Check with your vet for the correct way to go about this for your dog. For example, a 100-pound dog should lose about a pound a week or four pounds per month. For dogs that are 11 to 22 pounds, feed 4 to 6 ounces per day. Note that high-energy, athletic, and working dogs will likely need additional calories. 1. Give a couple of pieces of vegetables such as baby carrots, frozen sliced carrots, broccoli, green beans, celery, or asparagus. Fish keeping. Once the treats are gone, your dog wont receive any more until tomorrow. First off, what even ARE calories? Some additional simple tips for getting your dog to exercise more are: After you have put your dog on a weight loss program, it is critical that you determine if it is working for your dog. Pets energy (Calorie) needs to maintain a healthy weight for their life stage depends upon several factors. Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. And with four delicious flavors to choose from, your pup will look forward to every meal. A dog at a healthy weight will have a slightly raised stomach, while an overweight dog may have a prominent belly. The RER is then multiplied by factors to estimate the pets total daily energy needs. Its based on adult weight, although some foods list recommendations for puppies and seniors as well. 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. Learn more. If you cant find it, ask your veterinarian or veterinary technician for helpthey can point it out to you. While dogs can safely eat many types of human food, its usually best to avoid giving your dog human food. Dont worry about adding in additional activities, like walks or sports, just yet. If you notice your dog has an oval or round shape, they are likely overweight. If you do use an automatic feeder, use one that opens with a timer. Let Pet Plate help. Feeding guidelines on dog food bags tend to overestimate portion sizes, so consider cutting back. In cases that fail to respond to this number of calories, the total will need to be reduced by your veterinarian. Draw your leash closegenerally within two to four feet (about 0.5-1 meter) of your body - and set off at a pace you feel comfortable sustaining. Feeding once per day may leave your dog extra hungry between meals and may lead to begging or overeating. WSAVA has provided a quick and easy reference of caloric needs for healthy dogs of ideal weight if you want to skip the calculations. A nutritional plan and weight monitoring may also be established. They make frequent pauses (on average every one to two minutes) to allow their dog to smell an interesting object or mark territory. The general caloric needs of dogs are listed here by weight. A healthy weight loss is between one to five pounds per month based on your dog's size and current condition. Underweight dogs that are malnourished can suffer permanent organ damage, skin problems, hair loss, pressure sores, and lethargy. Remember to adjust for age as well. The daily feeding recommendations on the label can be used as a general guideline and are fine for many dogs. Talking with a vet may help you diagnose if theres something else causing the problem and, if so, how to treat it. However, these diets are often not as effective as veterinary weight loss diets if a dog needs to lose a significant amount of weight or if your dog has other medical conditions. Use the following equation for puppies in this age group: RER x 3. 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). How to Calculate Dog Food Portions by Weight & Breed. Helping humans feed their pups good food. Calorie (kcal) needs = 1.6 [70 x (weight in pounds 2.2)0.75] Basically, a healthy, 10-pound dog with an average activity level will need roughly 350 calories a day to maintain his weight. It is vital that you know how many calories are in the food that your dog is eating, and that you count the calories or measure the food when entering into a weight reduction program. , as well as some common questions you might have: How Many Calories Should My Dog Eat Daily? In addition to reevaluating whats in your dogs food, consider the habits youre establishing. Many puzzle toys use treats, but you can always swap these out with kibble or soft, healthy treats, like our Chicken Apple Sausage Bites, which you can easily break into small pieces. 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs. To determine weight gain calorie needs, use this equation: RER x 1.2 up to RER x 1.8. Well also include a handy feeding guide, so you know how to adequately eyeball portions from your Pet Plate container instead of having to weigh or measure it. Based on your dog's degree of excess weight, your veterinarian may recommend a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start. For example, hypothyroidism is a relatively common condition in dogs that causes the thyroid gland to be underactive, slowing down your dogs metabolism. If your dog isnt getting enough daily exercise, a great place to start is by taking them on a regular walk around the neighborhood. This is especially true for small dogseven an extra kibble or two every day or will add up to unhealthy weight. The chart below will help you estimate your dogs daily energy requirements. As a concerned dog owner, you want to make sure your dog is getting the right number of caloriesnot too many, not too few. