How to transform your dog’s weight with a simple change of diet
The old ways are sometimes the best ways. A hundred years ago, even fifty years ago, very few dogs had weight issues. Whatever they were doing or being fed it wasn’t affecting their collar sizes or their waistlines. Today, however, approximately half of British dogs are either overweight or obese.
What has happened to bring about this change?
Certainly, it doesn’t help that society as a whole has become more sedentary or that legislation means that a dog can no longer get extra exercise by roaming freely around the neighbourhood where he or she lives.
It is possible, too, that dogs have become more persuasive when asking for extra food and treats.
However, I am certain, based on my experience of feeding several thousand dogs a month, that the main cause is modern dog food. Modern dog food is high in simple carbohydrate, low in protein and full of harmful fats – the perfect recipe if you want to push a dog’s weight up.
Indeed, it is no coincidence that within a few years of the formula being developed, a growing number of dogs began to pile on the pounds.
Thankfully, the effects of modern dog food are quickly reversed. If there is a dog in your life who isn’t quite as slim or svelte as you would like, the solution is straightforward. All you have to do is feed your four-legged family member a more traditional, more natural diet. The same sort of diet, in fact, that our great-grandparents fed to their dogs.
Implementing such a diet is simplicity itself.
Moreover, not only will your dog adore the change, but also his or her excess weight will fall away as if by magic. This will bring about another benefit: better health. All the research indicates that dogs who are the correct weight suffer less illness and disease.
I developed the Lucky Dog Weight Loss Plan (aka the Lucky Dog Diet) through observation and experiment but my findings reflect extensive scientific research. The predominant components of the Lucky Dog Diet are high protein, low carbohydrate and the right quantity of ‘good’ fat. It can take as little as two weeks for an overweight dog to achieve its target weight on this diet, although I generally suggest that you don’t rush the process and allow between 60 and 90 days, or longer. One of the many benefits of the diet is that it leads to the loss of fat, not muscle mass, which is much healthier for your dog. Independent research, incidentally, has shown that the two main components of the Lucky Dog Diet leave dogs feeling ‘fuller’ than a wide range of alternative ingredients.
Finally, you will notice that I regularly make reference to ‘biologically appropriate food’ and you may wonder what I mean by this. Every species on earth needs to eat a biologically appropriate diet. Otherwise it will become ill and/or die. Pandas, for example, must eat bamboo. Dogs, as I will be explaining, share the identical digestive system to the grey wolf (not so surprising given that they are so closely related they can interbreed) and flourish on the same diet. It is thanks to this diet that you never, ever see an overweight wolf, no matter how much he or she eats. That’s how good the Lucky Dog Diet is!
When to seek experienced help
There are circumstances when a switch to the Lucky Dog Diet should only be undertaken with experienced guidance. Dogs that have recently undergone bowel surgery or chemotherapy or that have a compromised immune system can all benefit from the Lucky Dog Diet but may need a special diet. Also, pregnant dogs and new mums will have special nutritional needs. Please do contact us at Honey’s for free advice (you don’t have to be a customer) or consult a vet or other professional with relevant expertise.
Exploding the ‘high protein’ myth
I refer to the Lucky Dog Diet as being a ‘high protein, low carbohydrate diet incorporating the correct balance of “good” fats’. Because modern, processed dog food has very low levels of very poor quality protein (often from vegetable sources, that dogs can’t absorb), manufacturers have done their best to persuade everyone that protein is not good for a dog. In fact, high quality, animal protein is exactly what your dog needs to thrive. The secret is to give your dog the same levels that he or she would enjoy if they decided, as a result of seeing too many disaster movies, to leave home and become self-sufficient survivalists, living in the wilderness and fending for themselves. This would vary from meal to meal, of course, as I explain in other articles on this site. The real point I want to make now is that the natural level of protein found in the diet I am recommending is perfect for your dog.
Vicky Marshall
Author of the Lucky Dog Weight Loss Plan
For more information and advice on any aspect of canine health and nutrition please contact Honey’s – we’ll be happy to help even if you never, ever plan to become a customer.
Web: www.honeysrealdogfood.com
Email: info@honeysrealdogfood.com
Telephone: 01672 620 260