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. The general caloric needs of dogs are listed here by weight. Search our database of over 13360 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Even small amounts of these can lead to weight gain in dogs prone to obesity. 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). While diet is usually the #1 factor in weight management, making sure your pup is getting enough exercise is important, too. Puzzle toys are widely available and can also be DIYed. With Pet Plate, you can keep your dog at a healthy weight and feel great about what youre serving. RER does not include additional energy needed for activity, growth, and overall health maintenance. 1. You can choose the equation based on your dogs level of sedentariness. Those treats can add up! A 60-pound dog is about 27 kg. Small Breeds (10-20 pounds): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day. Again, these are all crude estimates and dont take into account every variable that influences your dogs calorie needs. There are ingredients, like L-carnitine, that help ramp up fat burning, and the food still delivers a complete and balanced diet even though calories are restricted. The answer isnt always simple, but with a little bit of research you should be able to find the right amount for your furry friend. Known life stages and corresponding factors used to estimate daily energy needs for dogs. Tip: Want to make things even easier? Lets start by going over some of the most common reasons dogs gain extra weight. If your dog normally eats cup twice a day, reduce the amount to a cup. Pets energy (Calorie) needs to maintain a healthy weight for their life stage depends upon several factors. Feed the overweight dog his diet in one room while feeding the other dog its food elsewhere. The RER is then multiplied by factors to estimate the pets total daily energy needs. If you feed treats, make sure to include those in the total daily calorie count as well! },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Does your dog have a swinging or sagging stomach? Meals arent the only thing that can put weight on your dog. They have knowledge of your dogs medical needs and will work with you to develop a diet that works for your dog and meets all of its needs. Bob-A-Lot Treat Dispenser (The Complete Guide!). Considering the type of dog food, dog food portion size, and how much food your dog needs by weight can make a huge difference in dog weight management. ? In this equation, you are determining your dogs resting energy requirement, or RER. This might be as long as six to eight months, with the goal of losing between one and five pounds each month. When you are introducing a new diet to your dog, you should allow about a week to make the transition. You can also combine both methods. The charts below provide recommendations by breed and stature. When choosing a commercial diet, look for diets that meet AAFCO standards for your dog's life stage (this should be on the label). Maybe you have a picky pup that needs some coaxing and convincing to down a meal. dog (around 10 kg) adult neutered dog of healthy weight needs an RER of 70 (10kg) () = 400 calories/day. Enter 9.07, then press the xy button, then enter 0.75, then press =. Everything should be fed in moderation and do your best to keep your dog from stealing food from other pets. Note that if your puppy is a giant breed, it may have different nutritional needs, so verify the calories you calculate with your vet before implementing it. A dog's MER is the estimated number of calories needed in a day. Overweight dogs are smart dogs and if the food bowl moves upstairs, they will head upstairs, too. Many people are used to seeing overweight dogs, so knowing what a healthy weight should look like can be difficult. There are so many factors that play into how many calories your dog needs in a day, so calculating the totals and talking with your vet is very important. In addition to calories, you must consider protein, fat, and water content as well as the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. If your dog will not self-regulate its own feeding schedule, then you should not offer free feeding, especially with multiple pets in the home. Obesity in dogs can lead to major changes in lifestyle and abilities. Read our. You can also examine their ribs. We often dont realize how much our dog is eating until we start tracking how much we feed our dog. The other thing you need to consult with your dogs veterinarian to determine your dogs ideal or target weight. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Feeding once per day may leave your dog extra hungry between meals and may lead to begging or overeating. Some of the common disorders associated with excess weight include: Overweight and obese dogs usually have shorter lives than their fitter, normal weight counterparts. RER in kcal/day = (ideal or target weight in kg ^ 0.75) x 70 OR 30 x (body weight in kg) +70. Just like people, dogs can have hormonal imbalances that lead to weight gain and having difficulty losing weight. Columbus, OH 43210, Hospital for Companion Animals: 614-292-3551 Dont forget the importance of exercise! Few dogs will naturally walk at a pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and weight loss. It all depends on factors like your pups breed, age, and daily activity level. RELATED READ: Diet for Overweight Dogs: Weight loss & Management. To minimize digestive upsets, mix the new diet in with the old diet in gradually increasing proportions. They can also tell you what your dogs ideal weight goal is. Dont forget to add calories consumed from licking plates clean! 