If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, you’re not alone. Obesity is one of the most common health issues that dogs face today. Just like humans, carrying extra pounds can impact a dog’s quality of life and shorten its lifespan. But don’t worry—with the right plan, plenty of love, and some dedication, you can help your dog shed those excess pounds and get back to their happy, energetic self.
Start with a Visit to the Vet
Before you make any changes to your dog’s routine, it’s essential to start with a visit to your veterinarian. The vet can help determine how much weight your dog needs to lose and identify any underlying health issues that could be contributing to the weight gain. They will assess your dog’s overall health, determine the ideal weight range, and help you create a safe and effective weight loss plan. Additionally, the vet may recommend specific diets or supplements that could be beneficial.
Portion Control: Measure Your Dog’s Meals
One of the most effective ways to help your dog lose weight is to control how much food they eat. Many of us are guilty of just pouring food into our dog’s bowl until it looks “full.” However, overfeeding—even just a little bit—adds up over time. Instead, measure your dog’s food according to the feeding guidelines on the packaging or your vet’s recommendation.
Switching to a high-quality measuring cup is a game-changer for getting your dog’s food portions just right. You might consider the Petacc Measuring Scoop, available on Amazon. This scoop is not only accurate, but it also has multiple measuring units, which makes controlling portion sizes easier.
Choose a High-Quality, Low-Calorie Dog Food
Another crucial part of a successful weight-loss plan is choosing the right food. Switching to a low-calorie, high-protein dog food can help reduce your dog’s overall caloric intake while keeping them full and satisfied. Look for brands that emphasize healthy ingredients and avoid products with too many fillers, like corn or wheat.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food is a popular option that’s formulated to support healthy weight loss. It’s highly rated on Amazon, and many dog owners have reported excellent results using this formula. Alternatively, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight is another good option that provides natural ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives.
Avoid Table Scraps and High-Calorie Treats
Feeding your dog table scraps and high-calorie treats can easily derail any progress they’re making. It’s easy to underestimate how much a piece of cheese or a slice of bacon can add to their daily calorie intake. If you love to give your dog treats, make sure you are opting for low-calorie alternatives that are designed specifically for weight loss.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Healthy Dog Treats are a great option that’s low in calories and high in taste. With just a few calories per treat, you can reward your dog without adding unnecessary calories. Training treats can also be used as an incentive during exercise routines, making them helpful for keeping your dog motivated.
Incorporate More Exercise
Exercise is another key part of any successful weight loss plan. Increasing your dog’s activity level can help them burn more calories, stay energized, and improve their overall health. Start with adding more walks to their routine. Depending on your dog’s current fitness level, you may need to begin with short walks and gradually increase the length and pace.
A great way to make walks more fun is to use a TUG 360° Retractable Dog Leash. This leash, available on Amazon, allows your dog to explore while still staying safe by your side. It provides them with a bit more freedom while keeping you in control—perfect for adding variety to your walks.
If your dog likes to run and play, consider getting a Chuckit! Ball Launcher to increase the intensity of their exercise without exhausting yourself. It’s ideal for playing fetch, one of the best cardio activities for dogs. You can use this tool in a fenced yard or an open park to let your dog have fun while burning those extra calories.
Engage Your Dog with Interactive Toys
Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to walks or fetch. Using interactive toys that require your dog to move or think is another great way to encourage weight loss while providing mental stimulation. A mentally tired dog is also often less interested in eating out of boredom.
The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy is a highly-rated toy that can keep your dog entertained and active. It engages their mind and body as they try to figure out how to get the squirrels out of the plush tree trunk.
Consider Feeding Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of feeding your dog one or two large meals, try feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help increase their metabolism and keep them from feeling overly hungry between meals. Dividing their daily portion into three or four smaller meals is a great way to keep them satisfied and help avoid overeating.
A timed automatic feeder, like the WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder, can help you manage smaller, more frequent feedings even when you’re not home. With portion control options, this feeder allows you to schedule feedings throughout the day and helps eliminate the temptation of accidentally overfeeding.
