Is your dog overweight? Would you like to do something about it?
Overweight dogs can lead to a plethora of problems, such as joint issues, high cholesterol, laziness, and depression from being inactive. They usually get overweight because of their diets.
There are many things you can do to get your dog back on the right track. We put together ten tips to help your dog shed some pounds and get healthy.
Continue reading to learn about how to help your dog lose weight.
1. Give Your Dog Less Carbs
Just like humans, dogs easily store carbs, making it difficult to lose weight. Too many carbs can bloat your dog and keep them overweight. Dogs actually thrive with a diet consisting of mostly protein.
Using a high-protein diet will build muscle on your dog and allow them to lose the fat that they have. You can use foods that have a bit of fat to sate the appetite of your dogs, but try to avoid the carbs.
2. Reduce The Portions
“My best friend is too fat to walk.” Well, if you’d like to know how to help your dog lose weight, one of the best things you can do is reduce the amount of food you give them.
Reducing the portion sizes with help your dog lose weight fast, and it will prevent them from becoming bloated. This means they’ll have the energy to move around and not lay on the couch all day.
3. Measure The Food
Many dog owners have a certain cup that they use to scoop dog food and throw it in their bowls. This is not how to make a dog lose weight successfully.
Measuring the food is a part of reducing the portions. When you measure the food, you can count the macros and ensure that you’re not going overboard. You can also make sure that you’re giving them the same amount each day.
4. Make Your Own Dog Food
Making your own dog food will give you full control of what your dog eats. Not only can you add your own macros, but you can also get creative with what you do. There are many dog food recipes that use tasty and healthy ingredients.
Making the food will also save you a ton of money. Not only will your dog intake healthier food, but you also won’t be going broke to feed them. A large bag of dog food can cost around ~80 and usually lasts only 2 weeks.
5. Carefully Decide The Treats You Give
Looking at the nutrition facts on dog treats is very important in keeping your dog healthy. Many dog treats provide an excessive amount of calories and carbs, making it easy to accidentally get your dog fat.
Aside from buying dog treats, you can make your own, just like with meals. This is a cheaper and healthier option, and your dog will appreciate it, too. You can use vegetables, fruits, and healthy meats to reward your dog.
Here are some great treats you can give your dog:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Bananas
- Peanut Butter
- Blueberries
Each of these is a healthy option, but just be sure not to give your dog too much of anything.
6. Get The Family Involved
Making sure that everyone is aware of your new plans is essential to helping your dog lose weight.
Without notifying the family, you will be the only one that is properly feeding them. Other family members will mistakenly feed your dog the wrong things. Getting the family involved can also bring everyone together.
Putting your dog’s food together with family is a great social activity, and you can use the time to teach everyone about what your dog can and can’t eat. You and your family can also play with your dog together, making for healthy activity.
7. Exercise With Your Dog
One of the most important things you can do is to exercise with your dog. There are many pet owners that don’t exercise with their pets, causing them to become overweight and develop behavioral issues due to boredom.
Exercising will allow your dog to burn off the extra energy they have from sitting in the house, and it gives you an opportunity to burn your own calories. A simple walk every day will go a long way for both you and your dog.
8. Incorporate CBD to Make Them Relax
If your dog’s weight loss journey is new, there’s a chance that they may not react well at the beginning. Because your dog has been sitting around and eating poorly, their behavior can impede you from walking with them and the sorts.
Using CBD oil for dogs can help your dog relax and make them more willing to try new foods and exercise. CBD oil also provides other benefits, such as pain relief, which will help them exercise again.
9. Weigh Your Dog
When your goal is to make your dog lose weight, you must weigh them. Weighing them is necessary to check their progress and make sure that they actually are losing weight.
Weighing also lets you know if you should change something within their diet in case they are losing or gaining weight too rapidly. Be sure to keep notes and ensure that your dog’s weight matches their breed’s recommended weight.
No Need to Wonder How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
With the tips in this article, you no longer need to ask yourself how to help your dog lose weight. Start helping your dog by correcting their diet and getting them to exercise. It will work wonders!