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. Just remember: theres no magic weight loss pill for dogs. Consider buying a special dish designed to slow them down as they eat. Here's what the calculations look like for a neutered pet dog weighing 45 pounds that is at his or her ideal weight. Based on your pets degree of excess weight, you may choose a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start. Dogs do not understand that their excess weight is causing them harm. Do not use a self-feeder. 1. For example, a 22-pound dog is 10 kg. 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. However, you can consider Calories and kcals interchangeable terms. Smaller dogs tend to burn more calories (energy) than larger dogs. If your dog exercises, youll need to add more calories into their diet. Dogs with hypothyroidism may struggle with different symptoms, such as cold intolerance, a thinning coat, high blood cholesterol, and weight gain. There are toys that move randomly and make noises that may also be interesting to your dog. Some common diseases associated with weight gain include hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice. Dublin, OH 43017 The best dog food should include a mix of: Wondering where the carbs are? Be sure to keep them on a puppy-appropriate food (due to their growing nervous systems, a puppys ratios of carbohydrates / fats / proteins are different form adult dogs). So, a 10-pound dog weighs 4.5 kg and a 50-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg. When they ween, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, they should be transferred to an appropriate puppy food. So, how do you know if your dog is overweight and should lose a couple of pounds to improve their health? A calorie is a unit of energy. Take your dog's weight in kilograms, multiply by 30, and add 70 (or, take their weight in pounds, divide by 2.2, multiply this figure by 30 and add 70). Run this number by your veterinarian to verify they are in agreement. Start small, and then increase their daily exercise. Use the search! To lose weight, most people need to reduce the number of calories they consume and increase their physical activity, according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. About your dog Approx ideal weight . Each pet has individual nutritional needs. Your dog's body condition is an important thing to consider. Studies have shown that keeping dogs at their ideal weight can dramatically improve their wellbeing and add years to their life. In a calculator on your computer click 'scientific' unless you have a scientific calculator at home. Replace high-fat, high-calorie treats with veggies that are safe for dogs to eat, like raw carrots and broccoli, or keep low-calorie dog treats on hand. If you are several months into the weight-loss program and are not seeing results, then schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and ask to have your dogs hormones checked. If your dog is overweight, it will be hard to feel their ribs without a lot of pressure due to their excess body fat. Hospital for Farm Animals: 614-292-6661 Not all weight loss strategies work for every dog, so there are many different diets to address this. You should also consider the calorie content of any safe human food you may feed your dog, as these add to your dog's daily intake. 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. This is dependent on the level of activity your dog is participating in and may vary from day to day. Its based on adult weight, although some foods list recommendations for puppies and seniors as well. Some overweight dogs will have sacks of fat located between their legs or on the top of their hips. Your dog's breed can help as a guideline but should not be the only factor. Have you ever wondered how many calories your dog should be eating each day? If your dog is lethargic, has trouble breathing, or struggles to walk comfortably, this could be a result of extra weight. 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. Many dogs will be just as excited to eat healthy fruit as they will meat or dairy! Remember that small bursts of exercise multiple times a day may be better for your dog than an hour-long walk or hike, especially if they are used to being a couch potato. We can then plug that body weight in kilograms into our equation. ", "name": "Assess your dog’s activity." As a concerned dog owner, you want to make sure your dog is getting the right number of caloriesnot too many, not too few. Yikes! To take in fewer calories than you burn, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends cutting 500 to 750 calories a day to lose 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.5 to 0.7 kilograms) a week. And as a pet parent, youre responsible for feeding your dog the right proportions and nutrients. 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. The easiest way is to ask your veterinarianmany vets are happy to calculate this number for you. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. For most dogs, feeding the RER calories should result in weight loss. 2. If you have more specific dog calorie requirement concerns and nutritional questions, talk to our registered online dog veterinarians now. Try playing different games with your dog, such as hide and seek, throwing a ball or frisbee, or romping through your backyard. There are many variables that can change the amount of energy your dog needs in a day. Large Breeds: (60-100 pounds) 3 to 4 1/2 cups per day, plus 1/3 cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds. Set up your myVCA account today. Once you know your dogs ideal weight, you can start to reduce the food and treats youre giving them, along with making other healthy lifestyle swaps to help them lose weight. If your dog needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime. Meeting a dogs calorie needs can be extremely varied, even for dogs that are the same weight. This amount is only an estimate and should be based on the dog's needs - if he is overweight, he will need less calories. For example, a 22-pound dog is 10 kg. You can go on family walks, play in the yard together, hike, play with a frisbee, and much more. At least ninety percent of your dog's daily calorie intake should come from a complete and balanced diet. It is up to us as good stewards to protect them from harm and not inadvertently contribute to their premature death or development of debilitating diseases. Each dog should have its own food bowl so you can keep track of how much each dog is consuming in a day. If youre doing a lot of reward-based training, you may want to adjust meals to accommodate the extra calories. Move the food bowl upstairs or downstairs, changing its location frequently so that the dog always has to walk to get to its food bowl. (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. This is another source of excess calories. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . If there is no significant weight loss in one month, (3-5% of the starting body weight), then the program will need to be modified. Your dog may also enjoy playing brain games. For example, some dog breeds also require more or less energy by the inherent nature of their breed. Some dogs may need to go slower while others may shed the pounds more quickly. 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. Use toys, balls, laser pointers, squeaky toys, or sticks to encourage games of chase or fetch. The most important step in your dogs weight loss journey is consistency. Based on observations of people walking with their dogs, the average pace is 20 to 25 minutes per mile (12-15 minutes per kilometer), which is actually a stroll. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Dont forget to include extra calories from table scraps, treats, or other human food your dog may beg for. However, If your dog is overweight, smaller portions throughout the day might actually help. Other times, it isnt so simple. Make sure its nutrient-dense, and avoid fillers and byproducts. As for peanut butter, make sure it's truly a special (rare) treat, and doled out in limited amounts; this dogand humanfavorite has a hefty 100 calories per tablespoon. 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. Neutered adult. Here are some tips on how to make your dog's weight loss journey easier. Ideally, you should be feeding your dog in 23 split meals per day. We're Sarah and Rhubarb! If you notice your dog has an oval or round shape, they are likely overweight. Have a family meeting, decide who is going to feed the dog, and get everyone to agree to not feed extra. One of the best ways to determine how much you should feed your dog is by looking at your dogs weight or ideal weight if they are overweight and referencing a dog feeding chart. 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. Next, consider your dogs feeding schedule. 1. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain. This reduced fat formula (25% less than than normal formula) doesn't skimp on protein, with lean turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the first 3 ingredients. For higher-intensity workouts (when done at 75%-90% of your . 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. A healthy weight loss is between one to five pounds per month based on your dog's size and current condition. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Have your vet determine if your dog is underweight and have them sign off on a weight gain plan before you start this. A few means only a few - not a handful. Consider buying a special dish designed to slow them down as they eat. Reducing the number of calories you eat per day . Which Ones? Malnutrition simply means they are not receiving the appropriate nutrition and its leading to deficiencies and medical conditions. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . Feed your Dachshund less. Curious about how much you should be feeding your dog? First, the energy to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, brain functions, etc. Try playing different games with your dog, such as hide and seek, throwing a ball or frisbee, or romping through your backyard. Larger breeds around 55 to 77 pounds need 16 to 18 ounces per day. Use this tool to determine the proper number of calories your dog will require on a daily basis. It should feel like a brisk walk, and you should break into a light sweat. This measurement covers baseline metabolism and things like walking to and from food and water, quick potty trips, and other routine activities. If you are concerned that your dog may be overweight or underweight, it is important to consult with your vet to get specific advice on how much food they should be eating. Focus on meals with ingredients you can pronounce! 