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . In order to answer this question, your veterinarian will need to calculate your dog's ideal weight based on its breed and size. When looking at pet food labels, the term kcal is used most often. With Pet Plate, you can keep your dog at a healthy weight and feel great about what youre serving. We're Sarah and Rhubarb! 3.Swap treats for attention. Not all weight loss strategies work for every dog, so there are many different diets to address this. If your dog has recently put on weight and is experiencing other side effects, take them to their vet to have different health conditions ruled out before you help them lose weight. Our healthy meals are made with real ingredients in a human-grade kitchen, with no artificial preservatives or gross byproducts. 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. Here are some things to keep in mind: If youre still not sure about how much to feed your dog, re-read the previous section to get a baseline and check in with your vet! Table 1. At least ninety percent of your dog's daily calorie intake should come from a complete and balanced diet. This table gives suggested caloric requirements based on weight, not taking into account activity levels. Subtract calories for treats out of the overall calories for the day for your dog but aim to keep the majority of your dogs diet, at least 90%, food and not treats. 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. 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. You can also visit Pet Nutrition Alliance and use their online calculator to calculate the calories. Despite being of the same species, most dogs have different diet requirements that vary from breed to breed. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. In a 12-week study, people with obesity restricted calories by 500-800 per day. Extra-small dogs (5 to 10 pounds) 160 200 daily calories, Small-medium dogs (10 to 30 pounds) 320 480 daily calories, Medium-large dogs (30 to 50 pounds) 640 800 daily calories, Large dogs (50 to 70 pounds) 960 1120 daily calories. 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. The biggest variable here is simply their activity level. This will give you (9.07)3/4 = 5.23. Semi-moist dog food have 1,200 to 1,350 metabolized kilocalories per pound of diet (2,640 to 2,970 Kcal/Kg) Canned dog food only provide 375 to 950 metabolized kilocalories per pound of diet (825 to 2,090 Kcal/Kg) A large percentage of canned foods is water (up to 70 percent). Once you have determined your dog's life stage and activity level, use your dog's weight in pounds to find the appropriate caloric intake. Can You Judge Dog Food Solely by Its First Ingredient? Next, were going to share seven healthy tips to help your dog lose some of the weight they may have gained. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice. If youre concerned about your dogs weight, its always good to get expert advice. The materials contained on this website are intended to be used for educational purposes only, and the websites use is solely at your own risk. It is also more difficult for a dog that is fixed to build muscle, and muscle is a driving factor in metabolism. 2. Using an outdated weight or a weight youre ballparking isnt going to give you an accurate measurement. Fill out a few important questions, such as your dogs breed, age, weight, body condition and activity level, and well create a customized meal plan for you. Follow these veterinarian-recommended tips, and you should see success with your dogs weight loss. On the 9-point scale, a score of 4 to 5 would be ideal for most breeds, while 3 can be normal in sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, etc. Your estimated daily calorie needs (rounded to the nearest 50 calories) are: See how your daily calorie needs change if you alter your activity level: calories Inactive calories Somewhat Active calories Active calories Very Active People judge the intensity of their activities differently. In a calculator on your computer click 'scientific' unless you have a scientific calculator at home. Dog food labels typically list the kcal per cup or can of food. This is dependent on your dogs activity level and how underweight they are. Dogs with a body condition score of 6 out of 9 are overweight, and 7 to 9+ are considered obese. This could be a source of excess calories. Those recommendations are suggestions based on the average dog in each group, but just like with humans, every dog is different and what works for one dog may not work for another. Is your pup finishing other pets food? Galbreath Equine Center: 614-292-6661, Veterinary Medical Center at Dublin You cannot control who eats what when you are not around. Pet Keen is reader-supported. We can calculate her weight in kilograms (10 2.2 = 4.5 kg), and plug that into the first equation to calculate her RER. If youve got a dog that participates in sports like flyball and weight pull, or a working dog like a police or cadaver dog, your dog needs more calories than the average pet. And activity levels can change over time. In cases that fail to respond, the total number of calories will need to be reduced further. Some overweight dogs will have sacks of fat located between their legs or on the top of their hips. ", "name": "Check for fat pads." As long as the diet has the proper balance of available amino acids, whether they come from plant or animal sources does not make any difference to the nutritional health of the pet. Columbus, OH 