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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
A healthy weight is one of the best gifts you can give your dog. Extra weight strains the joints, heart and organs, and can shorten their life. The good news is that small, steady changes to food and activity make a big difference.
Is your dog overweight?
- You can't easily feel their ribs
- There's no visible waist when you look from above
- Their belly sags rather than tucking up
- They tire quickly, or pant more than usual
Why it matters
Extra weight is linked to arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems and a shorter life. Even a small weight loss can noticeably ease joint pain. Read more in my guide on natural arthritis support.
How to help your dog lose weight
Feed fresh, whole food. Fresh, lower-carbohydrate meals are more satisfying and nourishing than highly processed food. Our PawNutrition builds a feeding framework around your dog's ideal weight.
Measure meals. Weigh food rather than guessing.
Count the treats. Treats add up quickly. Use small pieces, or part of their meal, as rewards.
Move more, gently. Add short walks, sniffing games and play. Go early or late in Singapore's heat.
Use coconut oil the right way. Its MCFAs are burned for energy rather than stored, and support metabolism. But calories still count, so stick to the recommended amount. Read more in does coconut oil cause weight gain?.
Go slowly. Aim for gradual, steady weight loss rather than a crash diet.
When to look deeper
If your dog is gaining weight without eating more, it's worth looking deeper. A sluggish thyroid is a common cause, but a basic thyroid blood test can miss the early stages. By the time it shows up on bloodwork, the thyroid may already be badly affected.
An HTMA can give earlier clues. Dr Ava Frick, a holistic vet, can read the results for early thyroid changes that can be supported, as well as other underlying issues. An HTMA tells us a lot more than just mineral deficiencies. See the Dr Ava Frick HTMA test.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should my dog lose weight?
Slowly and steadily. Rapid weight loss isn't healthy.
Can coconut oil help my dog lose weight?
It can support a healthy metabolism as part of a balanced diet, as long as your dog isn't overeating.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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