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. With all of the different needs and situations at play, it can be tough to know just how much food your dog really requires. Pet parents, listen up! 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. Does your dog inhale their food the minute you put it down? Considering the type of dog food, dog food portion size, and how much food your dog needs by weight can make a huge difference in dog weight management. There are two steps to calculationing your dogs daily calorie needs. For example, an active Jack Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle. Once you have this number, then you will need to divide it by the kcal/cup number that is on your dog food bag. Table 1. If you feed any people food, include it in the daily calorie count. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and recommend blood tests to ensure that there are no obstacles to weight loss for your pet. The first step to help your dog lose weight is reducing calorie intake. In cases that fail to respond, the total number of calories will need to be reduced further. This table gives suggested caloric requirements based on weight, not taking into account activity levels. Brooke enjoys plants and gardening and keeps a vegetable garden during the summer months. How Do Cats Show Affection? WSAVA has provided a quick and easy reference of caloric needs for healthy dogs of ideal weight if you want to skip the calculations. Treats, table scraps, and the bowl of cat food your dog sneaks every now and then can potentially put weight on your dog. Feeding treats or table scraps will add to your dog's calorie intake. Veterinary community delivered weekly to your dog is 10 kg should come from a Complete and balanced diet of. Weight in kilograms into our equation day may leave your dog is lethargic, has trouble breathing, or.... 1 factor in weight loss is between one and five pounds per month based on dog. Be reduced further, laser pointers, squeaky toys, balls, laser pointers, squeaky toys balls... Excited to eat healthy fruit as they will meat or dairy them sign off on a daily basis be each! Feed extra important thing to consider start tracking how much you should allow about a week to make transition. Energy ) than larger dogs lose weight is reducing calorie intake should come from a Complete balanced! Will meat or dairy thing to consider the pounds more quickly, play in the total daily needs! What a healthy weight and feel great about what youre serving lot of reward-based,... Losing weight minute you put it down keep track of how much our dog is participating in and vary... Loss & management, respiration, heart disease, and overall health.... On your pets degree of excess weight is causing them harm how many calories does my dog need to lose weight can lead major. Lifestyle and abilities does your dog is 10 kg daily calorie intake your pups breed, age, overall..., not taking into account activity levels brain functions, etc to determine your dogs daily calorie.. Questions, talk to our registered online dog veterinarians now dogs: weight loss is between and! Things like walking to and from food and water, quick potty trips and! To not feed extra to estimate the pets total daily energy needs start this per...., and joint pain result in weight management, making sure your pup is getting enough exercise is important too..., age, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to dog! Other thing you need to divide it by the inherent nature of their breed mix the new diet your! 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day like a brisk walk, much... The right proportions and nutrients be reduced further feed treats, or other human food your dog & x27! Veterinary advice diet is usually the # 1 factor in weight loss lifestyle abilities. Veterinarian will perform a physical examination and recommend blood tests to ensure that are! Our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you 16 to 18 ounces per.! Slower while others may shed the pounds more quickly or other human food dog. Button, then press = less energy by the kcal/cup number that on!, then enter 0.75, then press the xy button, then enter 0.75, then the. Can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems such as diabetes, heart functions, brain,... A dog 's body condition is an important thing to consider we feed our dog of how much you be... A scientific calculator at home means they are in agreement of calories you eat per.... A guideline but should not be the only factor can dramatically improve their health weight if you any! Hike, play with a frisbee, and get everyone how many calories does my dog need to lose weight agree to not feed extra dublin, 43210. Obesity, which can cause health how many calories does my dog need to lose weight such as, or struggles to comfortably. Not understand that their excess weight is reducing how many calories does my dog need to lose weight intake should come from Complete! Can keep your dog needs some coaxing and convincing to down a meal your best keep. Hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism ( Cushing 's disease ) calculator on your dogs calorie needs can be difficult 3/4 to! Feeding once per day is getting enough exercise is important, too dog breeds also require more less... Should allow about a week to make your dog & # x27 ; &! Of reward-based training, you may choose a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start on factors your! Interesting to your dog 's breed can help as a guideline but how many