Benefits of Low Fat Diets for Dogs | Benyfit Natural

Benefits of Low Fat Diets

May 11, 2023By Sally Hayler

As we know every dog is different, so when it comes to tailoring your dogs diet, it may be that a 'normal' level of fat isn't something that benefits your dog, and you've found yourself looking at a lower fat diet for your dog.

We're going to look at why your dog might need a low fat diet, how to identify if your dog needs a lower fat diet and how this can be achieved when feeding natural fresh raw dog food.

Macronutrients form the basis of canine nutrition, each of these is needed for optimal health and funtion. These include:

Protein
Fat
Carbohydrates

Fat is the best source of energy for our dogs. Although there are healthy fats in all Benyfit Natural food, there are instances when a lower fat diet is needed.

Weight Management

Studies suggest that 34% of adult dogs are overweight or obese. Along with age and neuter status being contributing factors to weight issues in dogs, one study also suggests that certain breeds are predisposed to being overweight too.

Cocker Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Dalmation
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Golden Retriever
Shetland Sheepdog

So how do you work out if your dog is overweight? Breed-specific guidelines don't take into account bone density, muscle mass and dogs outside of the breed standard. Focusing on just whats on the scales can mislead you to think your dog may be a healthy weight. Using body condition score is a much easier way to identify whether your dog is overweight. There are four visual and palpable points to be looking for...

A multi-faceted approach is a much more accurate way to determine if your dog is overweight. You can also book a vet appointment for an impartial opinion of your dogs weight taking into account the weight on the scales, medical conditions, breed guidelines and a physical examination of your dogs body condition score.

If you do have an at-risk breed it can feel like an uphill battle trying to maintain a healthy weight, but with Benyfit Natural we have your dog covered. Low far is typically considered any recipes under 10% fat, however there are a few proteins that creep just above this, that can also be considered low fat.

Lower Fat Raw Food Recipes

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Tender Chicken Complete Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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Chicken & Tripe Complete Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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Tasty Turkey Complete Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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Loew fat product are also important for dogs that aren't overweight. Canine athletes rely on fats for energy use, out of season it is important to adjust the level of fats they're having in line with their current workload. Some dogs may therefore carry extra weight during winter months, so you can start to preemptively feed lower fats to avoid excess weight gain.

There are also some health conditions which call for a low-fat diet

Pancreatitis

The canine pancreas is a gland located in the digestive system, this gland produces digestive enzymes necessary for breaking down their food.

Pancreatitis occurs when those digestive enzymes are activated too early within the pancreas, causing them to begin digesting pancreas tissue. The onset can be caused by a high-fat meal, or medication and breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels are genetically susceptible.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Abdominal pain - usually shown through stretching into a play bow
Decreased appetite
Lethargic
Weight Loss
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

Pancreatitis is incredibly painful and you should seek the care of your vet immediately should you suspect your dog may be suffering. In some cases, hospitalisation may be required to control pain and keep your dog hydrated. Once you've spoken with your vet it's key to manage the condition long-term, part of this will be through feeding a low-fat diet. Sticking to 10% fat and under is incredibly important to avoid a repeat flate. This is also the case with any treats you may wish to feed your dog.

Research into canine pancreatitis is still up and coming, with one study identifying "spontaneous diseases is likely far more complete and dependant on multiple genetic and environmental factors, some of which might be unknown" (Cridge, H et al. 2022).

If you're looking for further guidance on weight management for your dog, or feeding a dog that may be susceptible to pancreatitis, the Benyfit Natural team are always here to help and can recommend a Holistic Vet you can consult with.

Benefits of Raw

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Natural Raw Dog Food

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Benefits of Raw

20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

Natural Raw Dog Food

Raw Food Calculator

Transitioning to Raw

Planet Friendly Packaging

Our Ingredients