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My dog's not losing weight on prescription food. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | spayed

My one dog has been on prescription weight management dog food for about 8 months and she is not losing any weight. She needs to lose about 20 pounds. I heard that dogs being on a vegan dog food can help them lose weight. Is that true? I have my other two dogs on a vegan diet due to medical and allergies. I was wondering if it would help her lose weight or what is something I can do to help her lose the weight?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 4th, 2018

Hi. Great job trying to get some weight off of her. A few recommendations....pets are NOT vegan. So it is not recommended for pets to be on this type of diet. If there is a food allergy, she should be on a prescription dog food prescribed by your veterinarian. Pets are usually 93% of the time allergic to the protein source, not carbs. So chicken or beef, etc. Therefore, a different protein source such as fish or other novel proteins are recommended. With weight problems, you will want to cut back, or stop all treats and people food. Some pets don't lose weight if they have metabolic or endocrine conditions. The most common is a low thyroid. So getting her thyroid checked is an important step. Also increase exercise as much as possible. Lastly, have your veterinarian give you a recommendation bases on weight for the amount of dog food she should have per day. Good luck.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi. Great job trying to get some weight off of her. A few recommendations....pets are NOT vegan. So it is not recommended for pets to be on this type of diet. If there is a food allergy, she should be on a prescription dog food prescribed by your veterinarian. Pets are usually 93% of the time allergic to the protein source, not carbs. So chicken or beef, etc. Therefore, a different protein source such as fish or other novel proteins are recommended. With weight problems, you will want to cut back, or stop all treats and people food. Some pets don't lose weight if they have metabolic or endocrine conditions. The most common is a low thyroid. So getting her thyroid checked is an important step. Also increase exercise as much as possible. Lastly, have your veterinarian give you a recommendation bases on weight for the amount of dog food she should have per day. Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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