It’s important to also consider treats and snacks in the daily ration.

Unlike regular pet foods, where feeding recommendations are often broad, the recommendations for weight-loss diets should be detailed to provide pet owners with meaningful guidance. Weight-loss diets typically fall under “feed intended for particular nutritional purposes”, accompanied by indications for veterinary examination and diagnosis.

According to a study in 2010, out of 44 examined weight-loss foods for dogs, the calorie content ranged from 217 to 440 kcal per cup. There seems to be a significant challenge in the market, as commercial weight-loss pet foods often have a wide calorie range. Therefore, simply reducing the ration of regular food over an extended period poses a serious risk of nutrient deficiency. If you reduce the amount of a product by, for example, 20%, you not only reduce the calorie intake but also the intake of essential nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins by 20%. Using an existing product, such as an already available adult formula, and just adjusting the feeding recommendation to create a weight-loss diet doesn’t work. Progress in this field should incorporate specific weight-loss diets, but also a focus on careful monitoring of body condition score, as well as providing support for pet owners. Simply reducing the amount of food is not a solution. But how should this be approached? Ways to make progress As in humans, obesity in pets can lead to serious health issues. A survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the US to be overweight or obese. Obesity is a disease of prosperity that has also affected pets.

Pet weight control