VetCare weight control dog food
Our highly palatable VetCare weight control dry and wet dog diets are made with turkey and sweet potato for adult dogs who are overweight to obese, or have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
Our range of weight control dog food includes
How can Arden Grange’s weight control dog food help your pet?
Low fat and low calorie
Low energy and fat content for weight reduction.
Low carbohydrates
A low level of carbohydrate and low mono and disaccharide content help regulate glucose levels.
High fibre
High fibre content ensure satiety (the feeling of being full).
Joint supplements
Glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and MSM are included to provide joint support, particularly for dogs impacted by excess weight which can have an impact of the main weight bearing joints.
L-carnitine
Helps turn fat into useable energy, which helps promote weight loss.
Fresh turkey
Turkey is naturally low in fat while being rich in high-quality protein. This helps support lean muscle development and maintenance.Testimonials
A satisfied customer
"My dog loves to eat. This food also tastes good and helps him lose weight."
How to tell if your dog is overweight or obese
Overweight
An overweight pet is defined as being up to 15% heavier than the optimal weight for species, breed, sex and age. An overweight pet will show an increase in fat over the ribs, a slightly rounded abdomen, flank folds hanging down with a moderate amount of fat visible.
Obese
An obese pet is defined as being more than 15% heavier than the optimal weight. The animal’s ribs and backbone are not easily felt under a heavy fat covering. A rounded abdomen makes the waist less visible to absent, and prominent flank folds which sway when walking are evident.Please note: Often it is possible to get your dog weighed at your local veterinary practice without the need for an appointment, and this can provide an accurate means of monitoring your dog’s progress in weight loss and gain.
Dog weight control FAQs
Common causes of a pet becoming overweight
• Breed predisposition
• Overfeeding and an excess of calories for their daily requirement
• Not enough exercise
• Becoming less active with age
• Health conditions which reduce movement e.g. joint pain and disease
• A possible reduction in metabolism from neutering
Signs and symptoms of overweight pets
• A rounder shape – you may struggle to feel your pet’s ribs or spine
• Sagging of the stomach
• Panting
• Lack of grooming
• Lethargy
• Refusing to exercise or play
Examples of how to body score your pet and visual aids are available online.
The consequences of obesity in pets
Tips to help your pet lose weight
Consult with your vet about the possible causes of an increased weight and the ideal body condition for your pet. They may make suggestions which include:
Advice from our veterinarian
Meet Dr Marvin Firth MRCVS, DipACVP, MRSB
I have been a vet for over 16 years, having graduated with honours and distinction in veterinary science. Since qualifying as a vet, I have worked with a wide range of species across various countries and throughout the UK.
I have been fortunate to further my studies at Cambridge, Surrey University and the Royal Veterinary College. I have also undertaken work at both Cornell and Utrecht universities in the US and Holland. These varied experiences have enabled me to encounter a massive spectrum of cases relating to our pets and appreciate how preventative health care plays a major role in their longevity and quality of life.
Attaining international specialist status in veterinary pathology has been a pinnacle of my career. This role allows me to support general practitioners and other specialists in the diagnosis and potential treatment of their patients. It is immensely rewarding to provide this level of support within the veterinary community.
I am acutely aware of the human-animal bond, having had my own pets throughout my life, including my current dog, Rye, who constantly reminds me of the deep connection we share with our animals. Whilst I work as a specialist, I continue to see patients in the home every week. This keeps me grounded in the real nature of pets as members of the family and the essential role of a veterinary surgeon as a trusted source of advice and support.
I feel privileged to help both my patients and their owners achieve the best health outcomes. I strongly believe that nutrition is a strong daily contributor to their overall vitality and helps them thrive.
How will your vet check if your pet is overweight?
Your vet will perform a physical exam where they will assess your pet’s weight and body condition. They will check the fat around your pet’s waistline, spine and ribs to determine if they are carrying excess, compared to the ideal body shape for their breed and / or size as well as use a digital scales in which they can accurately track your pet’s weight in kilograms.
How can a special diet help your overweight pet?
A veterinary weight control diet can help a pet to safely lose weight while still receiving their essential nutrients. The recipes are specially formulated to be low calorie while still containing all the vitamins and minerals your pet needs to maintain good overall health.
Will a weight control diet leave my pet hungry?
A veterinary weight often includes increased fibre in the recipe to make pets feel more full after feeding, and higher protein levels to maintain pre-existing or developing muscle.
How long should I feed my dog this weight management diet?
Recommended feeding duration to reduce overweight until the target body weight is reached and after if required to maintain target bodyweight; for glucose regulation initially up to 6 months. For an efficient weight loss or ideal weight maintenance, the recommended daily energy intake should not be exceeded.
What happens when my pet reaches their ideal weight?
Once your dog has reached their target weight, it’s important to keep them there. Your vet can help you to find the appropriate food and calculate the amounts required to make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight.
Contraindications: Not suitable for puppies, pregnant, lactating bitches, underweight dogs and dogs with increased energy requirements.