What is the quickest way for a dog to lose weight?

Like all weight loss, there needs to be a calorie deficit in order for a pet to lose weight. This means that the calories burned needs to be more than the calories consumed. You can do this two ways: by increasing the amount of exercise they do, or decreasing their food. Taking your dog for a walk is a great way for them to get exercise while also stimulating their mind. If your dog needs to lose weight, you might want to go for longer or more frequent walks. If your dog has no joint issues or injuries, you could also take them jogging with you. Swimming is great for dogs with arthritis if they get sore after walking. You should also note that when trying to lose weight, you should be feeding your dog the amount based on the weight that they should be, not the weight they are.

If you’re helping your dog to lose weight, it’s important to consider how a vet-recommended diet, monitoring calorie intake, a weight management supplement like Zesty Paws Vet Strength Weight Management Bites, and exercise can all work together during their weight loss journey. Choose a Dog Weight Loss Vet-Recommended Diet, as 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. Also, make sure to correctly measure your dog's food during each meal, as extra kibble can easily add on extra pounds, which is especially true for smaller breeds. Monitor Your Dog’s Daily Calorie Intake, as food and treats can add up quickly, and your vet may recommend skipping treats during your dog’s weight loss timeline or rewarding them instead with vegetables as a healthy alternative. A dog weight supplement may help support your overweight pup during their weight loss, and B vitamins and L-carnitine have been shown to aid in a dog’s metabolism of fats and may support a dog’s healthy weight when paired with exercise. Get Your Dog Moving, as a healthy dog weight can be achieved with a specific nutrition plan, but exercise is also key during dog weight loss. This means spending more time outside during their daily walks or penciling in more energy-driven games like fetch or tug of war. Stick to a Schedule, as a daily routine for meals and exercise will help you and your pup stay on track for their health goals.

Gently reduce the number of calories your dog is eating per day, beginning by reducing their total calorie consumption by 10%. By doing this slowly, you can make it more manageable for your dog while avoiding triggering their survival ‘fat storage’ mode being deployed. Cut the treats and titbits, as these can have lots of hidden calories and really hinder your dog’s weight loss journey. If you do give them a treat, it should be taken out of their overall daily ration of calories, which means cutting back their meal portion appropriately. Get active, as if your dog is overweight, you need to increase their activity gently, as they can be more prone to joint problems and injuries. Try gentle exercise on relatively flat ground until your dog’s body condition score improves. Swimming can be a great option too, as it alleviates the pressure that their extra weight puts on their joints. Intermittent fasting can also help with managing weight, where you feed your dog less frequently than daily, but before switching to this regime, first check with your vet that it is safe for your dog.