My overweight dog...?

Question

How do you put an overweight dog on a diet?

Answer 1

be very gentle. do not call the dog fat. explain that it is genetic and his parents were probably fat too. slowly switch his food to a different brand that he/she doesn't like. preferably a dry food. massage the dogs ribs and whisper in its ears that your dog is the prettiest dog around.

Answer 2

Simply follow the feeding requirements on the back of your dog food.

Most people don't realize that they are drastically overfeeding their dogs. My three dogs, all of whom are around fifty pounds, only get two cups a day each; one in the morning, and one at night. It probably doesn't sound like much, but it's on the upper end of the recommended amount per day for their weight class.

I've seen people who allow their dogs to "free feed" all day; filling their bowl to the point of overflowing and allowing their dogs to eat to their heart's content all day long, and supplementing their diets with treats every time they beg for one. Then they wonder why their dogs are overweight.

Are you exercising your dog? You should be taking your dog for walks every day, regardless of the weather conditions. Dogs can't burn calories lying around in front of the fireplace.

In short, you don't need to "put your dog on a diet." Simply follow the recommended feeding guidelines and offer daily exercise.

You won't see immediate results, but you'll start a pattern that will continue for the rest of the dog's life, and eventually, the weight will come off.

Anything more drastic is NOT safe for your dog's health.

Answer 3

If the brand of food you're feeding right now has a calorie reduced version, gradually switch your dog to that. If not, find another brand that is "lite" and make the switch gradually.

It's also important not to feed any high calorie treats if your dog needs to lose weight. Some people like to feed their overweight dogs raw vegetables like carrots, maybe beans, broccoli, whatever your dog likes.

You also need to get your dog exercised. But you need to build your dog up gradually, just like a person would, don't try to start off jogging for a mile. Exercise is really, really important not only to get the weight off but for your dog's heart.

Answer 4

They sell dog foods that are low calorie, I like the holistic blends. Also avoid the dog treats unless you buy those in the diet form to. My Lab has weight issues and I supplement his treats with carrots. Also exercise is crucial to take off the pounds. I also give my dog a vitamin supplement when he is on a diet to ensure he is not losing vital nutrients. If I only need to take a few pounds off of him he stays on his regular food but it is cut back into smaller amounts.

Answer 5

I have a pug and I swear he's been on a diet forever.
But, I finally found 2 foods I reccomend...

Spot Stew, it's canned food by Halo but it's completely all natural and the fat content is really low because a large portion of it is veggies.

Science Diet - Prescription Diet r/d which you can get at a vets office.

These have dropped the weight on my pug significantly, so I'm sure you will have results with them. Good lucK!

Answer 6

One of my dogs is overweight too. Here's what my vet said. I told him she doesn't get enough exercise, he said everyone says that. He said that's not always the case. Just cut down (not out) what she eats. But absolutely no 'people food'. Now if my hubby can just understand that. LOL The vet also said it doesn't seem to be a problem right now as much, but it could cause her to have health problems as she gets older. Hope I helped.

Answer 7

1. Reduce the food intake. Follow the directions on the back of the food bag. It is better to reduce the amount than to give special "diet" foods.

2. Give dry dog foods, like Iams. My vet told me dog foods like kibbles n bits have too many sugars in it.

3. Absolutely no human food!

4. Exercise your dog by taking him/her on walks. They will not exercise themselves on their own, even if they are small and have a yard to play in.

Answer 8

I just heard that some government agency (Dept, of Agriculture, or FDA?) has recently approved a drug that is suppose to decrease a dog's appetite and block the absorption of some fats by the digestive system,sounds like just what you need. Hope you can locate this stuff,it might help. Might try on-line or a call to your veterinary. Good luck,PeeTee

Answer 9

You should take your dog to the vet and get advise from the vet. Or you should play with your dog much more to ensure that he/she spends much energy and you should give him/her less food. But do not decrease his/ her food suddenly. The decreasing period should be long to help your dog to get used to eat less food by time.

Answer 10

Feed him less and walk him every day. There is also pretty good reduced calorie foods. I use INNOVA EVO reduced calorie as my dog can pick up weight quickly.