What’s the best way to help a dog lose weight?
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We recently adopted a lab from a family moving out of the country. The lab is about 20 pounds overweight and she’s only 3 years old. They never walked her, and I’m guessing they gave her lots of table scraps and treats. I plan on taking her for walks and finding better dog food for her (she’s on Purina now). Do you have any food suggestions? Do you have any other tips to help her shed the weight and get healthy again?
Hi KorgiKardashian, how sweet! Labs are great fun, and I hope you and your family are already having a blast with her. 20 pounds overweight is a lot, but it’s great that you’re keen on getting her back to health.
First, I recommend taking her in for a health check with your vet if you haven’t done so already. Being overweight can cause other health problems that you might not be able to see. As she is not used to much exercise, slow and steady wins the race here. Stick to regular walks around the neighborhood or parks, and gradually build up to longer walks and adventures. Labs need around one hour a day. They love to fetch, so lots of playtime with balls is bound to keep her interested.
When it comes to food, we have a guide on the best weight-loss food for dogs and low-calorie dog treats. As you say, avoid table scraps and always follow the feeding instructions to avoid overfeeding her. Just remember, “more movement and less food.”
Labs love food, so you need to stick with it and not give in to those puppy dog eyes! Good luck, and please let us know how you get on with her weight loss journey 🙂
Thank you @Emma Braby! I appreciate the other activity ideas and I had no idea they needed an hour of exercise daily!