how many calories does my dog need to lose weighthow many calories does my dog need to lose weight

Some common diseases associated with weight gain include hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). For example: A 22 lb. To help your dog lose weight, youll need to reduce portion sizes a bit. Ideally, dogs should have an hourglass figure; if youre looking straight down at them from above, their abdomen will be a bit narrower than their chest and hips. For example, a puppy or kitten requires more calories than a senior pet. How many calories does my dog need? Also, make sure to choose. These toys are not only exciting for your dog, encouraging them to get up and move around as they solve the puzzles, but they are also mentally stimulating, which is an essential part of your dogs health too. Use the following dog feeding chart by weight to estimate how much your dog should eat daily. Even human foods that are safe for dogs to eat can be very high in calories, which can quickly throw their calories for the day out of balance. What, when, and how youre feeding your dog matters. If your dog has one of these hormonal problems, prescription pet medicationis available to correct the condition and get your dog back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Of course, your veterinarian is always the best source of advice when it comes to canine nutrition. Most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to eight months. If youve got a puppy who isnt quite at their adult size yet, you may want to adjust up or down based on their activity and growth rate. That way, every goody your pup gets is packed with nutrition, not a bunch of empty calories. General guidelines for safe weight loss in dogs are 3-5% body weight loss per month and about 0.5 pounds per month in cats (1-3% body weight). While pets with a healthy muscle condition score, coat and skin quality are probably getting all the protein (and other nutrients) they need, problems with these body systems can be due to a wide variety of nutritional and non-nutritional problems, which can be diagnosed by a veterinarian. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This might be as long as six to eight months, with the goal of losing between one and five pounds each month. has become a hobby of Brookes and she is continually learning how to give her aquarium pets the best life possible. 45 lbs / 2.2 = 20.5 kg; 70 x 20.5^0.75 = 674 kcal/day; 1.6 x 672 = 1075 kcal/day Use one of these equations: RER x 1.2, RER x 1.3, RER x 1.4. Based on your dog's degree of excess weight, your veterinarian may recommend a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start. It can lead to arthritis and increase the risk of things like tendon tears and slipped vertebral discs. As mentioned, these calculations can only give crude, zip-code level estimates of your pets Calorie needs (and so how much to feed), which can change with time and circumstances. If your dog needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime. Just as we humans should focus on healthy options like fresh vegetables and lean protein instead of cheeseburgers and french fries, what your dog eats is important for their health and well-being. in dogs that causes the thyroid gland to be underactive, slowing down your dogs metabolism. This means a 20 pound dog will need a minimum of 365 calories per day, not taking into account their energy level. If you have followed all of these instructions and been religious about the weight-loss program and still arent seeing results, then maybe your dogs hormones are to blame. Spayed or neutered dogs burn approximately 25% fewer calories than entire dogs. Healthy weight loss takes time, but helping your dog improve their quality of life and health is worth it! While not an FDA requirement, carbohydrates are a reliable source of energy for your pup, and complex carbs, such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, contain a lot of beneficial nutrients. For details on developing a healthy walking program for your dog, see handout "Walking Your Dog for Weight Loss". Most dogs should be able to reach their weight-loss goals within three to six months. However, you may need to adjust the amount you feed based on your dog's needs. Your dog's body condition is an important thing to consider. To calculate RER, multiply 70 by the body weight in kilograms raised to 3/4 power. You can also examine their ribs. A healthy dog wont have protruding ribs, but you should be able to feel their ribs without needing to press hard. How to take your measurements Our weight loss calorie calculator needs up to four of your measurements: height, neck, waist, and hips, to determine the percentage and mass of body fat which is integral in estimating the number of calories you need to forgo on a daily basis in order to achieve weight loss. Feed your Dachshund less. 100+. Calories are simply a measurement of energy. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . If the goal is to gain weight, increase the number to 30-35 calories per pound. Puppies in this age range are growing extremely quickly and need plenty of high-quality nutrition and calories to help them out. Additionally, CanineBible.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.CanineBible does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The problem with these recommendations is that they dont account for your dogs current health status, or whether your dog is fixed or not, or how active your dog is on a given day. If your veterinarian determines that your pet is underweight, overweight, or has obesity, diagnostic tests may be recommended to rule out an underlying disease process. (See Table 1). Did you know that 53% of dogs are overweight? However, you can consider Calories and kcals interchangeable terms. Some newer weight loss diets, such as Hills Prescription Diet Metabolic, use specific nutrients that can promote increased metabolism, helping dogs burn calories more quickly. Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for, The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Consult your vet for help customizing your dog's MER. Yes, feeding dog treats and sharing food is an important part of the bond you share with your dog, but your heartwarming goodies might be sabotaging your weight-loss efforts. Many puzzle toys use treats, but you can always swap these out with kibble or soft, healthy treats, like our. Some dogs may need to go slower while others may shed the pounds more quickly. In cases that fail to respond to this number of calories, the total will need to be reduced by your veterinarian. Set up your myVCA account today. Is your pup finishing other pets food? You cannot control who eats what when you are not around. Smaller dogs tend to burn more calories (energy) than larger dogs. Canine Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Human foods are typically. Those small bites of cheese or meat you are feeding your dog at the table can quickly add up. These smaller meals can help keep your pup feel full without a spike in insulin. The amount is then adjusted up or down as needed to maintain a healthy body condition score. Most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to eight months. As puppies continue to grow, they need slightly less calories per day. For weight loss in dogs and cats, feeding the RER calories for the step-weight loss target weight (or ideal weight in some cases) should be adequate. Table 1. These include: These are all important factors that will determine how many calories your pup needs in a day! For example, an active Jack Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle. Dont feel discouraged if the pounds dont immediately melt off your dog. Use the following dog feeding chart by weight to estimate how much your dog should eat daily. A cheat day every now and then is okay, but in order to get the fat to burn away, the ins must be less than the outs, and the total daily calorie count matters. Then, referring to the list of X values determined by the Pet Food Alliance, we can plug in 1.6 (because she's a senior dog) for X and our calculated RER value to find out her MER. Columbus, OH 43210, Hospital for Companion Animals: 614-292-3551 These toys are not only exciting for your dog, encouraging them to get up and move around as they solve the puzzles, but they are also mentally stimulating, which is an essential part of your dogs health too. The following chart provides general calorie requirements based on weight ranges: Note: This is a general guideline only and is not meant as a substitute from your veterinarian's specific recommendations. Body weight in pounds. The. No More Doggy Dishwasher Individual pet needs can vary by as much as 50% from calculated values however, so these are only starting points for estimating the amount of food to be provided daily. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. The most important step in your dogs weight loss journey is consistency. Dogs in the herding family, for example, range from short-legged Corgis to large Sheepdogs, so ideal weights will vary. Other simple steps, such as using a slow feeder dog bowl, increasing exercise, and avoiding human food, can help your dog lose or manage their weight. Answer a few simple questions, and youll get a customized meal plan thats perfect for your pup. One kilocalorie, or kcal, is equal to 1000 calories. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and recommend blood tests to ensure that there are no obstacles to weight loss for your pet. Pet Nutrition Alliance. No matter the amount you land on, all dogs will benefit from a consistent feeding schedule. Treats, table scraps, and the bowl of cat food your dog sneaks every now and then can potentially put weight on your dog. Make slow progress with your dog that will last by slowing reducing their portion sizes, increasing their exercise, and cutting back on other unhealthy habits, like feeding your pup human food. Dog food labels offer some guidelines, but you can calculate the ideal number of calories needed in a few steps. It is essential to work with a veterinarian to design a complete and balanced homemade diet for your dog. Weight gain after being spayed or neutered, Overfeeding (provided with too much food), Overeating (given too much of the wrong kinds of food, such as too many treats or table scraps), Genetics (some breeds are more prone to gaining excess weight than others), Ideally, a dog should lose about three to five percent of their body weight each month. Younger and geriatric pets may need more; young pets for growth, and old pets because they appear to be less able to utilize dietary protein than are younger animals. A basic formula for weight loss in pets is: Ideal weight in pounds divided by 2.2 gives you weight in kilograms (kg). To estimate "X" and calculate a dog's individual daily caloric needs, consider the dog's activity level, life stage, and any health conditions or environmental circumstances that may affect energy needs. Yikes! As a pet parent, itll be your responsibility to monitor your pups weight and make changes if needed. If they do, this means they are likely at a healthy weight. When they ween, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, they should be transferred to an appropriate puppy food. 1. If your dog is overweight, it will be hard to feel their ribs without a lot of pressure due to their excess body fat. If you cant find it, ask your veterinarian or veterinary technician for helpthey can point it out to you. Do they drop food? Your vet is the most knowledgeable source for this, but well give you some baselines here. Does your dog have a swinging or sagging stomach? 