Weight loss for dogs and healthy dog food for weight loss
Weight or weight loss for dogs is as big of an issue for dogs as it is for us humans.
Did you know that over 50% of dogs in Australia are considered overweight?
Equally as concerning, it’s thought that 90% of pet owners don’t realise their pet is overweight!
Weight loss for dogs and healthy dog food for weight loss
But the good news is that we have the power to extend their lives and give them a high quality of life and it is something we are passionate about at Healthy Active Pet.
Research with data provided by Banfield Pet Hospital found that the lifespan of overweight dogs was up to 2 1/2 years shorter, on average, than the lifespan of dogs with a healthy body weight.
The study out of England, from the University of Liverpool revealed that overweight dogs overall are more likely to have shorter lives than those at ideal body weights.
What's the impact if your dog is overweight?
So, what’s a few extra kilos? Well, it could mean the difference between a long, happy and pain-free life, or one coloured by disease and shortened by obesity.
The impact of additional weight or obesity on our dogs can include
an increased risk of;
- skin conditions
- chronic inflammation
- arthritis
- orthopaedic issues
- kidney disease
- cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease
- colitis and other digestive problems
- urinary issues
- liver disease
- pancreatic inflammation
- an increased risk of complications during surgery (which is more likely to be required)
- and, ultimately, a reduced life expectancy
At at Healthy Active Pet, we want to help your dog get healthier and leaner so they can live a long, healthy and happy life
Body Condition Scoring: Is your dog overweight?
The first step we recommend is to use a body condition chart to determine if your dog is a healthy weight, like the one below.
This will give you an idea of how much work you have ahead of you, and it will help you document your progress .
Before embarking on any weight loss journey for your dog, it’s important to have a thorough check up at the vet to make sure there aren’t any underlying health problems causing your pet’s weight gain, such as an under active thyroid.
Unfortunately, not all vets are well versed in fresh food diets and aren’t always supportive of home cooking . This is a complex topic that relates to both the risks of poorly formulated homemade recipes, and the influence of “big pet food.”
At Healthy Active Pet, if your dog does need to lose weight, our expert team have created a Weight Loss Program to make it easier to lose weight.
All Healthy Active Pet recipes have been formulated to meet the same standards commercial pet food in Australia is generally formulated to meet (the AAFCO standards), which will hopefully alleviate any concern.
The program is focused on health and nutrition and will help your dog be in their best health possible. View the program here
If not, finding a vet that supports fresh foods is a helpful step to successfully implementing this meal plan, as they can encourage and guide you, building your confidence and supporting you and your dog on their journey
to wellness.
How can I help my dog lose weight?
If you suspect your dog is overweight, or even obese, and there are no underlying medical conditions, the rule of weight loss is the same for dogs as for humans: reduce calorie intake and increase calorie burn with exercise.
In order for your dog to tap into stored excess fat for energy use, they need to consume fewer calories than they require for not only exercise, but also the energy the body requires to function for digestion, making hormones, cellular repair, brain function, and the heart to beat.
Our Weight Management program is designed designed by animal nutritionists and behaviour experts to help your dog reach their optimal weight and maintain the best health possible.
You will also learn about the best way to feed and exercise your dog.
Our Dog Weight Loss Recipe Program is a 55 page program designed to get your dog in their best health possible and lose the excess kilos and promote their longevity
We will educate you, empower you and inform you.
It contains a full 4 week program designed by our pet nutritionists and experts.
The program includes home made fresh recipes and exercises to follow that are designed to help your dog reach their optimal weight.
- Healthy Active Pet makes home cooking for dogs easy, safe - and tasty
- Created by pet nutritionists for excellent nutrition & result
- Includes recipes & meal plans for dog performance & nutrition
- Easy home-cooking recipes, personalised for your dog, plus feeding guide
- All recipes have been formulated to meet the AAFCO standards
By following this program your dog will in their best health and you will also learn about the best way to feed your dog to ensure their receive the best nutrition possible for them
And if you are looking for a weight loss friendly food - check freeze dried turkey complete meal which is low calorie, high protein complete food
