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Step-by-Step Guide to Weight Loss Management in Pets

  • Dr. Zeke Zekoff
  • Mar 29
  • 2 min read

Helping your dog or cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight can improve their quality of life, prevent chronic conditions, and even extend their lifespan. Here's a structured, step-by-step approach to safely and effectively manage your pet’s weight.



Step 1: Assess Your Pet’s Current Condition

  • Visit Pet Nutrition Alliance

  • Use the “Calorie Counter for Adult Dogs” or “Calorie Counter for Adult Cats”

  • Enter the following information:

    • Current weight

    • Spayed/neutered status (impacts metabolic rate)

    • Body Condition Score (BCS) – ideally 4-5 out of 9

    • (Optional) Current calorie intake

  • Click “Calculate Now” to generate:

    • Ideal weight

    • Percentage over ideal weight

    • Estimated daily calories for weight loss


Step 2: Select the Right Food

  • Click the “Food” tab on the calculator interface

  • Enter the brand and product name (e.g., “Purina Overweight Management”) and search

  • Look up the calories per cup (kcals/cup) on the manufacturer’s site or via Google

    • Example search: “Purina Overweight Management how many calories per cup”

  • Return to the calculator and input:

    • Kcals per cup (dry food)

    • Kcals per can (wet food)

  • If feeding a combination of dry and wet, do some math to ensure total calories align with the daily estimate


Step 3: Calculate and Measure Feeding Amounts

  • Review the recommended daily feeding amount in the green output boxes

  • Target weight loss goals:

    • Dogs: ~½–1 pound/month (larger dogs: 2–4 pounds/month)

    • Cats: ~1% body weight/week

  • Use accurate measurements:

    • 1 cup = 8 oz measuring cup

    • For precision, consider using a small postal scale to weigh servings in ounces


Step 4: Choose a Vet-Approved Weight Loss Diet

For Dogs:

  • Hill’s Metabolic – 260 kcals/cup

  • Hill’s Metabolic + Mobility – 291 kcals/cup

  • Hill’s r/d – 245 kcals/cup

  • Hill’s w/d – 255 kcals/cup

  • Royal Canin Satiety Support – 245 kcals/cup

  • Purina Overweight Management – 256 kcals/cup

For Cats:

  • Hill’s Metabolic – 297 kcals/cup

  • Hill’s r/d – 265 kcals/cup

  • Hill’s w/d – 278 kcals/cup

  • Hill’s m/d – 463 kcals/cup

  • Purina Overweight Management – 286 kcals/cup

  • Royal Canin Weight Care – 276 kcals/cup

  • Royal Canin Satiety Support – 234 kcals/cup

🔍 See also catinfo.org for protein/carb/fat breakdowns in commercial cat food.


Step 5: Explore Reliable Nutrition Resources


Step 6: Track Progress and Adjust as Needed

  • Monitor your pet’s weight monthly

  • Check Body Condition Score regularly

  • Adjust feeding amounts if weight loss stalls or progresses too quickly

  • Recalculate calorie needs as your pet loses weight

  • Partner with your vet to monitor for any signs of nutritional deficiencies or health concerns

Final Tips for Success

  • Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats

  • Increase physical activity gradually with age-appropriate exercises

  • Use feeding puzzles or slow feeders to extend mealtime and reduce begging

  • Stay consistent and be patient—healthy weight loss is a gradual process


Downloadable:



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