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My dog is overweight. How can I help them lose weight safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How do I help my dog lose weight quickly

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2020

Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Most overweight dogs should lose weight at roughly 1-2% of their body weight per week. The best way to achieve this is through portion controlled meals of a good quality balanced diet. Portions should be calculated based on a dog's ideal body weight, not necessarily their current weight. Make sure your dog is also getting plenty of exercise with frequent walks or games of fetch. Your veterinarian can help you to calculate the exact amount that you should be feeding your dog based on the calories per cup of the food you're offering, as well as your dog's current weight and body condition score.

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