Every now and again, our dogs can noticeably become overweight and may need to lose a few pounds to remain healthy. Weight gain in dogs can be caused by a number of factors, such as low mobility, certain illnesses and simply eating more than they should. Finding out the perfect diet for your dog and their specific needs can make all the difference when ensuring they are getting a healthy diet and the right nutrition. If you’re struggling to understand which type of dog food to feed your pooch, consider dry dog food for weight loss today.
In our comprehensive guide, we will explore which dog food types are good for weight management, as well as the ingredients to look out for to ensure your dog is getting the right diet. We will also explore the right portions for weight loss, as well as the other tips and tricks you can try to get your dog looking leaner.
What Dry Dog Food is Good for Weight Loss?
In moderation, almost all dry dog food can be beneficial for your dog's weight. According to recent studies, there are various dietary supplementations containing probiotics that promote weight loss by reshaping the gut microbiome and energy metabolism in dogs. By altering the gut microbiome, you can help your dog lose weight naturally, ensuring they are still getting their nutrients.
There are different dry dog food brands that are perfect for helping your dog lose weight, some of which can be mixed with wet and raw food to provide extra texture and nutritional benefits. DARF cold pressed light dog food is high in protein and full of essential vitamins and minerals, and can be a great choice for weight loss when fed in moderation.
Grain free options such as Nourish Rite are also an ideal choice for crafting the perfect diet for your dog. Options such as our light trout dog food contain essential ingredients like 50% trout and salmon, and vegetables such as sweet potato to ensure your dog is receiving a nutritional diet. Both our Nourish Rite and DARF cold pressed dog food can be ordered on subscription to save you time and always ensuring your dog is never without their regular diet.
You can view our full collection of dry dog food here.
Is Grain Free Dog Food Good for Weight Loss?
Grain free dry dog food can be the go-to choice for weight management in dogs due to its various benefits and lack of filler, fattening ingredients. Grains such as rice don’t add much nutritional value to your dog’s diet, and although the inclusion of complex carbohydrates can make your dog feel fuller quicker, they aren’t getting the right balance of nutrients to make them healthy.
Many grain free dry dog food options promote weight loss by having a high protein content, helping your dog maintain lean muscle mass whilst promoting fat loss. Grain free dry dog food also tends to have lower carbohydrate levels, which can reduce fat storage, and can be more digestible, helping dogs absorb the right nutrients. Nourish Rite grain free dog food ticks all of these boxes; for example, the chicken option contains 55% chicken alongside sweet potatoes, peas and regular potato, as well as key vitamins and minerals.
Feeding your dog a particular dog food brand won’t allow them to lose weight on its own; making the right decisions specific to your dog can contribute to weight loss and help them live a healthier life. We provide expert advice through our wellbeing consultation, curating diet plans specific to your dog and their needs.
What Ingredients Can Contribute to Weight Loss in Dogs?
Ingredients to look out for when choosing dry dog food for weight management include:
- Protein: it is often believed that protein can contribute to weight gain in dogs due to their contribution to muscle mass, but this isn’t always the case. Lean protein sources such as turkey, chicken and fish are great choices for weight loss in dogs.
- Vegetables and fruit: look out for dry dog food options that have a good amount of vegetables to give your dog a balanced diet
- Vitamins and minerals: essential nutrients such as Omega 3 and vitamins B1 and B2 are key when maintaining a healthy diet.
It is important to not overfeed your dog, no matter how healthy a certain type of food is. You should always provide your dog with fresh water throughout the day, and consider their portion size if their current diet isn’t working for them...
How Much Should I Feed My Dog to Help Them Lose Weight?
Each dog food brand stocked here at Fetch comes with feeding guidelines based on your dog’s average weight. However, if your dog is only gaining weight based on these guidelines, it might be the better course of action to cut down their portions.
Once you have figured out your dog’s ideal weight, you can effectively work out how much to cut back on meals, portion sizes and treats, as well as making other reasonable adjustments to your dog’s lifestyle. However, it is important to avoid drastically cutting back, as it could negatively affect your dog’s metabolism and make weight loss harder.
What Else Can I Do to Help my Dog Lose Weight?
As well as feeding your dog the most proportionate amount for their breed and weight, there are other ways in which you can encourage weight loss. These include:
- Regular walks: dogs often gain weight when they aren’t being walked enough for their breed. Some dogs need more exercise than others, so it is essential to give them the time and energy they deserve for both weight control and mental stimulation.
- Vet visits: weight gain is often out of your or your dog’s hands. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can lead to excessive weight gain, so if you notice your dog putting on the pounds with no reasonable explanation, it might be worth taking them to the vet.
- Scheduled feeding times: feeding your dog at regular intervals every day can get your dog into a routine, and ready for their food.
Dry Dog Food for Weight Loss at Fetch
At Fetch, we stock a wide variety of dry dog food that can be eaten on its own or mixed with raw and wet food, providing your dog with the perfect diet. From cold pressed and air-dried options, we have plenty of dry dog food brands available to help your dog shed those last few pounds.
If you’re struggling to help your pooch lose weight, consider our wellbeing consultations to get you on the right track and improve your pet’s nutrition and overall diet.
You can browse our full collection of dry dog food here.
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