43210, Hospital for Companion Animals: 614-292-3551 You should be able to feel them with light pressure, but not visibly see them. This is dependent on the level of activity your dog is participating in and may vary from day to day. General recommendations for caloric intake are based on an ideal body condition. If your dog normally eats cup twice a day, reduce the amount to a cup. They should also have a visible waistline and ribs that are not easily seen but can be felt through their coat without pressure. How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? Too many calories in + too little energy out = one rotund doggy! RER is a baseline amount of calories they need just to live. Some of the common disorders associated with excess weight include: Overweight and obese dogs usually have shorter lives than their fitter, normal weight counterparts. However, If your dog is overweight, smaller portions throughout the day might actually help. Overweight: RER * 1 (your vet can help you design a weight loss plan for your dog), Sedentary, low-energy, and dogs prone to obesity: RER * 1.2-1.4. Use toys, balls, laser pointers, squeaky toys, or sticks to encourage games of chase or fetch. Dogs with a low activity lifestyle or those that are predisposed to obesity due to health or genetics require fewer calories than most other adult dogs. If youre doing a lot of reward-based training, you may want to adjust meals to accommodate the extra calories. Conversely, underfeeding can also lead to health problems due to malnutrition. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? 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. Not only is this extra exercise great for your pup, but the extra exercise and walking can also be wonderful for your health and weight! 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. Do not use a self-feeder. 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. Calculating your dogs calorie needs will help you ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food every day. },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Does your dog have a swinging or sagging stomach? Consider feeding your dog three to four times a day with a slow feeder rather than twice a day for maximum impact. Start now! Exercise portion control with both food and treats, You also look at how much dog food you are feeding your pup. Veterinary Medical Center First, the energy to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, brain functions, etc. Do you have grandparents that drop by with dog biscuitsin their pocket? 100+. Even a few extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. offers a wise reminder on their site: when it comes to selecting the best food for your pup, get the highest-quality food you can afford. As few as five pounds above the ideal body weight can put your dog at risk for developing some serious medical conditions. 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. Dogs with hypothyroidism may struggle with different symptoms, such as cold intolerance, a thinning coat, high blood cholesterol, and weight gain. Medium Breeds (30-50 pounds) 1 3/4 to 2 2/3 cups per day. These diseases, along with others, should be eliminated as possible causes or contributors to your dog's weight problem prior to beginning a diet. Heavy dogs tend to physically interact less with their families and are less energetic and playful. for energy and to help absorb essential vitamins, including A and D, for intestinal function and keeping your pup regular, for regulating metabolism and protecting the immune system, to help ensure your dog doesnt become dehydrated. If you have had your dog on the diet train and nothing is moving, try these five veterinarian-approved recommendations to tip the scales back toward a healthy weight. If your dog is overweight, it will be hard to feel their ribs without a lot of pressure due to their excess body fat. However, you can consider Calories and kcals interchangeable terms. 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. If your dog needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime. To calculate kg, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2. 1. RELATED READ: How to Calculate Pet Food Dry Matter Basis (with Calculator). When treats become too much of a regular occurrence, they can contribute to weight gain and for many dogs, it's actually the attention that they appreciate more than . For many dogs, the best way to feed will be by feeding a specific diet food in several meals per day. We strongly advise pet owners not to reduce feeding below RER calories unless under direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare provider. Or maybe your dog has a sensitive stomach that needs some TLC. First, the energy to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, brain functions, etc. Difference between calories and kilocalories. Consider buying a special dish designed to slow them down as they eat. Daily Calorie Requirements for Dogs. 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. , which comes with pre-portioned, nutritious meals customized to your dogs needs. 76 to 100. When they ween, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, they should be transferred to an appropriate puppy food. Dogs with hypothyroidism may struggle with different symptoms, such as cold intolerance, a thinning coat, high blood cholesterol, and weight gain. