Nutritional management of obesity in dogs

Current estimates of obesity in dogs suggest a prevalence of around 20-40% in various countries¹. While some diseases (such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism) predispose to obesity, in most cases the underlying cause is a mismatch between energy intake and energy expenditure. A wide variety of diseases are associated with obesity in dogs^1,2. Importantly, Nestlé PURINA recently completed a lifelong study of dogs that provided crucial information showing excess bodyweight is detrimental to their longevity as well – in that study even moderately overweight dogs were at greater risk for earlier morbidity and a shortened lifespan³.

The management of obesity in dogs usually combines a weight loss diet with increasing the daily exercise routine, and perhaps feeding two meals per day with a reduced number of treats, may be the most effective means of managing obesity. There is no doubt that obesity clinics can also be a valuable management tool by:

• Helping to maintain motivation and compliance of the pet owner⁴
• Enabling careful monitoring of the response of the individual
• Providing an opportunity to make any changes necessary to the management regime
• Reducing the likelihood of rebound weight gain

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN DOGS

The most common underlying cause of diabetes mellitus in dogs is immune-mediated 'type I' diabetes, evidenced by the presence of antibodies against ß-cells⁵. Acute or chronic pancreatitis is also important and may be present in up to 35-40% of cases⁵. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain blood glucose concentrations as close to normal as possible. Additional goals include achieving and maintaining normal body weight (as obesity contributes to insulin resistance), and managing complications of diabetes such as hypercholesterolaemia and other lipid changes, and oxidative stress. Optimal management combines insulin therapy, appropriate exercise and nutritional therapy.

The following dietary characteristics are recommended to help manage the disease^6-8:

• A diet low in simple carbohydrates to help reduce post-prandial hyperglycaemia.
• A diet high in complex carbohydrates that will help delay glucose production and absorption and thus reduce post-prandial hyperglycaemia.
• Both soluble and insoluble fibre appear to help reduce post-prandial hyperglycaemia.
• Mixed fibres (maize, barley, soya, pea fibre) are better at controlling post-prandial hyperglycaemia in dogs than insoluble fibre (cellulose) alone⁹.
• Fibre addition is also beneficial in controlling hypercholestrolaemia.
• Controlled fat levels help to maintain an ideal body weight, prevent obesity-associated insulin resistance, and may help reduce diabetes-associated hyperlipidaemia.

Effect of a diet low in simple carbohydrates and high in complex carbohydrates on the blood glucose concentration after feeding.

CLINICAL ADVANTAGES WITH THE USE OF CANINE OM

Canine OM provides:

• An increased protein level and a higher protein to calorie ratio, proven to preserve lean body mass during weight loss⁵. Dogs should be fed to encourage gradual weight loss with preservation of lean body mass, which reduces the risk of rebound weight gain.

In weight loss studies, increased dietary protein spared lean body mass and facilitated greater fat loss in dogs during weight loss.

• A high nutrient:energy ratio to compensate for the reduced calorie intake.
• A low fat level, which helps lower serum cholesterol levels and control hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia.
• Increased fibre to help improve satiety and reduce overall caloric intake.
• Glucoregulation through a combination of high levels of complex carbohydrates and mixed fibre sources, combined with low levels of simple sugars.
• Additional benefits such as enhanced vitamin E concentrations to combat the oxidative stress associated with diabetes and/or obesity.