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It’s not just us humans who tend to gain a couple of pounds over the holidays, our dogs can, too! After all, who can resist slipping them an extra treat or sneaking them a bite of turkey under the table? They’re part of the family and spoiling them is only natural. But just like with us, maintaining a healthy weight is super important for your dog’s health and happiness.
Thankfully, helping your dog lose weight isn’t difficult. In fact, with a few fun tweaks to their routine, you can make it an enjoyable experience for both of you. Whether it’s swapping out calorie-laden snacks for crunchy veggies, playing more games together, or introducing a slow feeder to make mealtime last longer, these small changes can lead to big results.
And a healthy weight means more energy for playtime, fewer health problems, and more happy years with you. So, if your furry friend is looking a little fluffier than usual, why not try adding one or two of these ideas designed to help your dog lose weight into your routine and see if you can make a positive difference in their health and happiness?
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We all want our dogs to live their best, happiest lives full of forceful tail wags, zoomies, and unlimited cuddles. But did you know that keeping them at a healthy weight plays a huge role in making that happen! While a little extra fat might seem harmless, it can have serious consequences for your pup’s health.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association , excess weight can reduce your pet's life expectancy by more than two years. Plus, carrying extra weight puts added stress on your dog’s joints, making it harder for them to move around comfortably. It can also lead to health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, not to mention a general dip in their energy levels.
And of course, we all want our dogs to live as long as possible, because we can’t imagine life without them. Thankfully, helping your dog lose weight doesn’t have to be complicated or even restrictive. With the right diet, portion control, and regular exercise, you can keep your furry best friend looking and feeling lean, lively, and ready for all the adventures life has to offer for many more years.
Something that’s easy to forget when we own dogs is to measure their portions properly. We get used to throwing in what we think is the correct amount into the bowl without ever really knowing for sure. Instead, take a couple of extra minutes each mealtime to weigh out your dog’s food. By controlling portions, you can make sure your dog is eating the correct amount, letting them still feel satisfied without overeating and thus packing on any extra pounds.
If you’re unsure about portion sizes, consult your vet or read the back of the packaging of your dog’s food. Typically, the packaging will explain exactly how much food your dog needs based on their age or size. This small adjustment can make a big difference to helping your dog lose weight.
Does your dog gobble down their food like they’ve never been fed before? Ours too, which is why we often use something called a slow feeder bowl. These clever dog bowls are designed to make your dog eat slower, which helps with digestion and reduces bloating. Plus, by extending mealtime, smaller portions feel more satisfying so it’s perfect for helping your dog lose weight.
Here at WOOOF, we’ve got plenty of slow feeder designs to suit every dog, from colourful wobbly slow feeders to intricate mazes with nice deep dishes designed for long tongues. They’re fun, interactive, and easy to incorporate into your routine. Just pour in their usual portion, and let the slow feeder dog bowl work its magic!
While we love spoiling our dogs – and they should definitely be spoiled every once in a while - those big biscuits and calorie-dense goodies can add up fast. Thankfully, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that your dog will love just as much. Think carrots, apple slices (core removed!), cucumber sticks, or even small chunks of boiled chicken or turkey.
If your pup isn’t ready to part with their favourite treats, start by offering smaller portions. Breaking treats into bite-sized pieces means they still get their reward but with less calories. We have plenty of low calorie dog treats here at WOOOF you can stock up on, like those from Pet Munchies. These dog training treats are perfectly sized for adding to a treat dispenser or as a small treat while training, while still being undeniably delicious!
Taking your dog for a walk is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to help them shed those extra pounds. Just adding five minutes to your daily walk can make a big difference over time. If it’s safe to do so, letting your dog off-lead to run freely will burn even more calories while giving them the freedom to explore. Just be sure you’re in a safe place to do this, and your dog is a pro at recall.
Don’t worry about making massive changes all at once. Gradually increasing your walk time, like an extra five minutes here, another lap around the park there, will quickly add up. More steps mean more calories burned, and before you know it, your dog will be back to their fit and fabulous self. It’s also a way to help your dog lose weight that will benefit you too!
Adding nutrient-packed dog food toppers to your pup’s meals is a fun and effective way to help your dog lose weight while still getting the nutrients they need. Take chicken bone broth, for example. Made from free-range chicken bones, it’s rich in minerals, collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, supporting your dog’s joints, bones, and gut health. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and downright delicious!
Another great option is pumpkin powder. Packed with fibre and essential nutrients, it supports digestion, promotes regularity, and keeps your pup feeling full longer. By adding food toppers for dogs, they’ll get all the nutrients and vitamins they need, just without adding any unnecessary calories.
