Have you noticed your dog’s stomach sagging, and do you have a harder time getting a feel for their spine and ribs? These may be signs that your pet is overweight, which is a problem you can only ignore for so long. Being overweight can increase your dog’s risk for other physical ailments down the line, foremost among these being diabetes and heart problems. To be certain of their health situation, take your pup to the vet, confirm your suspicions, and ask about whether they need to go on a diet.
Should the vet recommend that your dog lose the excess weight, it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to ensure that this is done safely. Gradual portion reductions and healthy food substitutions can help your dog lose excess weight while keeping them healthy. Aside from these practices, below are some other tips for safely and successfully putting your pup on a diet:
Stick to a Feeding Routine
When your pet’s on a diet, their mealtimes are a crucial factor. Be sure to have a regular feeding schedule to keep them from overeating. Free feeding, or the practice of leaving food out for your pet to access at any time, may be one of the reasons your dog is overeating and gaining a lot of weight in the first place.
Make it a habit to only put out a certain amount of food that your dog needs. If they don’t finish the food after 15 minutes, take away everything that’s left over. But make sure you also keep stainless steel bowls with water out all day so that your dog can stay hydrated.
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Adjust the Portion Size
How much food you feed your dog also plays a factor in their weight gain. That said, make sure to ask your vet about the recommended food portions your dog needs. They will typically base this on your dog’s age, health, and physical activity. If your dog is used to eating large servings of food, cut back on them each day until you get to the appropriate portion size.
It’s also a good idea to use a measuring cup to gauge your pet’s food rather than just any cup you find in the kitchen. It will help you stick to the appropriate feeding portion. To be even more exact about their portions, consider getting a weighing scale and measuring out their portion sizes by the gram.
Feed Your Pup More Often
Feeding your dog small portions multiple times a day is better than giving them one or two large meals daily. This technique keeps your pet’s blood sugar level at a steady level throughout the day. As a result, their body is less likely to store extra calories that can drive up their weight.
Many dogs eat two to three times a day. But it’s still best to consult a vet and discuss how often you should be feeding your dog.
Pick the Right Dog Food
Aside from the quantity of food you give your pup, you also need to pay attention to quality. Stay away from ultra-processed dog foods, as many of these have plenty of carb-based fillers that can contribute to weight gain. Instead, get dog food products that contain natural fibers and quality protein. They’ll give your dog their proper nutritional intake for the day as well as help them feel full.
Add Fruits and Vegetables to Your Pup’s Diet
Adding fruits and vegetables to your pet’s meals can also help them feel full longer without getting them to put on extra pounds. Some foods you can safely give your dog include green beans, spinach, peas, carrots, broccoli, apples, bananas, berries, and cantaloupes. You can also try steaming any vegetables you’ll give your dog. When added to your pup’s food, fruits and vegetables can enhance the overall flavor in their meal and ensure that they have more healthy sources of fiber.
Cut Back on Treats
While treats aid in training, giving too many of them can be bad for your dog. Treats should only comprise 10 percent of your pet’s daily intake of food, and any amount greater than this can impact your pup’s health and weight. Knowing this, keep an eye on how many treats your dog consumes each day.
Find Other Forms of Reward
If you want to encourage good behavior in your dog without overfeeding them, consider alternative forms of positive reinforcement over treats. You can reward your dog with other things that they like, such as a new toy, quality time with you, and a visit to the dog park. Think of two or three non-food rewards that will be effective on your dog, and make sure to alternate these with healthy treats during your pet’s training.
Keep Your Pet Out of the Kitchen
Sometimes, it’s not just the food and treats you give your dog that can drive up their weight gain. They might also be eating table scraps that fall on the floor or sneakily snacking on food left out in the kitchen.
You can prevent this from happening by keeping your dog out of the kitchen while you’re cooking or eating. Put up pet gates to restrict your dog’s access to the kitchen, or keep them in a separate room. It’s also an option to crate them temporarily. Aside from keeping your dog from eating scraps from the floor, these strategies can also discourage them from begging while you’re eating.
As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to keep your dog healthy, and that includes maintaining their weight. If you need to put your pup on a diet, don’t just cut back on their food. Make healthy adjustments to both their daily meals and their daily routine so they can lose the extra pounds safely and stay in top shape.
