Being overweight is just as dangerous for your dog as it is for people. If you're trying to help your dog slim down, this homemade dog food for weight loss may be just what you need.
Did you know that many of the risks to overweight humans are the same for overweight pets? Diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and respiratory issues are all more commonly diagnosed in dogs who are obese.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, about 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. That is the equivalent of more than 40 million dogs in this country alone that need to lose weight.
What you need to take away from this is that an overweight dog is an unhealthy dog. If you want your pet to live the longest, healthiest life possible, you need to help him shed the extra weight.
Ask your veterinarian if this homemade dog food for weight loss would be a good solution for your dog's weight problems. They will evaluate your pup and this recipe to ensure it meets his unique nutritional needs.
Homemade Dog Food for Weight Loss
When your dog eats more calories in a day than he burns, it leads to weight gain. That's common sense, right?
The reason I mention this is because you may just need to adjust the portions you're serving your pooch or increase the amount of exercise he gets each day. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet and help you make some lifestyle changes that will make your dog healthier.
Before you switch your dog to a homemade weight-loss dog food, you MUST consult your veterinarian. They can help you decide whether a change in diet is needed or if it's just a matter of portion control and an extra walk in the evening.
PrintRecipe: Homemade Dog Food for Weight Loss
This homemade dog food for weight loss recipe is made in a pressure cooker. You can see my review of the Cosori Pressure Cooker used in this video here.
You could also use a slow cooker or make this recipe on your stovetop. I prefer the pressure cooker, because it's fast and easy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: about 14 cups of food 1x
- Category: Cooked Food
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Dog Food
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (chopped)
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 1 large or 2 small apples (cored and chopped)
Instructions
With just four ingredients, this recipe would be a great choice for pups with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. It is as easy to make as it is healthy.
All you have to do is add the ingredients listed above to your pressure cooker. Set the pressure on high and allow the recipe to cook for 40 minutes.
Once it is safe to do so, open the pressure cooker and allow the food to cool completely before serving to your pet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 67
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 27 mg
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Fiber: .3 g
- Protein: 11.8 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
Serving Size Recommendation
You can serve this food to your dog as soon as it has cooled. I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight.
This recommendation is for 2 servings per day. So, a 25-pound dog would eat about 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.
This is just a guideline.
The amount of weight your dog needs to lose, his activity level and health condition are all factors in determining how many calories he needs each day.
It's best to consult your veterinarian about the appropriate serving size for you dog. They will also help you evaluate the meal to make sure it will meet your pet's unique nutritional needs.
If necessary, they will assist you in choosing the best supplements and/or multivitamins to add.
How to store
You can store the leftover homemade dog food for weight loss in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze it, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that this recipe includes no preservatives, so it won't last nearly as long as commercial dog food.
For More Information
We publish many homemade dog food and treat recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips, and advice, see our “Recipes” section.
If you're new to home-cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about “How Much To Feed” to understand serving sizes, “What Supplements To Use” to create well-balanced meals, and “How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.
