Diet dog food
Your dog’s weight and body condition are important for their health and long-term well-being. Maintaining a healthy weight will help to prevent a variety of health issues, such as joint problems, heart disease and diabetes. This is why Purina has created a full range of diet dog food made with high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients that promote weight loss while keeping your dog feel full and satisfied. Whether you need to feed your pet a special diet to help them lose weight or are looking for a long-term solution that keeps them at an optimum weight, you can choose our delicious meals and be sure you’re getting quality dog food tailored for your pet’s specific needs. Not sure what to feed your new puppy? Read our guide on feeding your puppy to ensure they get the best start in life with the proper nutrition.
For more information on the importance of managing your dog's weight to prevent health issues and tips on how to help your dog lose weight, take a read of our dog exercise article.
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
Body weight alone is not enough to tell if a dog is overweight, because it does not show how much of that weight is body fat. Purina’s 9-point Body Condition Score system is a simple and practical way to assess whether your dog is overweight. If you are unsure about your dog’s score or ideal weight, speak to your veterinarian for guidance.
How is diet dog food different from regular dog food?
Diet dog food is designed to support weight loss by providing complete and balanced nutrition with fewer calories, helping your dog reduce calorie intake while still getting essential nutrients in the right amounts. Purina diet dog food supports portion controlled feeding as part of a tailored weight management plan.
Is feeding less of my dog's existing food enough for weight loss?
It can work, because calorie restriction is key to weight loss, but it can be harder for pets if portions are reduced a lot and they feel hungrier. A weight management dog food can make the process easier by providing complete and balanced nutrition with fewer calories. Measuring your dog’s food is also important for success, and portions may need adjusting based on progress in weight and body condition.
Should overweight dogs be fed separately in a multi-dog household?
In multi-dog households, overweight pets should be fed separately and should not have access to other pets’ bowls, so you can control portions accurately and prevent extra calorie intake.
How long should a dog stay on diet food?
There is no single timeline that fits every dog. Weight loss plans should be tailored to the individual dog, and progress should be monitored so portions can be adjusted if needed. Once your dog reaches their target body condition, their energy needs will still be lower than before weight loss, so calorie intake should be increased gradually and then adjusted to help maintain the new healthy weight. Speak to your veterinarian about the best plan and when to transition from weight loss to maintenance.
