When it comes to losing fat, we often hear “Eat less” and “exercise more”. But it's not always that simple.
Weight loss is not just about exercising more and eating less. It's also about finding the right balance for you.
The same is true for our dogs. For them to lose weight, they will need to burn more calories than they eat. But to maintain their weight loss, you'll have to find the right balance.
Laika began to gain weight a few year ago, and I tried a number of methods. Some methods worked and others didn't. Today, I will share the good ones. She not only lost weight but also kept it off for a long time. Here are 5 tips for helping your dog lose weight and keep it off.
Feed less & always measure
The first part is obvious — your dog should eat less if they need to lose weight. The second part, measuring your dog's meals, is often forgotten. But without measuring results it is difficult to judge. You can only know if you are successful in reducing the amount of food your dog consumes by measuring all their meals.
When your dog is overweight and you have been feeding them the same amount for a while, reduce their portion size by a small percentage (when Laika was trying to lose weight I would cut her food by 5% each time). Start measuring your dog's food with a measuring cup, or a scale. Track your dog's weight and how much food he is eating for 3-4 weeks. Adjust accordingly.
It's easy to underestimate how much food our dogs need. Unfortunately, dog food labels don't always reflect the exact amount. The labels are based on the size and age of your dog, but do not take into consideration your dog's level of activity. If they are the same weight, the label will suggest the same amount for both. It's essential to measure your dog's meals to find out the right amount for them.
Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about how to reduce your dog's food intake or if you don't know the exact amount.
Get Your Dog More Exercise
Our dogs are no different. A couple of extra sessions per day can make a big difference in helping your dog to lose weight. There are many simple ways to make sure your dog gets more exercise every day. I'm also not talking about taking them on a marathon. Your dog can burn a lot more calories by playing tug or fetch for two five-minute sessions each day.
Start slowly if your dog's condition is not very good. Start with low-impact exercises like swimming or walking to build their endurance. Instead of taking your dog on an 8-mile hike at the weekend, try to extend your daily walks by just a few minutes. Try increasing the pace of your walk instead of switching to a jog. A brisk walk can help you and your dog burn calories.
I love to take my dog for a daily walk. We also play fetch, tug-of-war, swim, hike, use a flirtpole, and play nosework games like “find the treat.” You can also do indoor activities.
Add a few more activities to your dog’s daily routine. For example, a game or tug of war will help them burn more calories. Since they are a part of your dog's daily routine, it is easy to continue.
Enjoy All the Extra Treats
If your dog is trying to lose weight, you may be tempted to give in to their demands. These calories can quickly add up and negate any weight loss efforts you have made. If your dog is still not losing weight after changing their diet and exercising, it may be time to cut back on the treats.
Start measuring treats if you are using them for training or to provide snacks for your dog throughout the day. Break them down into smaller pieces. Watch the results as you count any treats that your dog eats each day against their daily caloric intake.
Laika is a pretty easy girl; she will happily work for her food when it comes time to train. When I want to do some training, I will just take some of Laika's regular food and put it aside.
Find a fruit or vegetable that your dog loves and give it to him as a treat. You can use these treats in moderation, as they contain less calories. However, they contain natural sugars and fiber. The following are some popular dog-friendly options: carrots, sugar snaps peas (without seeds), green beans, apple slices without seeds, seedless watermelon and bananas.
You can feed your dog multiple times a day
Do you feed your dog one big meal a day? Splitting their food up into two or three small meals during the day is a great way to lose weight.
After 8-10 hours, the stomach is empty. They're hungry. It is important to feed your dog several times per day. This mimics the natural behavior of dogs and helps maintain their metabolic rate.
Feeding your dog in the morning and early evening is a simple schedule. Your dog will be able to burn some calories by eating at different times. This will also help them digest their entire day's food in one go, which can prevent larger dogs from becoming bloated.
Make your dog work for their food
You may think that making your dog earn their food is cruel. Why should we make them work? We are their caregivers, after all. And we're responsible to provide food and shelter. Most dogs enjoy working to get food from a puzzle or treat dispenser. They are able to use their natural hunting skills to get their food.
There are many options for making your dog earn their food. These range from store-bought puzzles to DIY dispensers made of PVC pipes and plastic containers. The Boba-Lot interactive dog toy (available on Amazon) is my personal favorite. It is easy to fill and dishwasher safe. My dog will play with it for at least 15 minutes while she eats her meal.
Food dispensing toys are a great way to keep your dog active and stimulated. Instead of thinking about it as “working” for their meal, I prefer to think of this as a way to keep my dogs busy and entertained at mealtime.
If Your Dog Is Still Not Losing Weight
Weight gain in dogs is usually gradual, but sudden weight gains can indicate something more serious. Some medical conditions can cause your dog's weight to drop, making it difficult to keep him trim.
It's time to visit the vet if your dog is overweight or you are struggling to keep him fit.
How Can You Maintain A Healthy Weight In Your Dog?
How did you help your dog? What methods did your use? What are your favorite tips to keep the weight off for the long term?