Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Nutrient levels in obese dogs after weight loss diet
By Linder, Deborah E et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2013·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Status of selected nutrients in obese dogs undergoing caloric restriction.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 31 overweight dogs successfully lost an average of 28% of their body weight over about 250 days through a controlled diet. While some nutrients like choline and threonine decreased, most other nutrients remained stable, and the dogs showed no signs of deficiency during the weight loss process. This suggests that with a properly formulated weight loss diet, dogs can lose weight healthily without significant nutrient loss. However, the drop in choline levels may need further investigation.
People also search for: dog weight loss diet · overweight dog nutrient deficiency · choline levels in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that dog plasma concentrations of selected nutrients decrease after undergoing caloric restriction for weight loss. Thirty-one overweight dogs that had successfully lost at least 15% of initial body weight were included in the study. Nutrients that had been previously identified to be at potential risk of deficiency during caloric restriction were measured in plasma (choline, amino acids) and urine (selenium) at the initiation and completion of a standardized weight loss regimen in dogs. RESULTS: Dogs remained healthy throughout the study, and no signs attributable to nutrient deficiency were noted. Percentage weight loss was 28.3% (16.0-40.1%) starting body weight, over a period of 250 days (91-674 days). Median energy intake during the weight loss period was 62 (44 to 74) Kcal/kg(0.75) target weight per day. Choline (P = 0.046) and threonine (P = 0.02) decreased after weight loss. Glycine (P = 0.041), and urinary selenium:creatinine ratio (P = 0.006) both increased after weight loss. There were no other significant differences in plasma nutrient concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Since concentrations of most measured nutrients did not change significantly, the data are not consistent with widespread nutrient deficiency in dogs undergoing caloric restriction using a diet formulated for weight loss. However, the significance of the decrease in plasma choline concentration requires further assessment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24156605/