5 Tips To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Whether your dog has gained some unwanted pounds because of extra table scraps, extra doggie treats or simply because he/she is getting older and thus, not moving around as much, helping your dog live a longer, healthier life means that your dog needs to take off those extra pounds. To help him/her do that, here are 5 tips that can help guide you through the weight loss process.
- Moderate Fat
When it comes to feeding your dog for weight loss a diet that is moderate in fat is the best. Although fat has twice the amount of calories as protein and carbohydrates, it is fat that satisfies the appetite. Thus, a low-fat diet will leave your dog still feeling hungry which may lead you to feed your dog more or your dog may resort to poop eating.
- High In Protein
Although both protein and carbohydrates supply the same out of calories, protein will help build and support lean muscle which further burns more fat.
- Lean Protein
You will find that many weight management dog foods contain fish and the reason for this is that fish is a lean protein with less calories. Thus, to help your dog lose some weight feed a diet that contains a lean animal protein such as fish, pork, bison or chicken (breast).
- Split The Meals
Instead of feeding your dog his/her meal in one sitting, try splitting the meal into portions so that he/she eats two or even three times a day if possible. This will enable calories to be burned throughout the day as opposed to having the meal sit in his/her stomach at the end of the day.
- Split The Exercises
Just as you would split your dog's meals in portions, split his/her exercise routines so that he/she is constantly moving. Instead of one 30 minute exercise a day, try 3 ten minute sessions. It is good for your dog's physical and mental health to have him/her engaging in a few exercise routines throughout the day.