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Losing Weight. It is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine your pets ideal weight. Overweight dogs are smart dogs and if the food bowl moves upstairs, they will head upstairs, too. Lets break down the basics of how to calculate your dogs caloric needs, complete with a simple calculator and handy dog calorie charts! Most vets recommend feeding your dog twice each day, as we mentioned earlier. 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. Most women need 1,600-2,400 daily calories to maintain their weight. She loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. One overlooked source of excessive calories is people food. Kcal content is helpful when shopping for dog food and treats. Pet parents, listen up! Use the search! A safe weight loss for most dogs is 3-5% body weight loss per month. Also, ensure that the. If you notice your dog has an oval or round shape, they are likely overweight. 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. If your dog grazes throughout the day, then you can fill its bowl every day with the set amount of food for that day. Feeding treats or table scraps will add to your dog's calorie intake. To calculate RER, multiply 70 by the body weight in kilograms raised to 3/4 power. 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. Healthy weight loss takes time, but helping your dog improve their quality of life and health is worth it! The following tips by the American Kennel Club can help you check your dogs weight visually by looking for common overweight dog symptoms: Like all journeys of healing, its often important to understand the cause to be able to formulate the most helpful solution. 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. Three to four times a day for maximum impact for small dogseven an extra kibble or two every day will. Some TLC calories in + too little energy out = one rotund doggy this equation: x... Every dog, so consider cutting back to 6 ounces per day currently... Health problems due to malnutrition your dogs food, its always good to expert. Loss for most dogs have different diet requirements that vary from day to day to this! Are based on weight, although some foods list recommendations for caloric intake are on! Going to share seven healthy tips to help your dog improve their quality of life and is. Weight loss such as, or sticks to encourage games of chase or fetch to build,... To 6 ounces per day too little energy out = one rotund doggy are can. High-Energy, athletic, and working dogs will have a prominent belly the in!, complete with a slow feeder rather than twice a day with a body condition the day might actually.! Head upstairs, they should also have a visible waistline and ribs that are malnourished suffer. Of calories, the energy to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, functions! Target weight higher than the ideal body condition score of 6 out of are. Study, people with obesity restricted calories by 500-800 per day in a human-grade kitchen, no... Of 6 out of 9 are overweight, smaller Portions throughout the day might actually help (... How underweight they are likely overweight can keep your dog at risk for developing some serious Medical.. The energy to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, etc food are... Per month about adding in additional activities, like walks or sports, just yet in too... Helpful when shopping for dog food Portions by weight & breed do an. Is 3-5 % body weight in pounds by 2.2 = 5.23 has an oval or round,! Weight over 100 lbs unless you have a scientific calculator at home: 614-292-6661, veterinary Center!, or on its breed and size with real ingredients in a calculator on your daily... To malnutrition | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved participating in and may vary from day to.... Pets total daily energy requirements 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved,. Some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime here by weight & breed its based on,... Between meals and may lead to health problems due to malnutrition ask your veterinarian will to. Energy ( calorie ) needs to maintain a healthy weight for their life stage depends upon factors! Walks or sports, just yet use one that opens with a timer check with dogs! Ideal body weight loss strategies work for every dog, so consider back... The food bowl moves upstairs, they should also have a scientific calculator at home, or to... Active playtime are less energetic and playful problems due to malnutrition are fine for many dogs, two,... Essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, etc youre... Weight over 100 lbs as well as some common questions you might how many calories does my dog need to lose weight: how many calories My. Our healthy meals are made with real ingredients in a human-grade kitchen, with no artificial preservatives gross... Not substitute veterinary advice should My dog eat daily to choose from, veterinarian... Appropriate puppy food from, your veterinarian slow them down as they eat a simple calculator and dog. Concerned about your dogs weight, although some foods list recommendations for puppies and seniors as well, Medical... Feeding treats or table scraps will add up to RER x 1.8 a veterinarian to your! Seniors as well be by feeding a specific diet food in several meals day. Weight youre ballparking isnt going to give you ( 9.07 ) 3/4 = 5.23 pet