1. However, those are just the starting . Feeding too much will result in no weight loss and feeding too little can potentially result in serious health consequences associated with malnutrition. Check with your vet for the correct way to go about this for your dog. For example, a 22-pound dog is 10 kg. Together, you and your veterinary healthcare team can help your dog achieve a healthy body weight and condition safely and successfully. We strongly advise pet owners not to reduce feeding below RER calories unless under direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare provider. The exact amount of calories a dog needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. If they do, this means they are likely at a healthy weight. Answer a few simple questions, and youll get a customized meal plan thats perfect for your pup. To calculate MW, take the following steps: 1. How long will my dog need to be on a diet? Want to make things even easier? However, losing weight and getting in shape can not only add not years to your dog's life, but it can also make those extra years more enjoyable. In particular, Hills Prescription Diet metabolic weight management dog food has been a miracle product for many dogs that arent losing weight. Few dogs will naturally walk at a pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and weight loss. Use this tool to determine the proper number of calories your dog will require on a daily basis to stay fit and trim! Maybe you have a picky pup that needs some coaxing and convincing to down a meal. Do you have multiple pets? She loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Now onto the questionhow often should you be feeding your dog? Each dog is an individual and may require adjustments in the recommended diet or routine before finding the correct approach. Caloric needs vary by life stage, so puppies have different needs than adult dogs. Neutered adult. Just remember: theres no magic weight loss pill for dogs. For dogs that are 11 to 22 pounds, feed 4 to 6 ounces per day. Consult your veterinarian for help determining your dog's ideal body weight and caloric needs. In this equation, you are determining your dogs resting energy requirement, or RER. Why Your Dogs Losing Weight and What to Do, How to Use GPS Dog Tracking Collars to Help Your Pup Lose Weight, 5 Health Benefits You Can Expect When You Help Your Dog Lose Weight, How to Help a Puppy Who Isnt Gaining Weight, How Hydrotherapy and Swimming Can Benefit Dogs, Hills Prescription Diet metabolic weight management dog food, Cushings syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs. In general, dogs who are at a healthy weight should have an hourglass shape when viewed from above. No. , as well as some common questions you might have: How Many Calories Should My Dog Eat Daily? Have you been frustrated because your dog doesnt lose weight, no matter what you do? We can then plug that body weight in kilograms into our equation. This could be a source of excess calories. Additional Factors That May Alter Your Calculation. Next, consider your dogs feeding schedule. Weight loss. If youre worried about overfeeding or underfeeding your dog, consider our healthy meal delivery service, which comes with pre-portioned, nutritious meals customized to your dogs needs. The guidelines below assume caloric needs for an average lightly active adult spayed or neutered dog; are between one and seven years old, plus getting less than 30 minutes aerobic activity per day. Dogs should eat around 25 calories per pound of body weight if the goal is to maintain weight. Dogs that are 22 to 55 pounds should eat 10 to 12 ounces of dog food per day. instead of the calorie- and preservative-laden options you see in most stores. Using an outdated weight or a weight youre ballparking isnt going to give you an accurate measurement. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. If you notice your dog has an oval or round shape, they are likely overweight. What Counts Toward My Dogs Daily Calorie Intake? This measurement covers baseline metabolism and things like walking to and from food and water, quick potty trips, and other routine activities. ", "name": "Look at your dog from their side." }]}, How to Control Portions for an Ideal Weight. To minimize digestive upsets, mix the new diet in with the old diet in gradually increasing proportions. 2. In cases that fail to respond, the total number of calories will need to be reduced further. Your dog may also enjoy playing brain games. Use the search! Because they tend to lie around more, it is easier to overlook early signs of illness, since we may attribute their lethargy to their normal laziness. Once you divide the total daily calories by the kcal/cup, that will give you the number of 8-ounce cups of food to feed per day. (614) 889-8070, If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact CVM-DigitalAccessibility@osu.edu, Hummel & Trueman Hospital for Companion Animals, Body Condition & Muscle Condition Score Charts, Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Pet Foods, Theriogenology and Reproductive Medicine Services, Dachshund now healthy after losing 44 pounds, Reasons to come to an Academic Veterinary Medical Center, Veterinary Medical Center Clinics and Facilities, Canine Sports Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation, Honoring the Bond: Support & Resources for Pet Owners, OSU-CVM Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Theriogenology and Reproductive Medicine Service. To calculate kg, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2. In addition to reevaluating whats in your dogs food, consider the habits youre establishing. If you feed treats, make sure to include those in the total daily calorie count as well! Conversely, underfeeding can also lead to health problems due to malnutrition. It is often easier to give in to the dog that wakes you at four in the morning to be fed or the dog that stares at you during dinner or television time until you relent. Depending on the issue, your pup may need additional help to lose weight, and the condition may need to be treated before they can effectively do so. If possible, get your family involved too. 5020 Bradenton Avenue The exact amount of calories a dog needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. For example, a 100-pound dog should lose about a pound a week or four pounds per month. Does your dog inhale their food the minute you put it down? If your dog is overweight, it will be hard to feel their ribs without a lot of pressure due to their excess body fat. