Feeding Overweight Dogs Naturally 2025: Vet-Approved Weight Loss Plans 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

If your dog has packed on a few extra kilos, you’re not alone. Over 50% of dogs in developed countries are overweight—but switching to a natural diet can help turn things around safely and sustainably.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s how to feed your dog real, healthy food while helping them shed excess weight—without crash diets or gimmicks.

⚖️ How to Know if Your Dog Is Overweight

• You can’t easily feel their ribs with light pressure
• No visible waist from above or tuck under belly from the side
• They pant easily, tire quickly, or struggle to jump or run
• Your vet gives them a Body Condition Score of 6/9 or higher

✅ Natural Weight Loss Goals

• Lose 1–2% of body weight per week (slow = safe)
• Maintain lean muscle mass
• Support joints and metabolism
• Keep food enjoyable—never starve or restrict water

🥦 Foods to Prioritize in a Weight Loss Diet

Lean Proteins (muscle-preserving and satiating)

• Turkey breast, chicken breast, lean beef mince, white fish
• Cooked egg whites or whole eggs (up to 3/week)

Low-Glycemic Veggies (add bulk without calories)

• Green beans, broccoli, spinach, zucchini, pumpkin
• Steamed or blended for digestibility

Healthy Add-Ons

• Bone broth (unsalted) to fill the bowl without calories
• Fish oil (omega-3s support metabolism + joints)

📋 Sample Natural Weight Loss Meal (20 kg Dog)

• 100g cooked turkey breast
• ¼ cup cooked quinoa or pumpkin
• ½ cup steamed zucchini + spinach
• 1 tsp fish oil + multivitamin supplement
• Optional: splash of broth to boost hydration and flavor

📏 Portion Guidelines

• Start by feeding for the dog’s ideal weight, not current weight
• Use a kitchen scale—not scoops—for accuracy
• Reduce calories by ~15–20% to begin, under vet supervision

🧠 Vet Tips for Success

• Split meals into 3–4 portions per day to reduce hunger
• Track progress weekly—not daily—and reward non-food enrichment (play, praise)

🛑 Common Mistakes

• Too many treats—even “natural” ones
• Feeding fatty cuts of meat like chicken thigh skin or lamb
• Overestimating how much your dog is “active”

🔄 Co-Feeding for Weight Loss

• Use a base of cooked lean protein + vegetables
• Supplement with a portion-controlled, low-calorie kibble or cooked food
• Monitor stool, energy, and appetite weekly with the Ask A Vet app

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet

• Ask A Vet – Upload your dog’s meals and weight log for tailored nutrition advice

📋 Summary Excerpt

Natural feeding helps overweight dogs lose weight safely. A vet explains how to build meals with lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and smart portions for real results—without starving your dog.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Should I just feed my dog less of what they’re already eating?
  A: That’s a start—but it’s better to switch to higher-protein, lower-fat, more nutrient-dense foods.
• Q: Can I give treats during weight loss?
  A: Yes—but only low-calorie, single-ingredient treats like green beans, carrots, or small bits of lean meat.
• Q: What if my dog still seems hungry?
  A: Add volume with steamed veggies and pumpkin. Slow-feeding bowls and multiple meals also help.