Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk of nutritional deficiencies for dogs on a weight loss plan.
- Journal:
- The Journal of small animal practice
- Year:
- 2018
- Authors:
- Gaylord, L et al.
- Affiliation:
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how veterinarians recommend weight loss plans for dogs and whether these plans might lead to nutrient deficiencies. Researchers found that when dogs are put on certain commercial diets for weight loss, they might not get enough important nutrients like choline, methionine, and selenium, among others. This is a concern because it suggests that simply reducing food intake to help dogs lose weight could leave them lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, pet owners should be cautious and consult their veterinarians about the best weight loss strategies for their dogs to avoid potential nutritional gaps.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine how general practice veterinarians make weight loss recommendations for dogs and if nutrients become deficient when following these recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of general practice veterinarians was conducted to characterise weight loss recommendations made to clients. Using this data, progressive levels of caloric restriction were applied to top-selling commercial non-therapeutic adult maintenance diets and non-therapeutic weight management diets. Nutrient intakes were compared to the National Research Council's Recommended Allowances for metabolic body weight using a theoretical current weight and ideal body weight for an obese dog. Nutrient intakes were also compared to recommendations from the Association of American Feed Control Officials using current body weight. RESULTS: Several nutrients were found at risk of deficiency, including choline, methionine, cysteine, selenium, eicosapentanoic acid, docosahexanoic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and cobalamin in both non-therapeutic adult maintenance diets and non-therapeutic weight management diets. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Caution is warranted when making weight loss recommendations using commercial diets until further research on the nutrient needs of obese dogs undergoing weight loss is undertaken. Restriction of commercial diets to achieve weight loss in dogs may result in nutrient deficiencies.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30117159/