Obesity in the dog - really lose weight!

Actually, the calculation is quite simple: If your dog is too fat, he will gaintoo much energyIt's important to remember that, unlike muscle, fatty tissue doesn't help increase metabolic activity. The logical consequence, therefore, is to reduce energy intake to the point where the dog loses weight. This sounds simple, but we know from experience how difficult this is, and many a longing dog look has made us, too, melt.

Your dog, just like us humans, should not lose weight too quickly. As a guideline, you can expect about1.5% of body mass/week(maximum 2%). To ensure this, the energy density of the ration must be60% of the maintenance requirement of the target weightHowever, simply reducing the amount of feed currently used is not advisable, as this reduces energy intake but alsoSupply of important minerals, vitamins and above all protein.For this reason, there are so-called "reduction diets"—diets specifically tailored to the needs of dogs who need to lose weight. These reduction diets have a lower calorie content, but are rich in nutrients and protein. Your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist will be happy to help you find asuitable feeding planto put together.

Most dog owners aren't willing to completely eliminate rewards from the menu during a weight-loss diet. This isn't necessary, but you should always keep the energy content of treats in mind: Dried tripe, pig's ears, and even rice cakes have a high energy density due to their low water content, so alternative food rewards are often more energy-efficient.

Depending on the dog’s taste preferences, you can z.BChop up cucumbers, carrots, or apples. Some dogs also love strawberries, blueberries, or tangerines. If your dog isn't a fan of fruits or vegetables, you can also boil pasta or potatoes until soft and feed them in small amounts as a treat.

Cellulose as a weight loss aid for morbid obesity

The tasteless cellulose is produced from deciduous trees and is an excellent source of crude fiber. Cellulose reduces the digestibility of carbohydrates and shortens the time the feed remains in the intestine, resulting in less energy absorption overall.

Accustoming your pet to fiber should take several days, and the daily dose should be divided into the number of daily portions. When feeding dry food, the powder should be mixed with a little water or soy yogurt. Please discuss the administration and dosage of cellulose with your veterinarian, as fiber may be counterproductive in some gastrointestinal diseases.

Vegetables
If your dog is very hungry with the reduced amount of food, so that you can hardly resist giving him a little more than planned, we recommend mixing vegetables into the ration. Some varieties are tolerated raw (z.B. salad or cucumber), other varieties are better cooked (z.B. Broccoli, fennel). However, avoid corn, peas, and beans, as these have a relatively high starch content and therefore a higher energy content than other varieties.

Movement
In addition to reducing the amount of energy your dog consumes, you should make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Water sports are especially recommended for overweight dogs, as they're easy on the joints and are great fun for many dogs.

Create a weight curveTo get a better overview of your dog's weight development, it's a good idea to weigh your pet regularly (once a week) and enter the weight in a chart with the "kg" and "week" axes. Remember: Your dog should lose a maximum of 2% of their weight per week.

In general, we recommend seeking advice from a veterinarian if you are planning to lose weight, as an adequate supply of protein, vitamins, minerals and trace elements should be ensured to ensure healthy weight loss.

Our veterinarians Carla and Veronika will be happy to answer any questions you may have at tierarzt@vegdog.de zur Disposal.