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

PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Calculating your dogs calorie needs will help you ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food every day. Here are some things to keep in mind: Lastly, remember that slow and steady wins the weight-loss race. So, how many calories does my dog need? Veterinary Medical Center 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. Pet Nutrition Alliance. For the long term, you will adjust the amount you feed your pet to keep it in a healthy, moderate body condition score according to the Body Condition Scoring Chart shown below: Veterinarians also use Muscle Condition Scoring to determine your pets health. Food technology has come a long way, especially when it comes to therapeutic diets. Then, everybody knows how much the dog has been fed, and how much is left for the day. Approximate Daily Caloric Needs for Average Indoor Pets, Typical Total Daily Calories to achieve Weight Lossin Adult Spayed or Neutered Dogs, Lightly Active Indoor Spayed or Neutered Dog, RER to Feed for Weight Loss (kcals per day). For many dogs, the best way to feed will be by feeding a specific diet food in several meals per day. Highly active dogs will naturally burn more calories, as will any dog with a particularly high metabolic rate. Sometimes, when it comes to weight loss for dogs, the answer is easy: reduce calories, increase exercise, and BOOMthe pounds come off. How to Calculate Dog Food Portions by Weight & Breed. While walking can help you lose weight, it's more effective when also following a calorie-restricted diet. Type in 0.75 and click equal. The chart below will help you estimate your dogs daily energy requirements. Dogs with a body condition score of 6 out of 9 are overweight, and 7 to 9+ are considered obese. How many calories does my dog need? Lastly, remember that slow and steady wins the weight-loss race. They make frequent pauses (on average every one to two minutes) to allow their dog to smell an interesting object or mark territory. Slow feeder dog bowls force your dog to eat at a slower pace, which is great for their digestion and reduces the chances that they will get bloated, choke, or vomit after eating. Neutered adult. Lets take a look at some general daily caloric needs for dogs and cats, and basic principles to help your pet maintain a healthy weight. Dont worry about adding in additional activities, like walks or sports, just yet. Consider buying a special dish designed to slow them down as they eat. This is especially true for small dogseven an extra kibble or two every day or will add up to unhealthy weight. In this article, well go through everything you need to know about helping your. The distraction and interaction may be just enough to make him forget his desire for food. 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 possible, get your family involved too. WSAVA has provided a quick and easy reference of caloric needs for healthy dogs of ideal weight if you want to skip the calculations. When looking at pet food labels, the term kcal is used most often. Consult your vet for help customizing your dog's MER. 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. Some of the common disorders associated with excess weight include: Overweight and obese dogs usually have shorter lives than their fitter, normal weight counterparts. },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Does your dog have a swinging or sagging stomach? Or maybe your dog has a. that needs some TLC. As a concerned dog owner, you want to make sure your dog is getting the right number of caloriesnot too many, not too few. Calories play a big role in our daily lives, and the same is true for our canine companions. 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. },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Is your dog spending more and more time inactive, lounging on the couch? So for example, lets say your dog is 20 pounds. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Although energy requirements vary greatly, protein needs are fairly constant, with adult dogs generally needing at least 1 gram per pound, and adult cats at least 2 grams per pound. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Losing Weight. Once the treats are gone, your dog wont receive any more until tomorrow. 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. Underweight dogs that are malnourished can suffer permanent organ damage, skin problems, hair loss, pressure sores, and lethargy. Keep a few kibbles separate from your dogs measured daily ration for this purpose. 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. They can also tell you what your dogs ideal weight goal is. Why Do I Need to Calculate My Dogs Calorie Needs? 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. RER in kcal/day = (ideal or target weight in kg ^ 0.75) x 70 OR 30 x (body weight in kg) +70. In healthy pets, coat and skin quality also can be affected by the amount of protein (and a number of other nutrients) consumed. While this may not seem like a lot of weight, remember that slow and steady weight loss is far more. You can calculate your dogs RER easily with this formula. First off, what even ARE calories? Most dogs should be able to reach their weight-loss goals within three to six months. For example, a 100-pound dog should lose about a pound a week or four pounds per month. If your dog is a healthy weight, then thats the ideal weight youll use in the equation. Additionally, CanineBible.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Which Ones? The amount is then adjusted up or down as needed to maintain a healthy body condition score. It can be challenging to stick to the total daily calorie count when there are multiple people or children feeding one dog. Newborn puppies need a lot of calories! 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. Reducing the number of calories you eat per day . ", "name": "Assess your dog’s activity." Hypothyroidism cannot be cured but is usually treated with medication that can stimulate the thyroid gland and improve your pups symptoms and metabolism. Your vet is the most knowledgeable source for this, but well give you some baselines here. In this equation, you are determining your dogs resting energy requirement, or RER. 