How much to feed dog to lose weight?

Question

My dog is 25.5kg and needs to lose 2kg.

We got him diet food that vet suggested. The food has a guide on the back that shows you how much to feed if the dog is eating dry or wet food but we feed him a mix and I can't figure out how much of each he should be eating.

How do I do that?

PS. He's recovering from a small hip injury so just exercising him more isn't an option right now.

Answer 1

Keep in mind that it may take a lot longer to lose than it did to put it on. It doesn't need to be diet food. Wet food has very little nutritional value as it's 85% water. Cut the food 50% and adjust accordingly as needed keeping an eye on body condition/weight.

Answer 2

Yes, consult your vet.



You've made this super-hard by feeding two different foods (rather than one) in addition to the calories being totally UNKNOWN on either (vs the amount of calories in former food/diet).



And to make it yet MORE difficult, you are figuring in KG rather than pounds. (Yes, I could convert the dog's KG weight to 56 lbs & the weight need to be lost to 4.4 pounds) and of course you are NOT measuring what you DRY feed in measuring cups, as the Americans would, so we can ALSO NOT tell you the TYPICAL AMOUNT to CUT back, per meal.



Frankly, I'd tell you to cut the wet, to a spoonful or so, and make it only a gravy-like substance and mix it with very warm water to add to the diet kibble to help & TRY to induce some flavor enhancement. Warm water often helps develop flavor, in dry kibble.

Answer 3

Do not do a sudden change. Dog will get diarrhea.



Do away with the canned stuff & follow the instructions on the bag/box. Go to petsmart & check out their foods for weight loss. Vets get kickbacks from the foods they recommend & are not necessarily the best tasting. Go to a large pet store or feed store & read the ingredients.



If you are inclined, here are some recipes you can make yourself.



https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS758US758&q=low+calorie+dog+food+recipes&oq=low+calorie+dog+food+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0l8.364258.364258.0.367544.1.1.0.0.0.0.249.249.2-1.1.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.1.249....0.w6W822te_Bw

Answer 4

Rule of thumb is to cut back the food by 20 - 25%. Feeding diet food is never a good idea, you just feed less of whatever you've always been feeding. And canned food is pretty much garbage, I'd stop that. If the dog seems hungry, give him raw carrots - a healthy treat that won't add calories.

Answer 5

ask your vet....they are the professional