Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Modest weight loss in overweight cats and dogs with light diets
By Keller, Emeline et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2020·Royal Canin Research Center, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of reduced-energy content maintenance diets for modest weight reduction in overweight cats and dogs.
Plain-English summary
A group of 67 overweight dogs and 17 overweight cats were put on a special low-calorie diet to help them lose weight. Over 8 weeks, most of the dogs (84%) lost an average of 4.7% of their body weight, while all the cats lost an average of 6.4%. The diets provided essential nutrients, and although a few pets had borderline levels of some vitamins and minerals, none showed signs of deficiency. This approach of using a reduced-energy diet appears to be a safe and effective way to help pets shed extra pounds.
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Abstract
One option for controlled weight loss for dogs and cats in overweight condition could be to modestly restrict caloric intake using a reduced-energy ('light') maintenance diet, but there is no prior research on the safety and efficacy of such an approach. A prospective observational cohort study was performed in 67 overweight dogs and 17 overweight cats undergoing weight loss using reduced-energy maintenance diets from one manufacturer. Diets were fed at approximately 80% of maintenance energy requirements for ideal bodyweight for a period of 8 weeks. Essential nutrient intake was estimated for each dog and cat and compared with minimum requirement (MR) or adequate intake (AI, when no MR had been demonstrated) as set by the National Research Council in 2006. Weight loss was seen in 56/67 dogs (84%), losing a median of 4.7% (range 15.2% loss to 10.0% gain) of their starting body weight (SBW). Weight loss was also seen in all 17 cats, losing a median of 6.4% (range 2.0 loss to 15.2% loss) of SBW. Of the essential nutrients examined, only selenium, choline, potassium, and riboflavin were less than NRC recommendations in a minority of animals. However, no signs of any nutrient deficiency were observed in any of the dogs or cats during the study. In summary, modestly energy restricting overweight dogs and cats when feeding a low-energy maintenance diet can induce weight loss and might be a useful initial step for weight management. Although no adverse effects were seen, borderline intake of some micronutrients warrants further consideration.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32388022/