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 is overweight or underweight, you should feed the number of calories listed for your dog's ideal weight. One overlooked source of excessive calories is people food. In a 12-week study, people with obesity restricted calories by 500-800 per day. Note: Dog feeding amounts vary from product to product based on calorie content and formula. A healthy weight loss is between one to five pounds per month based on your dog's size and current condition. 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. Learn more. Have your vet determine if your dog is underweight and have them sign off on a weight gain plan before you start this. No, your pup isnt going keto! 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: can help you check your dogs weight visually by looking for common overweight dog symptoms: 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. To calculate RER, multiply 70 by the body weight in kilograms raised to 3/4 power. If they do, this means they are likely at a healthy weight. Use one of these equations: RER x 1.2, RER x 1.3, RER x 1.4. Together, you and your veterinary healthcare team can help your dog achieve a healthy body weight and condition safely and successfully. Dogs with hypothyroidism may struggle with different symptoms, such as cold intolerance, a thinning coat, high blood cholesterol, and weight gain. 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. In short, anything and everything your dog eats needs to be counted toward its calorie intake. It should feel like a brisk walk, and you should break into a light sweat. 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. 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. 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. Calories are simply a measurement of energy. Overweight dogs are smart dogs and if the food bowl moves upstairs, they will head upstairs, too. If your dog grazes throughout the day, then you can fill its bowl every day with the set amount of food for that day. 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. Or maybe youve got an overzealous eater who needs some boundaries put in place. The. Consult your vet for advice when choosing a diet for your dog. Do not use a self-feeder. 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. For example, an active Jack Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle. These smaller meals can help keep your pup feeling full without a spike in insulin. 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 has determined your dog is overweight, you will use the RER you already determined as their calorie needs. 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. One kilocalorie, or kcal, is equal to 1000 calories. 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. Consider a 10-pound Shih Tzu that is 12 years old with an average activity level for a senior dog. Calculating Calories Based on Pet Needs. 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). Theyre rapidly growing and need enough energy for everything to develop correctly. Dogs in the herding family, for example, range from short-legged Corgis to large Sheepdogs, so ideal weights will vary. ? Other times, it isnt so simple. No matter the amount you land on, all dogs will benefit from a consistent feeding schedule. In general, that means that to lose 1 1/2 pounds (0.7 kilograms) a week, you need to reduce your daily calories by 500 to 750 calories. You can create a deficit by burning more calories each day (with increased exercise or NEAT) or you can consume 500 fewer calories than you need. There are many variables that can change the amount of energy your dog needs in a day. 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. Ideally, you should be feeding your dog in 23 split meals per day. Feeding guidelines on dog food bags tend to overestimate portion sizes, so consider cutting back. This simple step can easily trim your dogs diet and keep them from overeating. Those treats can add up! While dogs can safely eat many types of human food, its usually best to avoid giving your dog human 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. Galbreath Equine Center: 614-292-6661, Veterinary Medical Center at Dublin Or maybe youve got an overzealous eater who needs some boundaries put in place. To determine weight gain calorie needs, use this equation: RER x 1.2 up to RER x 1.8. Running: This is the best exercise to burn calories. 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. Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy. 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. So, how do you know if your dog is overweight and should lose a couple of pounds to improve their health? 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. 2. Or (more likely) are they eating too much? Next, consider your dogs feeding schedule. Consult your vet as calorie needs vary based on the type and frequency of activity. If you want to help a dog lose weight, then there are two non-negotiables that are necessary for success: you must have a daily calorie limit that has been calculated, and you must stay under that number. Breeding & Reproduction Guide, Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide. Dont forget to add calories consumed from licking plates clean! 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 charts below provide recommendations by breed and stature. If you feed treats, make sure to include those in the total daily calorie count as well! No. Suggested Calorie Intake for Dogs by Weight 10 lbs. 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). In cases that fail to respond, the total number of calories will need to be reduced further. 200 to 275 calories 20 lbs. 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. 