Dog Food for Weight Loss
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet Franziska G. explains: Dog Food for Weight Loss

"Obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health problems. Excess body fat means that the cardiovascular system and lungs have to work harder. Overweight dogs are therefore often sluggish and more prone to breathing problems. The joints also have to bear more weight, which can lead to osteoarthritis in dogs in the long term. In addition, overweight dogs have an increased risk of developing canine diabetes. The reason for this is that excess fat affects insulin release in the body.
The immune system can also be weakened by obesity, which is why overweight dogs can be more susceptible to infection. Thus, the negative impact that obesity in dogs has on their quality of life and life expectancy has been proven. Dry and wet food for overweight dogs can help your four-legged friend lose weight and improve their quality of life."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr.med.vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet Franziska G. explains: Dog Food for Weight Loss

"Obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health problems. Excess body fat means that the cardiovascular system and lungs have to work harder. Overweight dogs are therefore often sluggish and more prone to breathing problems. The joints also have to bear more weight, which can lead to osteoarthritis in dogs in the long term. In addition, overweight dogs have an increased risk of developing canine diabetes. The reason for this is that excess fat affects insulin release in the body.
The immune system can also be weakened by obesity, which is why overweight dogs can be more susceptible to infection. Thus, the negative impact that obesity in dogs has on their quality of life and life expectancy has been proven. Dry and wet food for overweight dogs can help your four-legged friend lose weight and improve their quality of life."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr.med.vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.
What is the difference between dry food and wet food for overweight dogs?
Dog food for weight loss – whether dry or wet – basically aims to reduce excess weight in the long term by reducing calorie content. While dry food for overweight dogs often has a reduced fat content and an increased fibre content, wet food for overweight dogs aims to increase the volume of a meal with its high water content. Both types of food therefore serve to satisfy your dog's feeling of satiety.
What is the difference between dry food and wet food for overweight dogs?
Dog food for weight loss – whether dry or wet – basically aims to reduce excess weight in the long term by reducing calorie content. While dry food for overweight dogs often has a reduced fat content and an increased fibre content, wet food for overweight dogs aims to increase the volume of a meal with its high water content. Both types of food therefore serve to satisfy your dog's feeling of satiety.
What can I feed my dog to promote weight loss?
In order to feed your dog a species-appropriate diet, you should always take their individual needs into account when compiling their feeds. You can choose a low-calorie but filling food so that your dog can absorb all the necessary nutrients and still lose weight. In addition to special dog food for weight loss, other options include
- Lean meat (e.g. poultry such as chicken or turkey)
- Cottage cheese or unsweetened yoghurt
- Steamed and low-sugar vegetables (e.g. cucumber, pumpkin, courgette)
Ask your vet or dog nutritionist for advice on which food is suitable for your dog and how much they need.
What can I feed my dog to promote weight loss?
In order to feed your dog a species-appropriate diet, you should always take their individual needs into account when compiling their feeds. You can choose a low-calorie but filling food so that your dog can absorb all the necessary nutrients and still lose weight. In addition to special dog food for weight loss, other options include
- Lean meat (e.g. poultry such as chicken or turkey)
- Cottage cheese or unsweetened yoghurt
- Steamed and low-sugar vegetables (e.g. cucumber, pumpkin, courgette)
Ask your vet or dog nutritionist for advice on which food is suitable for your dog and how much they need.
Which dog food is best for losing weight?
To help your overweight dog lose weight in a controlled manner, you should adjust their diet. Specialised dog food for weight control is a good choice. Their serving should be low in calories but still nutritious. The following products are some choices for optimally supplementing their food:
- Low-fat dog food, light dog food
- Vegetable flakes for dogs & dog flakes with lots of fibre
- Grain-free dog food is also suitable for dogs with grain allergies
- Low-calorie and low-fat snacks and grain-free treats
Which dog food is best for losing weight?
To help your overweight dog lose weight in a controlled manner, you should adjust their diet. Specialised dog food for weight control is a good choice. Their serving should be low in calories but still nutritious. The following products are some choices for optimally supplementing their food:
- Low-fat dog food, light dog food
- Vegetable flakes for dogs & dog flakes with lots of fibre
- Grain-free dog food is also suitable for dogs with grain allergies
- Low-calorie and low-fat snacks and grain-free treats
How do I reduce my dog's weight?