Interactive feeding toys, like lick mats and treat dispensers, are a fantastic way to help your dog lose weight while keeping their mind sharp and their downtime fun. These interactive dog toys turn treat time into a fun challenge, slowing down their eating and making small portions feel more satisfying.
For example, you could spread some dog-safe peanut butter or plain yogurt onto a lick mat or fill a treat dispenser with their regular dog food or a combination of boiled chicken and grated carrot. Creating these recipes lets you measure out the exact amount of treats yourself, so you know exactly what and how much they’re eating. It’ll not only help promote healthy eating habits, but also provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom and anxiety.
Playtime is another great way to help your dog lose weight. Adding a few extra play sessions into their daily routine can burn calories, boost their mood, and improve their overall fitness. Whether it’s a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek with their favourite toy, keeping your dog active doesn’t have to feel like exercise and can instead just be having fun together.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or tons of space. A quick play session in the garden or even indoors can make a big difference. Incorporating more playtime not only helps with weight loss but also strengthens your bond, giving your dog all the love and attention they crave while staying healthy.
Did you know staying hydrated can help your dog lose weight? Sometimes, dogs mistake thirst for hunger and end up eating more than they need. Ensuring your pup has access to clean, fresh water at all times is a simple way to curb unnecessary snacking.
To make hydration easy, consider carrying a collapsible water bowl on walks or using a pet water bottle for convenient sips on the go. At home, keep water bowls clean and topped up. Staying hydrated supports your dog’s digestion, energy levels, and overall health making it an essential part of any weight-loss plan for dogs.
Swimming is a fantastic, low-impact exercise that’s perfect for dogs who need to lose weight, especially those with joint issues or arthritis. It burns calories, builds muscle, and improves cardiovascular health without putting stress on their joints. Plus, it’s great fun for water-loving pups.
If you have access to a safe swimming area like a dog-friendly beach or a dog-friendly pool, give it a try. Start slow and always supervise your dog while they’re in the water. You’ll be amazed at how much energy they burn while they’re out in the water having the time of their life.
Finally, the food you choose for your dog’s diet will make all the difference in helping your dog lose weight. High-protein, low-calorie diets help maintain muscle mass while shedding fat, keeping your dog strong and energetic throughout their weight-loss journey.
Switching to a specially formulated weight-management food is an easy adjustment. Look for options that are low in fat but packed with essential nutrients to support their health. Pair this with precise portion control, and you’re well on your way to a healthier, happier pup. If you’re unsure what dog food is best for your dog based on their breed and weight, ask your vet for advice. They’ll be able to guide you toward the perfect diet tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
If it were up to us, we’d have our dogs live forever. But since that’s not possible, the next best thing we can do is keep them healthy enough to live as long and happy a life as possible. Helping your dog lose weight and maintain that healthy weight is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve that. It’s not just about helping your dog lose weight but about giving them the energy, strength, and comfort to enjoy every moment with you.
You don’t need to include every single tip from this list into your dog’s routine all at once. The key is finding what works for you and your pup. It should be something sustainable that fits easily into your daily life. Whether it’s adding a few extra minutes to your walk, swapping out treats for healthier alternatives, or being more mindful with portion control, small changes can lead to big results in helping your dog lose weight.
With just a few adjustments, you’ll start to notice improvements not just in your dog’s weight and overall health, but in their mood and wellbeing too. A happy dog is a healthy dog, after all!
And don’t forget, here at WOOOF, we’ve got everything you need to get started. From nutritious food toppers to healthy dog treats and interactive dog toys, we’re here to help you create an easy, effective routine for your furry friend.
Every dog is unique, even those of the same breed! Gender, build, and age all play a role in determining the ideal weight. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane clearly won’t have the same weight goals but even two Golden Retrievers can differ. The best way to know is to consult your vet. They’ll assess your dog’s body condition and help set healthy weight goals.
Can you feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard? Do they have a noticeable waist when viewed from above? If not, your pup might be carrying a few extra pounds. Of course, every dog is different, so a vet check is always the most accurate way to know. A little fluff might look cute, but staying fit will keep your dog feeling their best.
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. The back of your dog food packet is a great place to start. It’s full of handy portion recommendations. But remember, your vet is the real expert. They can tailor advice to your dog’s unique needs. And don’t forget, treats count too so you’ll need to keep these extras in mind as anything with calories can contribute to weight gain.
It depends on their breed, age, and energy level. Most dogs benefit from at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise. High-energy breeds might need more, while seniors may prefer gentler activities. Walking, playing fetch, or even swimming are great options to keep them active and help your dog lose weight.