Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Nutritional deficiency risks for dogs on weight loss diets
By Gaylord, L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2018·North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk of nutritional deficiencies for dogs on a weight loss plan.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Some dogs on weight loss plans may not be getting all the nutrients they need. A study found that common commercial diets for weight management could lead to deficiencies in important nutrients like choline, selenium, and certain fatty acids. This is especially concerning for obese dogs, as their dietary needs can be different. If you're considering a weight loss plan for your dog, it's a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about ensuring they get a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs.
People also search for: dog weight loss diet · nutrients for obese dogs · commercial dog food deficiencies
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30117159/