Introduce Healthy Vegetables as Snacks
If your dog loves to snack, consider introducing low-calorie, dog-safe vegetables. Carrots, green beans, cucumber slices, and even sweet potato chunks can all make great, healthy snacks for your dog. Vegetables are low in calories but high in fiber, meaning your dog can eat a decent volume without getting too many extra calories.
Just make sure to avoid toxic vegetables like onions and garlic, and always introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive upset.
Track Your Dog’s Progress
Tracking your dog’s weight loss progress will help you stay motivated and make adjustments if needed. Weigh your dog at regular intervals—perhaps every couple of weeks—and take note of their progress. You can often do this at your vet’s office or even at home if you have a scale large enough.
Some owners have found that using a PetFit Activity Tracker, similar to a Fitbit but for dogs, is helpful in understanding how much activity their dog is getting. It can give you an idea of whether they need more exercise or if the current level is effective.
Be Patient and Consistent
Weight loss is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient. Dogs lose weight slowly, and it may take months to reach the ideal goal. Stick to the plan you’ve made with your vet, be consistent with food portions and exercise, and celebrate even the small victories along the way.
If you find your motivation slipping, remember that every pound lost means less strain on your dog’s joints, heart, and body overall. It means they can move more freely, play for longer, and ultimately, have a longer, happier life by your side.
Limit Access to Food When Not Scheduled
Free feeding—leaving food out all day—is one of the main contributors to overweight dogs. Dogs are often opportunistic eaters, and if food is available, they are likely to snack even when they’re not hungry. Instead, use scheduled feedings to control the amount your dog is eating.
A Veken Pet Fountain can provide fresh water throughout the day without leaving food out. Keeping your dog hydrated is just as important, especially during increased physical activities. Staying hydrated can also help control hunger levels, so always ensure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water.
Create a Support System
Weight loss can be a family effort—make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. If one member is sneaking treats or extra portions, it will undermine your efforts. Get everyone involved by sharing your dog’s weight loss goals and making sure they understand the importance of sticking to the plan.
If you live alone or need extra support, there are also online groups and forums dedicated to helping pets lose weight. Hearing about other people’s journeys and sharing your own progress can be highly motivating.
Avoid Food as a Reward
When training your dog, it’s easy to rely on treats as a reward. Instead of always reaching for a treat, consider other ways to reward your dog—like extra playtime, a favorite toy, or simply offering lots of affection. This helps decrease unnecessary calories without taking away from your dog’s happiness.
If you still want to use treats for training, be sure to break them into tiny pieces so your dog can still get rewarded often, but with much less food. A great option is Fruitables Skinny Minis Dog Treats, which are soft, low-calorie, and can easily be broken into even smaller bits.
Keep Your Dog Out of the Kitchen During Meal Prep
If your dog is used to hanging out in the kitchen during your mealtimes, they might be tempted to beg or steal scraps. To help your dog lose weight, keep them out of the kitchen during meal prep and eating times to avoid accidental sharing of high-calorie human food.
Setting up a baby gate, like the Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Baby Gate, is a simple way to keep your dog out of the kitchen while still being able to keep an eye on them. This can help reduce the temptation for both of you.
Recognize When to Seek Additional Help
If you’ve followed all the right steps and are still struggling to help your dog lose weight, don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support. Your vet may refer you to a pet nutritionist who can further assist with creating an individualized diet plan for your dog. Sometimes there are underlying health issues, such as thyroid problems, that could be preventing weight loss.
They may also recommend prescription weight-loss foods or supplements, which are formulated specifically to help with weight reduction. One such option is Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Canine, which many vets recommend for more challenging weight-loss situations.
Final Thoughts
Helping your dog lose weight is about giving them a better quality of life—one where they can move freely, explore with energy, and be by your side for as long as possible. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, consistency, and a lot of love, you’ll see your furry friend transform into a healthier, happier version of themselves. Always remember that you’re their partner in this journey, and every step you take together will bring you both closer to a more joyful life.
You’ve got this! Now, why not lace up your shoes, grab that leash, and take your dog out for a nice, brisk walk?