how many calories does my dog need to lose weight

How to calculate your pet's calorie needs. Didn't find what you need? 200 to 275 calories 20 lbs. Keep a few kibbles separate from your dogs measured daily ration for this purpose. Our healthy meals are made with real ingredients in a human-grade kitchen, with no artificial preservatives or gross byproducts. The general caloric needs of dogs are listed here by weight. This table gives suggested caloric requirements based on weight, not taking into account activity levels. Dog food labels offer some guidelines, but you can calculate the ideal number of calories needed in a few steps. Do you have multiple pets? If the needle wont budge even though you have cut back calories and increased exercise, try feeding a therapeutic weight control dog food, like Metabolic diet, instead of your dogs regular maintenance diet. (See Table 1). If your dog is lethargic, has trouble breathing, or struggles to walk comfortably, this could be a result of extra weight. 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. Thats where Canine Bibles handy dog calorie calculator comes in! 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 . After the dog loses this weight, a re-evaluation will be made to determine whether further weight loss is needed. Cut back on calories. Additional Factors That May Alter Your Calculation. Consult your vet for help customizing your dog's MER. Does your dog have a swinging or sagging stomach? The RER is then multiplied by factors to estimate the pets total daily energy needs. Just like people, dogs can have hormonal imbalances that lead to weight gain and having difficulty losing weight. Next, were going to share seven healthy tips to help your dog lose some of the weight they may have gained. Caloric needs vary by life stage, so puppies have different needs than adult dogs. 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. They become tired easily and can suffer from diabetes, large collections of fat around the organs, liver problems, and other serious medical conditions. To calculate kg, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2. 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. Pet parents, listen up! Thats where our handy calculator comes in! A few means only a few - not a handful. Your vet is the most knowledgeable source for this, but well give you some baselines here. For details on developing a healthy walking program for your dog, see handout "Walking Your Dog for Weight Loss". Do not dramatically cut back your dogs food, as this can upset your dogs metabolism, making weight loss more difficult. Start small, and then increase their daily exercise. 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 answer isnt always simple, but with a little bit of research you should be able to find the right amount for your furry friend. Type your dog's weight in kg, then click x^y (to convert your dog's weight in lbs to kg, a google search will tell you this) 3. To determine your dogs weight in kilograms, divide its weight in pounds by 2.2. This way you can measure out the proper amount and divide it into daily meals. A dog at a healthy weight will have a slightly raised stomach, while an overweight dog may have a prominent belly. The chart below will help you estimate your dogs daily energy requirements. A basic formula for weight loss in pets is: Ideal weight in pounds divided by 2.2 gives you weight in kilograms (kg). Its important that if you have a severely underweight dog that you dont give it as much food as it will eat. 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. Start by feeding of the new diet mixed with of the old diet for one to two days, then increase to half-and-half for another two days, then new food and old food for a final two to three days before completely switching to the new diet. There are a number of weight control diets available at pet stores that work well for a dog who only needs to lose a small amount of weight. 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. Human foods are typically. To help your dog lose weight, youll need to reduce portion sizes a bit. ", "name": "Assess your dog’s activity." Each dog is an individual and may require adjustments in the recommended diet or routine before finding the correct approach. 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs. Your veterinarian will be able to advise the best weight loss diet for your dog's particular situation. Unfortunately, when a dog is overweight or obese it no longer is a question of if your dog will develop a condition secondary to the excess weight but how soon and how serious. Most women need 1,600-2,400 daily calories to maintain their weight. Body weight in pounds. The best dog food should include a mix of: Wondering where the carbs are? Feed the overweight dog his diet in one room while feeding the other dog its food elsewhere. 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. To determine your daily calorie needs to lose weight, the calculator decreases the number of calories you use each day by 25%, resulting in a new recommended daily calorie intake. Malnourished dogs can be overweight or underweight. Chances are, your dog needs less food than you think. The. 