Weight Management for dogs

Food, feeders and tools that help a pet lose weight slowly.

Our pick

A fiber add-in, with your vet's OK

Native Pet Organic Pumpkin for Dogs

The catch: The powder gets messy. Add a little moisture and mix it over the bowl.

The catch: The powder gets messy. Add a little moisture and mix it over the bowl.

What's in it: Organic pumpkin, organic pumpkin seed and organic apple, per Native Pet's label. Source: Listing

Certified: USDA OrganicUSDA's Organic Integrity Database lists a certified operation for this product, and it carries USDA's organic or 100% organic label.

Check price at Amazon

Other situations

Owners whose vet OK'd grain-free

Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

The catch: Grain-free is a vet call. Ask yours first, then this is the bag.

Skip it if: Your vet wants grain-inclusive. Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food is.

What's in it: Real chicken leads the ingredient list. Source: Label

Check price at Amazon

Training sessions

Fruitables Healthy Weight Pumpkin & Blueberry Dog Treats

The catch: Soft treats, not long chews. They're gone in a bite, so keep a few in your pocket for training.

Skip it if: Your dog wants a crunch. Old Mother Hubbard Classic Dog Biscuits are crunchy and oven-baked.

Why this one: Only 8 calories per treat, so frequent rewards stay light. Source: Listing

Check price at Amazon

Dinner gone in ten seconds? See the best slow feeder bowls

Fix it, step by step

How to get it out, what to buy, and what to skip.

Questions before you buy

How much weight should my pet lose per week?

1-2% of body weight per week is safe. Faster weight loss can cause liver problems, especially in cats.

Can I just feed less of regular food?

You can, but weight management foods are more satisfying due to higher fiber and protein. Your pet may feel hungrier on reduced regular food.

Are diet treats really lower calorie?

Usually, and that is the point: fewer calories per treat means more rewards without wrecking the daily count. Compare calories per treat on the pack. "Light" on the front is not a number.

Should I increase exercise too?

Yes, but gradually. Overweight pets can injure joints with sudden intense exercise. Start with short walks and build up.

Why isn't my pet losing weight?

Hidden calories are often the culprit. Check that everyone in the household is following the feeding plan and not sneaking treats.