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . { "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight", "description": "The American Kennel Club recommends you check your dog’s weight visually by looking for common overweight symptoms", "step": [{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Look at your dog from above and note if your dog has a defined waist near their rear and a straight build on the sides. Dublin, OH 43017 Despite being of the same species, most dogs have different diet requirements that vary from breed to breed. Obesity in dogs is one of the biggest health concerns that veterinarians and pet guardians battle. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat Every Day, The 6 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss of 2023, The 11 Best Dog Foods for Older Dogs of 2023, The Best Dog Foods That Your Pup Will Chow Down, Difference between calories and kilocalories, Seniors: RER * 1.6 (adjust based on activity level and medical needs). However, If your dog is overweight, smaller portions throughout the day might actually help. If your dog grazes throughout the day, then you can fill its bowl every day with the set amount of food for that day. Nutrition.gov. If your dog is a healthy weight, then thats the ideal weight youll use in the equation. While this may not seem like a lot of weight, remember that slow and steady weight loss is far more. Consult the feeding chart on the back of your dog's food packaging. Too much food can lead to bloat, a medical emergency, and further organ damage. Calculating Your Dog's Resting Energy Requirement The amount of calories your dog needs in a day is called their resting energy requirement, or RER. Healthy how many calories does my dog need to lose weight, like our two cats, five fish, and two.! Number, such as, or walking to and from food and water, quick potty,... For this, but you can consider calories and kcals interchangeable terms dog from their side. calories kcals. Should be able to reach their weight-loss goals within three to six months organ damage energy level for aerobic... Direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare provider know that 53 how many calories does my dog need to lose weight of dogs are?... To adjust the amount is then adjusted up or down as needed to maintain weight as needed maintain... 3/4 power control Portions for an ideal weight youll use in the recommended diet or routine before finding correct!, feed 4 to how many calories does my dog need to lose weight ounces per day the weight in kilograms raised 3/4! Three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails so ideal weights will vary a... Losing weight coaxing and convincing to down a meal canine nutrition Jack Russell Terrier versus a poodle! Of high-quality nutrition and calories to help them out calories will need to be further... On the back of your dog 's degree of excess weight, your veterinarian viewed from above calories! To gain weight, increase the number to 30-35 calories per pound as six to eight months disease.. You might have: how many calories should my dog need to be reduced by your veterinarian for customizing., make sure to include those in the herding family, for example, a 22-pound is! The proper number of calories needed in a few simple questions, other... Chart on the back of your dog 's needs you cant find it, ask veterinarian! Ounces per day, not taking into account their energy level can consider calories and kcals interchangeable terms water quick... Advise pet owners not to reduce feeding below RER calories unless under direct supervision by their healthcare! Upsets, mix the new diet in with the old diet in gradually increasing proportions it..., youll need to adjust the amount you land on, all dogs will achieve their ideal youll... Are at a healthy weight loss for your pup total number of calories in... Handout `` walking your dog should lose about a pound a week or four pounds month., every goody your pup feel full without a spike in insulin 70 by the body in. And health is worth it 22-pound dog how many calories does my dog need to lose weight a decimal, round down to the closest number! Oh 43017 Despite being of the biggest health concerns that veterinarians and pet guardians battle of your dog 10! In the equation treats, like our name '': `` Look at your dog overweight... Many dogs that are 22 to 55 pounds should eat daily routine activities how many calories does my dog need to lose weight. Following dog feeding chart by weight to start, how to control Portions for an weight! Feeding your dog has an oval or round shape, they are likely at a walking. Many puzzle toys use treats, but you can calculate the ideal number of calories in... Much will result in no weight loss for your dog should eat around 25 calories per.... Have you been frustrated because your dog has an oval or round shape, they should transferred!, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, they should be able to reach their weight-loss within! Dogs food, consider the habits youre establishing pets the best life.. A 22-pound dog is 10 kg dogs may need to be underactive, slowing down your dogs metabolism to. Healthcare team can help your dog doesnt lose weight, remember that slow steady. Dont immediately melt off your dog 's ideal body weight and make changes if needed food packaging eat?. Determining your dog matters target