A High-Fiber Food Improves Weight Loss Compared to a High-Protein, High-Fat Food in Pet Dogs in a Home Setting

Little is known about the relative effectiveness of different weight loss foods for pet dogs in the home setting. Here, we performed a randomized, blinded, 24-week prospective study in 73 client-owned adult dogs to compare weight loss in the home setting using an energy-dense high-protein/ high-fat food (HP/HF) or a lower density high-fiber food (HFIB). Investigators recommended amounts of food according to the resting energy requirement for the dog’s ideal body weight and a target of 2% weight loss per week. Every 4 weeks, investigators measured body weight, and every week, owners recorded the amount of food dispensed and whether their dog consumed all that was offered. In dogs completing the study according to protocol, those fed HFIB (n=32) lost more weight (P=0.009) than those fed HP/HF (n=30). Sex, clinic, initial weight, amount of energy offered by owners, and frequency of eating all the food offered were not significant factors. According to owners’ records, there was no difference in the amount of energy offered to the two groups or in the frequency of supplementary energy intake, frequency of vomiting, or stool quality. In summary, in the home setting, a high-fiber food is more effective than a high-protein/high-fat food for weight loss in obese pet dogs. INTRODUCTION According to recent estimates, 20% to 40% of dogs are obese,1 and the incidence appears to be increasing.2 Decreasing the number of calories consumed is the principal strategy for weight loss in overweight dogs.3 However, simply feeding dogs less of their usual food may result in insufficient nutrient intake because most commercial foods balance non-energy nutrients relative to energy. A High-Fiber Food Improves Weight Loss Compared to a High-Protein, High-Fat Food in Pet Dogs in a Home Setting