Too many dogs are carrying too much weight
Vets now describe canine obesity as one of the most common health problems they see. In many Indian homes, a chubby dog is still seen as a happy, well-fed dog. But extra weight is not a sign of good care. It shortens lives, strains joints, and makes almost every other health problem worse.
The good news is that weight loss works, and it does not need crash diets or starvation. With the right food, measured portions, and a bit more activity, most overweight dogs can reach a healthy weight and keep it off — safely, at a pace the body can handle.
Why extra weight is a health problem
Fat is not just stored energy. It is active tissue that affects hormones, inflammation, and how the body handles sugar. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, joint disease, breathing problems, and heart strain, and they tend to live shorter lives than lean dogs of the same breed.
Even a small amount matters. For a small dog, two extra kilos can be like a person carrying fifteen, and because dogs age faster than we do, the damage builds up quickly.
How fast should a dog lose weight?
A safe rate is about 1 to 2 percent of body weight per month. That sounds slow, but it is deliberate: losing weight too quickly can cause muscle loss, and a constantly hungry dog begs, steals food, and becomes stressed.
Your vet will set a target weight and work out the daily food amount to reach it — based on the target weight, not the current one. Weigh-ins every few weeks keep the plan on track, and portions can be adjusted if progress stalls.
How a veterinary obesity diet is formulated to help support weight loss
A veterinary weight-loss diet is not just a smaller portion of normal food. It is formulated to be lower in calories while still providing the protein, vitamins and minerals a dog needs every day. That balance is what makes it safe for long-term use. The diet is also made to help the dog feel full, so hunger does not derail the plan.
Protein matters during weight loss: when a dog loses weight, the body can lose muscle along with fat, and enough high-quality protein helps support muscle while fat comes off. Fibre adds bulk without many calories, which helps the dog feel satisfied after eating.
How Farmina Vet Life Obesity is formulated to help support your dog
Farmina Vet Life Obesity Canine Formula Adult Dog Dry Food is a veterinary diet formulated to help support safe weight loss in overweight adult dogs. It is a low-calorie formula designed to help reduce body weight while helping to support muscle mass, and it is intended to be fed as part of a vet-supervised weight-loss plan.
The food is available in 2kg and 12kg packs. Because this is a prescription diet, it should only be fed on your vet's recommendation, and your vet will set the daily amount and monitor your dog's progress.
Feeding and daily care tips
- Measure every meal: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup. Even a small extra scoop each day can cancel out a week's progress.
- Stop free feeding: Leaving food down all day makes it impossible to control calories. Feed set meals at set times instead.
- Count the treats: Treats should be no more than 10 percent of daily calories. Use part of the daily food allowance as training treats where you can.
- Build up exercise slowly: Start with short, regular walks and increase gradually. Swimming is excellent for heavy dogs because it spares the joints.
- Weigh every two to four weeks: Keep a record so you and your vet can see the trend and adjust portions when needed.
- Get the family on board: Weight loss fails when one person sneaks extra food. Everyone in the house needs to follow the same plan.
When to talk to your vet
Speak to your vet before starting any weight-loss programme, especially if your dog is older, has joint problems, or takes regular medicine. Your vet can rule out medical causes of weight gain such as thyroid problems, set a safe target, and check progress. If your dog refuses food, vomits, or seems unusually tired during weight loss, contact your vet promptly.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Prescription diets should only be used under veterinary supervision. Always consult your vet before changing your dog's diet.
Shop genuine Farmina Vet Life Obesity at Paw Store (pawstore.in) — Farmina Vet Life Obesity Canine Formula Adult Dog Dry Food, with same-day delivery in NCR and fast shipping across India.