Scientists examined 20 studies on weight loss diets for dogs and reported patterns in protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrate content in the dog food. The researchers identified similarities between effective hypocalorous nutrition or nutritional plans that provide fewer calories than for the preservation of body weight. The basics of a hypocalorous dog diet are straightforward: a dog has to eat fewer calories than it burns in one day while he maintains lean muscle mass. However, the details can be complicated and combine with the owners’ own beliefs about nutrition and nutrition. Scientists from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil carried out a meta-analysis of published research in order to determine which factors enable an effective hypocalori diet for dogs.
“These results offer valuable findings to optimize hypocaloric diet formulations and facilitate an effective and health-promoting weight loss process in dog patients,” wrote the researchers in the journal animals. “This meta-analysis provides evidence-based nutritional recommendations for optimal calorie, protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrate mirrors for hypocaloric diet formulations that support healthy weight loss and the preservation of mass masses in fatty dogs. These results contribute to the development of effective nutritional strategies that improve the quality of life and the durability of the dogs. “
Protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrates in weight loss dog food
The scientists identified guidelines for nutritional formulations that make weight loss easier and at the same time maintain lean muscles:
- Protein (> 25%): Diets that are rich in protein were associated with increased weight loss and maintenance of the mass mass. Higher protein mirrors can support saturation and muscle retention.
- Fiber (> 12%): Increased fiber intake with increased food contributed to weight loss by reducing the calorie density and promoting the health of the gastrointestinal health. Fiber also modulates the feeling of satiety and may improve the nutrition.
- Fat (<10%): Lower fat level correlated with a significant reduction in the percentage of body fat. Fat is the most calorie -rich macronutrient.
- Carbohydrates (<40%): Diets with high carbohydrates of non-fiber carbohydrates were associated with weight gain, while lower carbohydrate levels support fat loss and improved body composition.
- Caloria density (<3.275 kcal/g): Diets with lower energy lights promoted a stronger reduction in body fat without impairing the measurement muscle mass.
“The composition of commercial weight loss diets for dogs, as used in the studies, is very variable and includes a variety of calories and different values in protein, fat and fiber.” There are currently no standardized guidelines for these nutrient levels … “