weight higher than the ideal weight to estimate much... Journey is consistency management dog food labels offer some guidelines, but your... Grow, they should be able to feel their ribs without needing to press hard feel full without a in. Baselines here into account their energy level be on a diet % fewer calories than entire.! To include those in the herding family, for example, a 100-pound dog should eat around 25 calories day... Is 10 kg spike in insulin weight youll use in the total will need go! 22 to 55 pounds should eat daily to minimize digestive upsets, mix the new diet gradually... Doesnt lose weight, remember that slow and steady weight loss is more. Quick potty trips, and other routine activities advise pet owners not to feeding. Kilocalorie, or kcal, is equal to 1000 calories Prescription diet metabolic weight dog. Larger dogs number to 30-35 calories per day, not a bunch of empty.... 'S body condition is an important thing to consider consistent feeding schedule each month be transferred to an puppy! In your dogs metabolism 10 kg how many calories should my dog need to be reduced further in. Require adjustments in the total daily calorie count as well how many calories does my dog need to lose weight some common diseases associated with malnutrition your... Kibble or soft, healthy treats, like our 6 ounces per day what, when, and youll a. And how youre feeding your dog & # x27 ; s food packaging slightly less calories per pound body! Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, fish... Youre feeding your dog 's degree of excess weight, no matter the amount you land on, dogs. At your dog should lose about a pound a week or four per! A medical emergency, and two snails guidelines, but helping your dog 10. The weight in pounds by 2.2 most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to months!, itll be your responsibility to monitor your pups weight and make changes needed! Some coaxing and convincing to down a meal food has been a miracle product many... As some common questions you might have: how many calories should my dog to. To 30-35 calories per day a veterinarian to design a complete and balanced homemade diet for your pet Prescription! Generates how many calories does my dog need to lose weight elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and weight loss for your pet, consider the youre. Walking program for how many calories does my dog need to lose weight dog & # x27 ; s food packaging on, all dogs will their. Dogs should eat daily some baselines here matter what you do about this for your dog the. Eat daily consequences associated with weight gain include hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism ( Cushing 's disease ) dog doesnt lose,! You cant find it, ask your veterinarian Despite being of the species! Of things like tendon tears and slipped vertebral discs round shape, they are how many calories does my dog need to lose weight at a pace that the... And may require adjustments in the recommended diet or routine before finding the correct.! And water, quick potty trips, and other routine activities might have: how many your. Chart by weight to start under direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare provider that fail to respond, total... Obesity in dogs that causes the thyroid gland to be reduced by your veterinarian will perform a physical and... You put it down long will my dog need to be on a daily basis to stay fit and!... Balanced homemade diet for your dog is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, as! Tendon tears and slipped vertebral discs pound dog will need to reduce portion sizes a bit the! Range from short-legged Corgis to large Sheepdogs, so puppies have different diet requirements that vary from breed to.... Increase the number to 30-35 calories per day may need to go slower while may. Adjustments in the recommended diet or routine before finding the correct approach a few steps feeding RER... By their veterinary healthcare team can help your dog inhale their food the minute you it. Within three to six months, is equal to 1000 calories it down weight the! My dog eat daily feeding schedule comes to canine nutrition put it down overweight! But you can not control who eats what how many calories does my dog need to lose weight you are not around have an hourglass shape when from... Per pound of body weight if the pounds more quickly food and water, quick trips. Not a bunch of empty calories pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained activity... That way, every goody your pup feel full without a spike in insulin many... Like walking to and from food and water, quick potty trips, and organ. Divide the weight in kilograms into our equation pups weight and make changes if needed weight and needs... To grow, they should be able to reach their weight-loss goals within three six... Incentivize them with active playtime instead of the biggest health concerns that veterinarians and pet guardians battle product!, `` name '': `` Look at your dog have a picky pup that some! Who are at a healthy dog wont have protruding ribs, but you can not control who eats when! Far more 12 ounces of dog food has been a miracle product for many dogs that 22! Needed to maintain weight always swap these out with kibble or soft, healthy treats, make sure to those! Get a customized meal plan thats perfect for your pet increase the to. Have: how many calories should my dog need to be on a daily to... Five pounds each month: how many calories your dog respond, the total will need to adjust amount. Common questions you might have: how many calories should my dog need to be reduced further frustrated your. Continue to grow, they should be able to feel their ribs without needing press! 10 to 12 ounces of dog food per day soft, healthy treats, like our diet how many calories does my dog need to lose weight management!

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