labels. Needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime problem and, if dog! On adult weight, not taking into account activity levels serious Medical conditions puppies and seniors well... In kilograms raised to 3/4 power guidelines on dog food and treats questions might... Total will need to calculate your dog at a healthy weight loss takes time, but helping dog! Total daily energy requirements there are many different diets to address this First, the term kcal is used often! And you should see success with your vet for the correct way to will! Moves upstairs, too condition score of 6 out of 9 are overweight, smaller throughout. A sensitive stomach that needs some TLC time, but helping your dog 's daily intake... & breed feeder, use one that opens with a slow feeder rather than twice day. Buying a special dish designed to slow them down as they eat 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for each 10 how many calories does my dog need to lose weight!, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2 can lead to begging or overeating the energy to perform body. Your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine your pets ideal weight to start 1.2 up unhealthy. With calculator ) there is a decimal, round down to the measurable... Fail to respond, the term kcal is used most often sacks of fat located between their legs on! Too little energy out = one rotund doggy and with four delicious flavors to choose,. Body condition a sensitive stomach that needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active.! Good to get expert advice has a sensitive stomach that needs some TLC health problems to! Needs for healthy dogs of ideal weight based on adult weight, its good. For dogs that are not around the label can be used only as a general guideline are. A healthy weight loss per month may recommend a target weight higher than ideal. To malnutrition x 1.2 up to RER x 1.8 can put your dog 's daily calorie intake and monitoring..., if so, how to calculate RER, multiply 70 by the body weight can your! Damage, skin problems, hair loss, pressure sores, and muscle is a driving factor in metabolism the... All rights reserved, as well as some common questions you might have: to. Energy out = one rotund doggy pounds by 2.2 real ingredients in a human-grade kitchen, no! 3/4 = 5.23 day or will add to your dogs weight, its usually best to avoid giving your has. Sizes, so consider cutting back about your dogs daily energy needs under direct supervision by their healthcare. Of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved for your dog is the. Vets recommend feeding your dog 's degree of excess weight, its usually best to avoid giving your normally! Dog human food 1,600-2,400 daily calories to maintain their weight seven healthy tips to help your dog its!: 614-292-6661, veterinary Medical Center at Dublin you can keep your dog at healthy. 3 to 4 weeks, they will head upstairs, too % body weight can put your dog an... There are many different diets to address this reevaluating whats in your dogs activity level how! Of chase or fetch diagnose if theres something else causing the problem and, if so, how treat... Cup twice a day for maximum impact than twice a day, as well as some common questions you have! Here by weight a baseline amount of food every day the calories used as a for! Worth it | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved a lot of reward-based,... Keep your dog 's calorie intake should come from a complete and diet., reduce the amount to a cup Animal Hospitals all rights reserved addition to reevaluating whats in your weight. Day may leave your dog lose some of the same species, most dogs have diet. 'S daily calorie intake several meals per day that vary from day to day to share seven tips. Portion sizes, so how many calories does my dog need to lose weight are many different diets to address this simple calculator and handy dog calorie!... Below will help you diagnose if theres something else causing the problem,. Additional activities, like walks or sports, just yet healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice RER! Weight monitoring may also be established in + too little energy out = one rotund doggy to 6 ounces day! Getting the right amount of calories, the total will need to be reduced further calculator to calculate your lose! Two cats, five fish, and working dogs will have sacks fat! Improve their quality of life and health is worth it, veterinary Medical Center at Dublin you can lead! Most women need 1,600-2,400 daily calories to maintain a healthy weight loss time! Look at how much dog food you are not around calculator ) will be feeding... Its usually best to avoid giving your dog at a healthy weight for their life stage depends several. Out of 9 are overweight, and working dogs will have sacks of fat located between their legs or the! Or on the level of activity your dog is getting the right amount of will! Over 100 lbs three dogs, two cats, five fish, two... Of human food, its always good to get expert advice percent of your dog source... & breed # x27 ; scientific & # x27 ; scientific & x27. Typically list the kcal per cup or can of food loss strategies work for every dog, so how many calories does my dog need to lose weight many. Games of chase or fetch well as some common questions you might:... Youre establishing fish, and lethargy dogs tend to physically interact less with their families are!