In order for your dog to lose weight in a controlled and gentle manner, you should also change other aspects of their life in addition to feeding.
Here you will find an overview of how you can reduce obesity in dogs:
| Tip- | Exercise |
|---|---|
| Reason- | In addition to an adapted diet, regular exercise also promotes weight loss. |
| Tip- | Fixed feeding times |
| Reason- | Get your dog used to regular eating times, as this helps to avoid uncontrolled eating behaviour. |
| Tip- | Weight control |
| Reason- | Check your dog's weight regularly to monitor their weight development. |
| Tip- | Small portions |
| Reason- | Several small portions throughout the day prevent cravings. |
| Tip- | Healthy treats |
| Reason- | Replace normal dog treats with healthier snacks such as pieces of cucumber. |
| Tip- | Sufficient drinking water |
| Reason- | If your dog drinks enough water, they will feel fuller and their metabolism will be stimulated. |
Tip- | Reason- |
|---|---|
Exercise | In addition to an adapted diet, regular exercise also promotes weight loss. |
Fixed feeding times | Get your dog used to regular eating times, as this helps to avoid uncontrolled eating behaviour. |
Weight control | Check your dog's weight regularly to monitor their weight development. |
Small portions | Several small portions throughout the day prevent cravings. |
Healthy treats | Replace normal dog treats with healthier snacks such as pieces of cucumber. |
Sufficient drinking water | If your dog drinks enough water, they will feel fuller and their metabolism will be stimulated. |
How do I reduce my dog's weight?
In order for your dog to lose weight in a controlled and gentle manner, you should also change other aspects of their life in addition to feeding.
Here you will find an overview of how you can reduce obesity in dogs:
| Tip- | Exercise |
|---|---|
| Reason- | In addition to an adapted diet, regular exercise also promotes weight loss. |
| Tip- | Fixed feeding times |
| Reason- | Get your dog used to regular eating times, as this helps to avoid uncontrolled eating behaviour. |
| Tip- | Weight control |
| Reason- | Check your dog's weight regularly to monitor their weight development. |
| Tip- | Small portions |
| Reason- | Several small portions throughout the day prevent cravings. |
| Tip- | Healthy treats |
| Reason- | Replace normal dog treats with healthier snacks such as pieces of cucumber. |
| Tip- | Sufficient drinking water |
| Reason- | If your dog drinks enough water, they will feel fuller and their metabolism will be stimulated. |
Tip- | Reason- |
|---|---|
Exercise | In addition to an adapted diet, regular exercise also promotes weight loss. |
Fixed feeding times | Get your dog used to regular eating times, as this helps to avoid uncontrolled eating behaviour. |
Weight control | Check your dog's weight regularly to monitor their weight development. |
Small portions | Several small portions throughout the day prevent cravings. |
Healthy treats | Replace normal dog treats with healthier snacks such as pieces of cucumber. |
Sufficient drinking water | If your dog drinks enough water, they will feel fuller and their metabolism will be stimulated. |
What is the quickest way for my dog to lose weight?
A combination of a low-calorie diet and plenty of exercise is important for your dog to lose weight in a controlled manner.
What is the quickest way for my dog to lose weight?
A combination of a low-calorie diet and plenty of exercise is important for your dog to lose weight in a controlled manner.
Is high-protein dog food good for losing weight?
Protein-rich dog food can help with weight loss, as it prevents muscle breakdown and ensures a long-lasting feeling of satiety.
Is high-protein dog food good for losing weight?
Protein-rich dog food can help with weight loss, as it prevents muscle breakdown and ensures a long-lasting feeling of satiety.
What can I feed my older dog to help with weight loss?
A calorie-reduced diet with an increased protein and fibre content is suitable for weight loss in senior dogs. To maintain digestibility, you can also feed them foods that are easy to digest such as lean meat and steamed vegetables.
What can I feed my older dog to help with weight loss?
A calorie-reduced diet with an increased protein and fibre content is suitable for weight loss in senior dogs. To maintain digestibility, you can also feed them foods that are easy to digest such as lean meat and steamed vegetables.






