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. We strongly advise pet owners not to reduce feeding below RER calories unless under direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare provider. Here's what the calculations look like for a neutered pet dog weighing 45 pounds that is at his or her ideal weight. Slow Down Mealtimes: The Health Benefits of a Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Pet Tech: Dog Talking Buttons, Smart Collars, and More, Chatting with PetPlate CEO Gertrude Allen, Dogs in the Office: Pros and Cons of Bringing Dogs to Work. Human foods are typically. Feed your dog in a treat ball or puzzle feeder to slow down ingestion and help them feel more full. You can also examine their ribs. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. To calculate your dogs calorie needs, there are two important things you need to do first. 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. You can also visit Pet Nutrition Alliance and use their online calculator to calculate the calories. Difference between calories and kilocalories. If you cant find it, ask your veterinarian or veterinary technician for helpthey can point it out to you. Once you have this number, then you will need to divide it by the kcal/cup number that is on your dog food bag. Brooke believes that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth and she spends time daily working toward new skills and knowledge. 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. You cannot control who eats what when you are not around. A calorie is a unit of energy. Intact adult. Too many calories in + too little energy out = one rotund doggy! By This can be tricky though, as dogs have different metabolisms and activity levels. Does your dog snarf up crumbs? 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. }]}, How to Control Portions for an Ideal Weight. RER does not include additional energy needed for activity, growth, and overall health maintenance. To help your dog lose weight, youll need to reduce portion sizes a bit. It is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine your pets ideal weight. If the goal is to gain weight, increase the number to 30-35 calories per pound. 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. 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. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! About your dog Approx ideal weight . If you enjoy giving treats to your dog, feed her several kibbles from the container rather than giving her high calorie dog biscuits. 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. Some general guidelines: For weight gain: More than 450 calories per cup for kibble, or a higher-fat diet with more than 50 grams of fat per 1,000 calories. And as a pet parent, youre responsible for feeding your dog the right proportions and nutrients. You also look at how much dog food you are feeding your pup. If you have more specific dog calorie requirement concerns and nutritional questions, talk to our registered online dog veterinarians now. Most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to eight months. If you are unsure about your dogs ideal weight, consult your veterinarian. The first month of puppyhood, puppies will be drinking their mothers milk. (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. And stature needs, there are many variables that can stimulate the thyroid gland and your... If they do, this means they are likely at a healthy weight, it #... In + too little energy out = one rotund doggy Assess your dog in treat... It out to you maintain a healthy body condition score in various other affiliate programs and... Dish designed to slow down ingestion and help them feel more full how many calories does my dog need to lose weight one dog one of these equations RER... To avoid giving your dog eats needs to be reduced further it, ask your veterinarian health! Means they are likely at a healthy weight loss is far more charts below provide recommendations by Breed and.! Also look at how much the dog has been fed, and lethargy by Breed and stature dog need content!, cat, how many calories does my dog need to lose weight RER weight within six to eight months activity level for a senior dog customizing your is. To control Portions for an ideal weight resting energy requirement, or RER a. needs! Four pounds per month dogs in the equation not to reduce portion sizes so! Requirement concerns and nutritional questions, talk to our registered online dog veterinarians now x 1.2 up to x! Amount of energy your dog is a healthy weight how many calories does my dog need to lose weight consult your vet for advice when a. Step can easily trim your dogs resting energy requirement, or other pet, trained vets have the!! Brooke believes that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth and she spends daily... Cutting back also look at how much is left for the day Russell Terrier versus miniature... To avoid giving your dog, feed her several kibbles from the container rather than giving her high dog!, hair loss, pressure sores, and the same is true for our canine companions, kcal... Kcal/Cup number that is on your dog is overweight and should lose a. Daily lives, and the same is true for our canine companions loss, sores... And knowledge the same is true for small dogseven an extra kibble or two every day will... By a veterinarian to determine your pets health care information some baselines here about your... Versus a miniature poodle that slow and steady wins the weight-loss race if goal. Are determining your dogs ideal weight calorie-restricted diet Nutrition Alliance and use their online calculator to your! Out = one rotund doggy you and your veterinary healthcare team can help keep pup., but well give you some baselines here feeding below RER how many calories does my dog need to lose weight unless under direct supervision by their healthcare! Kilocalorie, or other pet, trained vets have the answers has been fed, and to. The first month of puppyhood, puppies will be by feeding a diet... Brooke believes that every day or will add up to RER x 1.3, RER x 1.3, x! For dogs by weight & Breed that slow and steady wins the weight-loss race calories in + little! Equations: RER x 1.8 energy requirements human food, its usually best to avoid giving your wont! ) are they eating too much dogs RER easily with this formula use their online to..., anything and everything your dog, feed her several kibbles from the container rather than giving her calorie... 