Pet Weight Loss Remedies
Holistic Digestive Care in Every Chew with Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews
Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews are your pet’s best friend when it comes to digestive health. Each chew is packed with essential Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics, working together to boost gut health, improve digestion, and support overall well-being. Free from GMOs, gluten, and artificial preservatives, these chews are the natural choice for your dog or cat.
Obesity and How to Speed Weight Loss in Pets
Obesity is rapidly becoming the most common veterinary condition affecting our dogs and cats. According to one survey, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats are classified as overweight or obese. That’s a staggering 88.4 million pets that veterinarians consider to be too heavy.
Health Risks of Overweight Pets
Overweight pets are at a higher risk for serious health problems, including:
- Cancer (especially intra-abdominal cancers)
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Arthritis
- Skin disorders
- Heart disease
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
- Immune system suppression
- High blood pressure
- Shortened life span
Holistic Digestive Care in Every Chew with Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews
Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews are your pet’s best friend when it comes to digestive health. Each chew is packed with essential Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics, working together to boost gut health, improve digestion, and support overall well-being. Free from GMOs, gluten, and artificial preservatives, these chews are the natural choice for your dog or cat.
Achieving Weight Loss
A good goal for weight loss is 1-2% of the pet’s body weight per week. In my practice, I typically aim for a 15% weight loss over the course of 3-4 months.
It’s important to note that rapid weight loss can lead to rapid weight regain, liver disease, and, in some cases, even hepatic lipidosis, especially in cats.
First Step: Cut the Carbs
I’ve had the best results with high-protein diets such as raw, homemade, or canned food, and reducing kibble.
Here are some steps to help your pet lose weight:
- Cut out high-carbohydrate treats
- Exercise your dog for at least 30 minutes twice daily
- Feed only the measured amount of food based on your pet’s weight
Supplements to Aid Weight Loss
Carnitine
Carnitine has been shown to speed up weight loss in cats. The recommended dose is 100 mg daily. This supplement helps the body utilize fat more efficiently, and it is now included in some weight reduction programs.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA has shown anti-obesity effects in rodents, and a study at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine demonstrated that dogs on a weight reduction program lost weight faster and had lower cholesterol levels when given DHEA.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is essential for cellular energy production. Studies have shown its benefits in humans with heart and muscle diseases, and animal studies are underway to assess its effects on obesity. The supplement is considered safe, with recommended doses of 1-2 mg per pound of body weight daily.
Green Tea
Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and has gained popularity for weight loss. It’s safe to give daily, and you can substitute green tea for your pet’s water. After 30 days, assess the results. The recommended dose is 1/4 cup for every 20 lbs of body weight daily.
Colostrum
Colostrum helps with weight loss by increasing muscle mass, which leads to a higher metabolism and fat loss. It’s a safe nutrient to consider adding to your overweight pet’s diet. The recommended dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
Probiotics for Weight Loss
Recent research has identified two strains of probiotics that can aid weight loss in obese dogs. The study, published in Microbiology Spectrum, revealed that these probiotics help reduce body fat and correct imbalances in intestinal microflora caused by obesity.
What sets these strains apart is their ability to activate energy metabolism. Even when exposed to a high-calorie diet, these probiotics help decrease body weight, reduce subcutaneous fat, and increase energy metabolism.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease, along with probiotics, may affect gut bacteria and enhance gut health. Research has shown that digestive enzymes promote the colonization of beneficial gut bacteria. In turn, a healthy gut microbiome can play a significant role in weight control.
Heal Your Pet at Home
If your pet struggles with recurrent intestinal issues such as vomiting, gas, distended abdomen, or diarrhea, a digestive enzyme supplement may be helpful.
Our new Dr. Jones’ COMPLETE Digestive Care Soft Chews are now available, and they’re both yummy and effective for promoting gut health.
There are multiple factors that can help your pet lose weight, with diet and exercise being the most crucial. However, if you’re not seeing success, consider adding supplements to their regimen.
P.S. The upcoming Probiotics Webinar is now filled, but if you sign up, you may still get a copy of the slides and presentation. Plus, it’s free! Be sure to check out my new webinar on probiotics for pets.