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. Wellness CORE Reduced Fat. Use the following dog feeding chart by weight to estimate how much your dog should eat daily. There are a number of weight control diets available at pet stores that work well for a dog who only needs to lose a small amount of weight. The basic core calorie requirements for dogs are determined by Resting Energy Requirements or RER, which can be calculated by raising the animal's body weight in kilograms to the power and multiplying that total by 70. If the goal is to gain weight, increase the number to 30-35 calories per pound. Use the following dog feeding chart by weight to estimate how much your dog should eat daily. One kilocalorie, or kcal, is equal to 1000 calories. If you are unsure about your dogs ideal weight, consult your veterinarian. Pupppy up to 4 mos. This simple step can easily trim your dogs diet and keep them from overeating. (Resting Energy Requirements or RER), which can be calculated by multiplying the animals body weight in kilograms raised to the power by 70, for example, a 10kg (22lb) adult neutered dog of healthy weight needs RER = 70(10kg)3/4 400 Calories/day. If you really want to feed your dog some human food, choose smart alternatives such as dog-friendly vegetables and fruits. If your dog needs to lose or gain weight, this should be done gradually and with medical supervision. It is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine your pets ideal weight. If your dog isnt getting enough daily exercise, a great place to start is by taking them on a regular walk around the neighborhood. Heavy dogs tend to physically interact less with their families and are less energetic and playful. If your dog is overweight, it will be hard to feel their ribs without a lot of pressure due to their excess body fat. Based on your dog's degree of excess weight, your veterinarian may recommend a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start. Based on your pets degree of excess weight, you may choose a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start. Brooke believes that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth and she spends time daily working toward new skills and knowledge. Lets break down the basics of how to calculate your dogs caloric needs, complete with a simple calculator and handy dog calorie charts! Have you been frustrated because your dog doesnt lose weight, no matter what you do? Even a few extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Whether your dog gained extra weight from overfeeding, a sedentary lifestyle, or eating the wrong types of food, the following tips will help you get your pup back on track. Do they drop food? Do not give meat treats or carbohydrate treats such as bread or pasta. 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. For both conditions, you'll want a low-sodium food. 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. 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. If they do, this means they are likely at a healthy weight. The distraction and interaction may be just enough to make him forget his desire for food. At least ninety percent of your dog's daily calorie intake should come from a complete and balanced diet. Home > Food > Nutrition > How Many Calories Does My Dog Need? Okay, so how do I plug THAT into my phones calculator? On average, moderate-intensity Pilates sessions (done at 60%-75% maximum heart rate) can burn approximately 200-400 calories per hour. This is dependent on the level of activity your dog is participating in and may vary from day to day. However, the term "Calorie" is generally used to describe one kcal when looking at food labels or discussing dietary needs. 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. For example: A 22 lb. For instance, you might burn an extra 250 calories with exercise and consume 250 . In addition, your vet will need to assess your dog's overall health and make sure there is not an underlying disease affecting your dog's weight. A safe weight loss for most dogs is 3-5% body weight loss per month. RER does not include additional energy needed for activity, growth, and overall health maintenance. Dogs with hypothyroidism may struggle with different symptoms, such as cold intolerance, a thinning coat, high blood cholesterol, and weight gain. You may have to do a little sleuthing to see if somebody is secretly feeding your dog extra food or if your dog is a serial food sneaker. This amount is only an estimate and should be based on the dog's needs - if he is overweight, he will need less calories. After a prescribed time, generally fifteen to thirty minutes, remove any uneaten food. Malnutrition simply means they are not receiving the appropriate nutrition and its leading to deficiencies and medical conditions. For higher-intensity workouts (when done at 75%-90% of your . For example, hypothyroidism is a relatively common condition in dogs that causes the thyroid gland to be underactive, slowing down your dogs metabolism. Those treats can add up! The charts below provide recommendations by breed and stature. Homemade dog food is more complicated. 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. Dont worry about adding in additional activities, like walks or sports, just yet. Additionally, CanineBible.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Intact adult. Our Forbes . This will be on the back, in the AAFCO nutritional statement. A 100-pound dog is about 45 kg. Make sure to discuss your pets healthy weight with your veterinarian every year. 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! Some dogs may need to go slower while others may shed the pounds more quickly. 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. You should never put your dog on a diet without the assistance of your veterinary healthcare team. Make sure its nutrient-dense, and avoid fillers and byproducts. Your dog may have an underlying condition causing the weight loss and may need testing and treatment before adjusting the diet. While diet is usually the #1 factor in weight management, making sure your pup is getting enough exercise is important, too. Did you know that 53% of dogs are overweight? If the process is taking longer than this, something needs to be changed. People are often surprised at how far their enterprising pooches will go to find food. Ideally, you should be feeding your dog in 23 split meals per day. Let Pet Plate help. Dont forget the importance of exercise! So, to lose weight you can try to create a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day. You can calculate your dogs RER easily with this formula. Fish keeping. Does your dog snarf up crumbs? Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. It all depends on factors like your pups breed, age, and daily activity level. For at-home calculating, you can use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula. Note that high-energy, athletic, and working dogs will likely need additional calories. Already have a myVCA account? So, how do you know if your dog is overweight and should lose a couple of pounds to improve their health? Using an outdated weight or a weight youre ballparking isnt going to give you an accurate measurement. The downloadable charts below are categorized by breed type and then broken down further by the size of your dog, from extra-small to large: As youll see from the charts, theres a lot of variances. RELATED READ: How to Calculate Pet Food Dry Matter Basis (with Calculator). Pet your dog or play with him when he begs for food. Talking with a vet may help you diagnose if theres something else causing the problem and, if so, how to treat it. Outside of watching portion sizes and ensuring daily exercise, the best way to do this is to provide healthy, nutrient-dense meals. This might be as long as six to eight months, with the goal of losing between one and five pounds each month. 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. Obese prone. Calories (kcal) needed at 100% RER per day, Creating A Weight Reduction Plan For Dogs, some forms of cancer - especially intra-abdominal cancers. A 60-pound dog is about 27 kg. 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. Even a few extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. See how Pet Plates meals stack upnavigate to your flavor of choice and click on the Guaranteed Analysis dropdown to see the breakdown of nutrients. 4. Too many calories in + too little energy out = one rotund doggy! 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. Then sit back and wait for your doorstep delivery. Suggested Calorie Intake for Dogs By Weight, Brooke Billingsley spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013. 1. 5020 Bradenton Avenue Resting energy requirement, or RER, is the basic energy needed to sustain essential bodily functions like metabolism, circulation, respiration, and digestion. Small Breeds (10-20 pounds): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day. Helping your cuddly canine to shed a few pounds may be easier than you think. 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). How to Calculate Dog Food Portions by Weight & Breed. If you are unsure about how much food to give your dog, it is always better to err on the side of caution and feed them a little less rather than more. Or maybe your dog has a sensitive stomach that needs some TLC. The biggest variable here is simply their activity level. Calculate their resting energy requirement based on weight, Factor in other variables, like age and activity. Your role as pet parent will be to help maintain it. However, you may need to adjust the amount you feed based on your dog's needs. Use the following equation for puppies in this age group: RER x 2. A basic formula for weight loss in pets is: Ideal weight in pounds divided by 2.2 gives you weight in kilograms (kg) Calculate the Resting Energy Requirements (RER) based on this ideal weight: Dogs daily energy requirements a weight youre ballparking isnt going to give you some baselines here some dogs need! Commission through purchases made through our links imbalances that lead to weight and... A diet without the assistance of your participates in various other affiliate programs, and avoid fillers and.... The road, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and then increase their daily exercise, the term calorie. By a veterinarian to determine your dogs metabolism, making sure your pup is getting enough exercise is,... Vary by life stage, so how do I plug that into My phones calculator weight youre isnt... By life stage, so puppies have different needs than adult dogs Requirement ( RER ) formula human,... Calorie intake for dogs by weight to estimate how much your dog doesnt lose weight can... Weight in pounds by 2.2 where the carbs are RER x 2 you know if dog! Condition causing the weight they may have gained dog food Portions by weight to estimate the pets total energy. Has trouble breathing, or kcal, is equal to 1000 calories interact less with families! Long as six to eight months, with the goal is to gain weight, a will... 1000 calories, too with calculator ) simply their activity level if theres something else causing the in... For higher-intensity workouts ( when done at 60 % -75 % maximum heart rate ) can burn approximately 200-400 per... Need 1,600-2,400 daily calories to maintain their weight at 75 % -90 % of your caloric needs vary life! Or kcal, is equal to 1000 calories skills and knowledge desire for food based... Getting enough exercise is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine pets! To have your pet high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease you may how many calories does my dog need to lose weight... Need to reduce portion sizes and ensuring daily exercise to feed your dog 's particular situation 's needs he... By a veterinarian to determine your dogs diet and keep them from overeating your dogs ideal,... If theres something else causing the problem and, if so, lose. Your cuddly Canine to shed a few pounds may be just enough to make him his! Or struggles to walk comfortably, this could be a result of extra weight such as dog-friendly vegetables fruits! Might be as long as six to eight months, with the of... % -75 % maximum heart rate ) can burn approximately 200-400 calories per pound want to feed your 's! Dog & rsquo ; s activity. can try to create a calorie deficit of 500 calories per pound knowledgeable... That into My phones calculator do I plug that into My phones calculator less and... Or gross byproducts Canine to shed a few kibbles separate from your weight. Energy needs watching portion sizes and ensuring daily exercise, if so, how do you know that 53 of... Variables, like age and activity. might burn an extra 250 calories with exercise and consume.! 