Vets develop diet
for obese dogs
A DIET for obese dogs has been developed by veterinary scientists
working in the UK and France.Researchers have found that a
high protein, high fibre diet is more successful in weight loss
programmes for dogs because it helps to create a feeling of
fullness.
The study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Veterinary Internal
Medicine, was carried out by vets at the University of Liverpool's Small Animal
Teaching Hospital, working with the Royal Canin Research Centre in France, and has
led to the development of a new diet food for dogs.
Most owners who place their pets on diets say the dogs overcome the effects by
scavenging, but the new diet, called Satiety Control, aims to combat that problem.
Dr Alex German, head of the weight management clinic at the Small Animal
Hospital, said: ‘Obesity is common in dogs and can lead to a range of illnesses and
diseases, even premature death. Although treatment for weight loss has been in
existence for some time it has not been without its problems. Simply reducing a dog's
food intake and increasing exercise can lead to begging and scavenging.
‘The new formula is a breakthrough for diet-based weight loss plans for dogs; if
satiety is better, then improved compliance is likely to lead to greater success. This work
may also be relevant for people as well as dogs. Increasing both dietary fibre and protein
may help people on a dietary weight loss plan to control their appetite.’
During the study, vets tested three different diets: one high in protein with moderate
fibre content, one high in fibre with moderate protein content and one high in both
protein and fibre.
They tested the diets for satiety, digestibility and palatability. The team found that a
diet high in both fibre and protein was most effective in satisfying appetite, suggesting
that their satiety effects may be separate but can be combined for maximum benefit.
Importantly, say the scientists, this improvement did not come at the expense of
either digestibility or palatability - often a concern with some high fibre diets.
