Dogs and Weight Loss: How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight Safely

As pet parents, we love to spoil our pups. But it’s easy to get carried away with things like extra treats or large meal portions, which can lead to canine obesity and the health problems associated with it. 

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your dog at a healthy weight, and these dog weight loss tips are a great place to start. Talk to your vet about how you can incorporate them into a weight management plan tailored to your dog’s needs and help them lose weight safely. 

Why is Weight Loss Important for Dogs?

Dog obesity is one of the most common health conditions for dogs in the U.S., with 59% of pups considered overweight or obese. 

Keeping your dog at an optimal weight supports their overall health and well-being, improves their quality of life, and supports a long lifespan.  

Obesity puts your dog at an increased risk for many health concerns, which can include:  

• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• Arthritis  
• Pancreatitis  
• Cancer 
• High blood pressure 
• Anesthetic complications  
• Breathing difficulties  
• Shortened lifespan 

5 Ways to Help A Dog Lose Weight

Choose a Veterinary Weight Loss Diet  

Dog weight loss foods are formulated to have less caloric density and are high in fiber, which helps support your dog’s digestive system during weight loss. 

When choosing a diet, therapeutic diets prescribed by a veterinarian are preferred above over-the-counter weight management foods. This is because veterinary diets are specifically formulated to address obesity and weight management and are backed by scientific studies to ensure they are effective and safe.   

Therapeutic diets pet parents may consider for weight loss in their dog include the following:  

• JustFoodForDogs Veterinary Diet Metabolic Support  

• Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d Weight Reduction Management 

• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Satiety Support Weight Management 

Over-the-counter weight loss foods can still be effective. Pet parents may choose these diets because they are less costly and widely available compared to therapeutic diets. Over-the-counter weight management diets for dogs include the following:  

• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Management 

• Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management  

Pet parents should always discuss available diets with their veterinarian to determine the best option for their dog’s weight loss before switching foods. 

Monitor Their Daily Calorie Intake 

Weight gain happens when more calories are consumed than burned, which makes calorie monitoring and portion control an important part of dog weight loss. 

The number of calories your dog needs each day varies depending on their lifestyle, breed, and age.  

To calculate your dog’s daily caloric needs, first convert their weight in pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2. 

Then use the following equation to calculate their resting energy rate (RER): Body Weight x 30+70.  

This is about how many calories your dog needs each day if intending to lose weight. There are calculators online that will do this calculation for you.  

If you’re still unsure what your dog’s daily calorie limit should be, ask your veterinarian. Your vet can help you calculate the number and determine the appropriate amount of kibble and treats you can give each day. 

Treats are often used to reward or bond with a dog, but those treats can quickly increase the number of calories your dog consumes each day. Your vet may recommend skipping treats during your dog’s weight loss timeline or rewarding them with vegetables or toys as an alternative. 

Increase Exercise and Activity 

Exercise is key during dog weight loss to ensure your dog burns more calories than they consume. This can mean spending more time outside on walks, playing energy-driven games like fetch, or even participating in training or agility exercises. Other creative ways to help your dog get moving include: 

• Daily walks in your neighborhood 
• Going swimming  
• Arranging a compatible-dog playdate 
• Setting up an obstacle course 

• Playing with a teaser toy or flirt pole 

• Using a herding ball 

• Letting them chase dog-safe bubbles 

Your dog’s age, breed, and size will determine how much and what type of exercise they need. Chat with your vet about what makes sense for your pup’s health goals. 

Consider a Dog Weight Management Supplement 

In some cases, your vet may recommend trying a supplement to help your dog lose weight. Always talk to your vet before starting your dog on any new supplements. 

Metabolism support for your dog can help their body burn calories while preserving muscle mass. B vitamins and L-carnitine (an amino acid) have been shown to aid in a dog’s metabolism of fats and may support a dog’s healthy weight when paired with exercise. 

Stick to a Schedule 

Just like for people, consistency is key when it comes to dog weight loss. A daily routine for meals and exercise will help you and your pup stay on track for their health goals. Dogs actually prefer sticking to a routine, as it helps them learn wanted behaviors from you, provides a sense of security, and reduces anxiety. 

There is no one-size-fits-all routine that will help your dog lose weight. Consider your own schedule, your dog’s preferences, and come up with your own routine that you know you can stick with. If you need some help finding the right fit, your vet is an excellent resource.