3 Expert Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Is your pooch looking a bit plump? If you are struggling with an overweight dog, you certainly wouldn’t be the first. The 2023 PDSA Paw Report says up to 65% of dogs in the UK are currently overweight.
Getting your furry friend back into shape can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry we are here to help with some great advice and three handy tips.
1) Use a Weight Loss Food
Now, this might seem obvious, however, it is often a step that’s overlooked. Many owners believe their dog will lose weight by simply reducing the amount they feed each day. The trouble with cutting back on each meal is that quite frankly your dog notices. They suddenly don’t feel as full, and the bowl seems half empty. This leads to pleading eyes, begging and eventually us loving owners giving in and handing over some treats.
By using a proper weight loss diet like MORE Lighter, your dog will feel satisfied after every meal. The blend of slow-release carbohydrates will help keep your dog fuller for longer.
MORE Lighter also contains an added weight-loss supplement called L-Carnitine. This amino acid turns fat into energy and promotes a leaner body mass. The perfect way to help get those pounds off your pooch!
Remember the most accurate way to measure your dog’s daily food is with electronic scales. Invest in an electronic scale and get into the habit of either weighing out food regularly. This will keep the weight down and make your dog’s food last even longer.
Of course, no diet would be complete without a little more exercise…
2) Increase Daily Exercise
Getting your dog up and moving more will result in successful weight loss. The key is to gently increase the amount of time you spend walking and playing with your dog. Don’t worry more exercise doesn’t mean strenuous hikes or marathons!
Simply add on ten minutes extra to your daily dog walking routine. For help making walkies more exciting, watch our advice video.
Remember not all exercise is going to be outside in fields or forests. Playing with your dog at home is also exercise and can be just as fun.
Use your furry friend’s favourite toy and play a game of Hide and Seek. Simply pop your dog out of the room, rub the toy across the floor and hide (somewhere easy at first!). Bring your dog back in and guide them through the trail.
Remember dinnertime can also be a great opportunity to encourage activity and help reduce boredom. Rather than feeding in a boring bowl, try using an interactive toy like Frogg.
For more tips watch our video on Making Dinnertime More Fun.
3) Reduce the Treats!
It is unrealistic to expect to completely cut treats from your dog’s life. Afterall everyone deserves a treat every now and again…
However, it is worth reconsidering how many treats or titbits you give your dog every day.A guilty habit many pet owners have is feeding human food. Most pets will do anything for some of that delicious yellow stuff (cheese).
However human food can be incredibly fatty, did you know just one cubic inch of cheddar cheese is 69 calories? For us, this isn’t a big deal, but for our furry friends, it very easily adds up. So, ignore the sad puppy eyes and say no to human food!
Instead, stick to low-calorie treat options or offer your dog fruits and vegetables instead. Fruits such as cranberries or blueberries and vegetables like broccoli and carrots are brilliant substitutes.
So, there you have it, three tips to get you started and help your furry friend feel fitter.
Keep in mind, regular weighing and body scoring is key to keeping your dog at their healthiest. Watch our video on How to Body Score your Dog.
Head to your local Pets Corner for expert advice and to use our free weighing service.