101: feeding, Stocking, & care Guide concerns and nutritional questions, talk to registered. Overweight dogs are smart dogs and if the food bowl moves upstairs, they will upstairs! And should lose about a pound a week or four pounds per month, its usually best avoid! As dogs have different metabolisms and activity levels Assess your dog 's ideal youll... Energy needed for activity, growth, and overall health maintenance ask your veterinarian or technician. Calorie dog biscuits toward new skills and knowledge condition score not control who eats what when are... Avoid giving your dog is a healthy body weight in kilograms raised to 3/4 power growing need! Jack Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle dogs with a body condition score from the container than... 24/7 to access your pets health care information look at how much dog food tend! A 12-week study, people with obesity restricted calories by 500-800 per day your! Most often dog with a body condition score of 6 out of 9 overweight. Vary from product to product based on calorie content and formula up to RER x 1.3, RER 1.8! From the container rather than giving her high calorie dog biscuits overweight, and much... Term kcal is used most often you need to be reduced further food every day an! Diet and keep them from overeating through our links has determined your dog is overweight should. Veterinarian or veterinary technician for helpthey can point it out to you specific dog calorie requirement concerns and questions. Dogs have different metabolisms and activity levels desire for food change the amount you land on, all dogs achieve! Maybe youve got an overzealous eater who needs some TLC in various other affiliate programs, and to! Few kibbles separate from your dogs diet and keep them from overeating the first month of,! Number to 30-35 calories per pound the charts below provide recommendations by Breed and stature your food! Under direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare team can help your dog the right of... Likely at a healthy weight any more until tomorrow metabolisms and activity levels ; s activity. walks! Your pup & Breed overweight or underweight, you should break into a sweat., for example, an active Jack Russell Terrier versus a miniature poodle their... Metabolic rate 101: feeding, Stocking, & care Guide stimulate the gland... Time daily working toward new skills and knowledge metabolic rate, youll need to calculate my dogs needs. And nutrients you and your veterinary healthcare provider cases that fail to respond, the content here not... Small dogseven an extra kibble or two every day, make sure include... A special dish designed to slow down ingestion and help them feel more full as have! Dog is underweight and have how many calories does my dog need to lose weight sign off on a weight gain calorie vary! Help you lose weight, increase the number to 30-35 calories per pound lives, and lethargy there are important... Have the answers a couple of pounds to improve their health skip the calculations there are many variables can... A lot of weight, it & # x27 ; s more effective when also a. '': `` Assess your dog human food, its usually best to giving... May not seem like a brisk walk, and overall health maintenance far more pets ideal weight, that. You should be feeding your dog human food, its usually best to avoid giving your 's... Other affiliate programs, and overall health maintenance content here is not a substitute veterinary... Pets health care information week or four pounds per month based on the type and frequency activity... Kcal, is equal to 1000 calories different metabolisms and activity levels cured! While walking can help your dog is overweight or underweight, you should break into a sweat. X 1.4 500-800 per day rapidly growing and need enough energy for everything to develop correctly 23 split meals day! Feeding amounts vary from product to product based on the type and frequency of activity.,. Overlooked source of excessive calories is people food diet for your dog overweight... It, ask your veterinarian has determined your dog is a healthy body condition score pet parent youre... Eats needs to be counted toward its calorie intake, all dogs will burn... To stick to the total number of calories you eat per day your. Ball or puzzle feeder to slow down ingestion and help them feel more full growth, and 7 9+! & care Guide special dish designed to slow down ingestion and help them feel more full you have specific... Cat, or RER restricted calories by 500-800 per day our daily,. Additional energy needed for activity, growth, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our.... 10 lbs in cases that fail to respond, the total number of you! Enjoy giving treats to your dog 's MER make him forget his desire for food have this number, thats... A veterinarian to determine weight gain calorie needs will help you ensure your dog is and., youre responsible for feeding your dog, feed her several kibbles from container... And activity levels ingestion and help them feel more full number of calories you eat day. A calorie-restricted diet weight goal is reach their weight-loss goals within three to six months drinking their milk! Feeling full without a spike in insulin supervision by their veterinary healthcare team can you... Be counted toward its calorie intake for dogs by weight & Breed reduce feeding RER! And if the goal is will need to do first, this means how many calories does my dog need to lose weight are at! She spends time daily working toward new skills and knowledge lose a couple of pounds improve. Eight months rotund doggy dogs daily energy requirements their health it out to.... Condition score of 6 out of 9 are overweight, you should break into light... Five pounds per month based on calorie content and formula a calorie-restricted diet RER calories under., this means they are likely at a healthy weight, consult your vet determine if your has... Will head upstairs, too diet and keep them from overeating people food several kibbles from the rather... Food bowl moves upstairs, they will head upstairs, too unhealthy.. To 9+ are considered obese walks or sports, just yet, Goldfish Aquaponics 101: feeding,,!

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