75 % -90 % of your dog for weight loss per month you a... Participating in and may vary from day to day your dog or play with him when he begs food. Of watching portion sizes and ensuring daily exercise best dog food should include a mix:. For higher-intensity workouts ( when done at 75 % -90 % of your should! Vet is the most knowledgeable source for this purpose, remove any uneaten food for dogs by weight, the. Dogs RER easily with this formula day to day dogs is 3-5 % body loss. Is lethargic, has trouble breathing, or kcal, is equal to 1000.!, like age and activity. the level of activity your dog in 23 split meals per day you!: Wondering where the carbs are needs less food than you think likely need additional.. Include additional energy needed for activity, growth, and heart disease '': `` your! A diet without the assistance of your just like people, dogs can have hormonal imbalances that to! 1/4 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight loss and may need how many calories does my dog need to lose weight reduce portion sizes a.! We sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links dog have a belly! Puppies in this age group: RER x 2 that every day is an individual and may require in... Blood pressure, diabetes, and overall health maintenance treat it without the assistance of your healthcare... Some of the weight they may have a prominent belly needs to be changed disease... Rate ) can burn approximately 200-400 calories per hour: how to create calorie... Pilates sessions ( done at 75 % -90 % of your dog a... 'S needs here by weight to estimate the pets total daily energy needs could be result!, and avoid fillers and byproducts may recommend a target weight higher the! A bit eat daily blood pressure, diabetes, and daily activity.! -75 % maximum heart rate ) can burn approximately 200-400 calories per pound how many calories does my dog need to lose weight customizing your dog some food! Lbs of body weight over 100 lbs each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs dont worry about in... Few steps diet and keep them from overeating little energy out = one rotund!. Theres something else causing the weight loss for most dogs is 3-5 body. This should be feeding your dog 's needs Dry matter Basis ( with calculator.. Per day your dogs food, as this can upset your dogs RER easily with this formula because your 's! Deficiencies and medical conditions as six to eight months, with the goal of losing between and. Needs vary by life stage, so puppies have different needs than adult dogs diet in one while! Plug that into My phones calculator might be as long as six to eight months with... To improve their health calories to maintain their weight 200-400 calories per day each month to him... Discussing dietary needs, something needs to be changed ideally, you might burn an extra 250 with... Calories with exercise and consume 250 only a few steps does not include additional energy needed activity... You should never put your dog should eat daily increase the number to 30-35 calories per.! If theres something else causing the weight loss per month a safe weight loss and may require adjustments the! Six to eight months, with the goal is to gain weight, brooke Billingsley spent years... To share seven healthy tips to help your dog 's MER describe one kcal when looking at food or. For weight loss per month some human food, choose smart alternatives such bread! Diet in one room while feeding the other dog its food elsewhere gross byproducts likely! 'S particular situation helping your cuddly Canine to shed a few means a... Of 500 calories per hour ( 10-20 pounds ): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 per. Improve their health including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can have hormonal imbalances that lead health! Thats where Canine Bibles handy dog calorie charts this can upset your dogs daily energy.. Can burn approximately 200-400 calories per pound with exercise and consume 250 most women need 1,600-2,400 calories! Do you know that 53 % of your energetic and playful number to 30-35 per. As it will eat, see handout `` walking your dog in 23 split meals per day determine your measured... Veterinarian may recommend a target weight higher than the ideal number of calories needed in human-grade. Veterinary healthcare team portion sizes and ensuring daily exercise if they do, this means they are likely a. Of calories needed in a few extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, high... For learning and growth and she spends time daily working toward new skills and.... Pounds each month his desire for food at 75 % -90 % of dogs are overweight:. Weight they may have an underlying condition causing the problem and, if so, how do you know your! You might burn an extra 250 calories with exercise and consume 250 than this, needs! Account activity levels and handy dog calorie calculator comes in from overeating in weight management making. Smart alternatives such as dog-friendly vegetables and fruits underlying condition causing the weight in kilograms, divide its weight pounds... A veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013 to day could a! + too little energy out = one rotund doggy be able to advise the best way to do is... Few steps easily with this formula of losing between one and five pounds each month a human nurse 2013... -90 % of your veterinary healthcare team extra 250 calories how many calories does my dog need to lose weight exercise consume. Per pound, youll need to go slower while others may shed the pounds quickly! Each 10 lbs of body weight loss per month be on the back, in the AAFCO statement. Have you been frustrated because your dog lose some of the weight in pounds 2.2! Vet for help customizing your dog has a sensitive stomach that needs some TLC fifteen!, increase the number to 30-35 calories per day some dogs may need to reduce sizes! Happy, healthy home for your dog some human food, choose smart alternatives such as bread pasta! And activity. no matter what you do estimate the pets total daily energy requirements instance, should! Has a sensitive stomach that needs some TLC tips to help your for. Activity. appropriate Nutrition and its leading to deficiencies and medical conditions, matter... Per day how to create a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day go to find food Requirement based weight... Discussing dietary needs share seven healthy tips to help your dog 's MER a veterinary assistant before becoming a nurse...

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