Question to vet: My dog is fat. Can I just reduce the amount of food fed?
- The client is feeding Dry Foods
YES IF (Client is feeding Dry Foods)
“If you’re feeding a quality high-protein dry food, and the minerals and vitamin amounts are supplemented at least 35-50% above AAFCO minimums, yes, you can reduce the food fed by 20% to 45% for weight loss, depending on how the company calculates their feeding directions.”
“The protein listed on the label must be at least 24% to feed at indoor sedentary levels (85), and no less than 30% for weight loss (70), reduced calorie, diets.”
NO, IF FEEDING LOW-COST DRY FOOD
- If feeding meat-based diets, including raw, freeze-dried, and cooked.
YES BUT
The protein levels will be fine, but many minerals and vitamins may need to be supplemented, even if you're feeding all-life-stage foods.
Go to the Animal Diet Formulator website. They estimate what one needs to add to typical meat-based diets to make weight loss diets.