoring.
Note: If your dog is free-feeding, there is an increased likelihood of gaining excess weight. Your veterinarian may recommend transitioning to scheduled meals or ways to control your dog’s total calorie intake.
Important Note: In some cases, vets may recommend added diagnostic tests. Sploot veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Berns explains: “If diet and lifestyle changes do NOT help dogs lose weight, there can be underlying endocrine (hormonal) causes, In such cases, we recommend performing bloodwork to help rule that out.”
How Does Weight Loss Dog Food Work?
Weight management dog food is specially formulated to help dogs get back to their healthy weight. Typically, these kinds of dog foods have lower calories and a healthy amount of beneficial nutrients. This way, dogs get a caloric deficit while preventing malnutrition.
In addition, these dog foods generally have more dietary fibers to help dogs feel full and regulate their digestion.
Lastly, weight loss dog food may contain ingredients that boost the dog’s metabolism—thus optimizing energy conversion and minimizing fat storage. These kinds of weight management dog foods are known as “metabolic dog foods.”
What is the Best Weight Loss Dog Food?
When choosing the best weight loss dog food, we recommend choosing one that is:
- Recommended by your veterinarian
- AAFCO-approved
- Fits your dog’s size (some formulations are specifically made for small, medium, or large dogs)
- Portion-controlled as per recommendations.
- Indicated for weight management or weight loss
As a starting point for conversations with your vet, here are some examples of top-rated weight-management dog food:
1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet® Canine Satiety Support Weight Management – Dry Dog Food
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Dry food, one of the best weight loss dog food: small, medium, and large breeds, AAFCO-approved, PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Canine Satiety Support Weight Management is a high-protein, prescription weight management dog food that helps overweight dogs lose weight and reduce begging behaviors. This dry dog food contains L-carnitine to help dogs develop a lean body mass— along with antioxidants to promote immune health and a healthy blend of fibers to promote healthy digestion.
Note: In a clinical trial, 97% of dogs lost weight in three months, and 83% had less begging.
2. Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic - Dry Dog Food
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Dry food, one of the best weight loss dog food: small, medium, and large breeds, AAFCO-approved, PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic - Dry Dog Food is a prescription dog food that supports weight loss—while also promoting vitality and overall health. It also contains a special formulation that helps dogs feel full between meals. With its delicious chicken flavor, this diet is not only effective but also popular among dogs.
Note: According to Hill’s®, 88% of pets lost weight at home in 2 months with the nutrition of Metabolic.
3. Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility – Wet Dog Food
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Wet food, one of the best weight loss dog food: small, medium, and large breeds, AAFCO-approved food, PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Canine is an example of prescription wet dog food that not only promotes weight loss but also helps promote mobility. Mobility is a common issue, especially in chronically or severely overweight dogs.
This dog food is formulated with Omega-3 for your dog’s joint health—thus improving their ability to exercise, which is important for long-term weight management.
Note: Metabolic + Mobility Canine has clinically proven nutrition to improve mobility in as little as 21 days.
Frequently Asked Questions: Weight Management Dog Food
What Are Good Treats for Dog Weight Loss?
Standard dog treats are typically safe in regulated amounts. Generally, our vets recommend that treats should NOT be more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily intake. This may be reduced in certain cases—especially for obese dogs.
To boost the effects of weight loss dog food, pet parents can also consider switching to homemade dog treats made with dog-friendly ingredients or dog-friendly fruits. Consult a vet to confirm if your dog will benefit from these kinds of treats.
How Long Should A Dog Be On Weight Loss Food?
Dogs can safely eat weight-loss dog food for as long as needed, as per the vet’s recommendations. The usual timeframe is a few months for overweight dogs—and several months for obese dogs—depending on the percentage of excess weight the dog has.
If pet parents follow vet recommendations consistently, dogs can safely lose up to 2 percent of their body weight every week. This translates to the following examples:
- An overweight dog with 20 percent more than their ideal weight will need at least 10 weeks (2.5 months) to get back to a healthy weight.
- An obese dog with 30 percent more than their ideal weight will need at least 15 weeks (3.5 months) to get back to a healthy weight.
Note: It is more likely to achieve the above rates of weight loss with a vet-recommended diet and lifestyle. However, each dog is different; other health factors may affect your dog’s results. The most important thing is to enjoy the journey with your pet, celebrate wins, and check in regularly with your vet to ensure your pet’s well-being all throughout.
Do Dogs Lose Weight on Wet Food?
Wet food for dogs typically has a lower carbohydrate content and more water than dry food of the same classification. This means that dogs can get lean with wet food incorporated into their diet (i.e. mixed feeding).
However, incorporating wet food may or may not help your dog lose weight. Factors like your dog’s overall health condition as well as the type and portions of dog food used can all impact the outcome. When in doubt, always consult a vet first.
Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Food for Weight Loss
This concludes our guide on the best dog food for weight loss. As a final reminder, a pet wellness exam is a great starting point for your dog’s weight loss journey. In addition, make sure to ask your vet how you can effectively regulate treats.
Lastly, for obese dogs with joint problems, weight loss dog food may not be enough. They may also benefit from canine physical therapy (i.e. water therapy), a great way to get gentle exercise while improving mobility—along with hip and joint dog supplements to help restore joint health. If you’re interested in these options, get a recommendation from your vet!
Weight & Wellness Consultations for Dogs at Sploot Vets
If you would like to get your dog’s weight issues assessed and explore weight management dog food options, Sploot Vets is here for you!
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one, next-level vet care. We offer primary (preventive), urgent, and emergency vet services under one roof, 365 days a year, with extended vet clinic hours.
Our Fear Free certified medical teams ensure that your dog’s comfort and well-being come first. Begin your dog’s gentle yet effective weight-loss journey with Sploot!
Schedule an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