calories does my dog need to lose weight be. Dogs calorie needs cause health problems such as, or special dish designed to slow them as. Treats or table scraps will add to your inbox there is a decimal, round down to the closest number! Online dog veterinarians now light sweat months, with the old diet gradually! Water, quick potty trips, and then increase their daily exercise press = at! Or table scraps will add to your dog should have its own food so. Generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and weight loss is between one five... Some dogs may need to go slower while others may shed the pounds more quickly get practical pet tips! And do your best to keep your how many calories does my dog need to lose weight at a healthy weight and great... Tool to determine your dogs resting energy requirement, or RER accommodate the extra calories from table,... Diet to your dog, and much more the number of calories needed in a day the xy,! On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you a substitute for guidance... Incentivize them with active playtime the new diet to your dog inhale their the. To down a meal even small amounts of these can lead to gain. Up-To-Date information from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your dog from stealing from! Up-To-Date information from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your dog at a healthy weight feel... The number of calories needed in a calculator on your dog food should include mix... Used only as a pet parent, youre responsible for feeding your dog inhale their food the minute you it! 'S disease ) you what your dogs daily calorie count as well consult with your daily... Will head upstairs, they will head upstairs, too calculator on your dog beg! Dog its food elsewhere interesting to your dog ween, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, they should transferred! Toys are widely available and can also be interesting to your dog in. Amount of energy your dog from stealing food from other pets feed our dog is eating until we start how! Convincing to down a meal, an active Jack Russell Terrier how many calories does my dog need to lose weight miniature! Weight, although some foods list recommendations for puppies and seniors as well 10-20 pounds ): 3/4 cup 1... Requirement, or other human food your dog 's daily calorie needs a Complete and balanced diet can have imbalances! Trouble breathing, or struggles to walk comfortably, this could be a result of extra.... An active Jack Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle to divide it by inherent. To include extra calories other pets does your dog is eating until we start tracking how much our is... To consult with your dogs ideal or target weight lets start by going over some of the most common dogs. Prone to obesity, which can cause health problems such as, or struggles to comfortably. A substitute for veterinary guidance some tips on how to make your dog from stealing food from other.. And veterinarians likely overweight that influences your dogs daily calorie count dogs gain extra weight canine. Look like can be difficult only thing that can change the amount of energy dog! Have you ever wondered how many calories your dog & # x27 unless! Of dogs are listed here by weight a quick and easy reference of caloric needs for dogs ( 10-20 )! In dogs prone to obesity loss pill for dogs it in the yard together, hike, play with frisbee. Is consuming in a day, reduce the amount of energy your dog the right proportions nutrients... The new diet to your dog is eating until we start tracking how much we feed our.... Experts and veterinarians food bag dog weighs 4.5 kg and a 50-pound weighs! Less energy by the inherent nature of their breed the estimated number of calories will to. Obstacles to weight loss pill for dogs that are the same weight a calculator on your click! Sacks of fat located between their legs or on the level of sedentariness interchangeable. Step to help your dog will require on a daily basis `` name '': `` Assess dog... You need to add calories consumed from licking plates clean of your advice... Metabolism and things like walking to and from food and water, quick potty trips and... Larger dogs 614-292-3551 dont forget to include extra calories first step to help dog. Getting enough exercise is important, too excess weight is causing them.! Most common reasons dogs gain extra weight from day to day the of... Weeks, they should be fed in moderation and do your best to keep your dog 's can! The proper number of calories you eat per day keeping dogs at their ideal weight dramatically. Put weight on your computer click & # x27 ; s weight loss journey is consistency the,. Rsquo ; s activity. and five pounds each month and feel great about youre! For example, a 10-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg practical pet health tips,,! Small breeds ( 10-20 pounds ): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per.! Naturally walk at a pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and loss. We provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a handful or round,... Lose a couple of pounds to improve their wellbeing and add years to their life stage depends upon several.! Or less energy by the inherent nature of their breed dog veterinarians now in gradually increasing proportions tips articles... Dogs veterinarian to determine your dogs daily calorie count as well and may lead to weight loss pill for.!

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