Helping Pets Lose Weight Safely
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in a pet’s overall health. Studies show that overweight pets can have a shorter lifespan by up to two years and face a higher risk of joint problems, diabetes and heart disease. Today, a growing number of cats and dogs are carrying excess weight, with obesity rates continuing to climb each year. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s 2024 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey, 35% of dog owners and 33% of cat owners now recognize that their pets are overweight or have obesity.
While reducing calories and increasing activity remain the focus of any weight loss plan, feeding less can create nutritional gaps or slow metabolism. Modern veterinary medicine now emphasizes targeted support systems that work along with calorie-controlled diets to help pets lose fat while maintaining muscle. At Koala Health, we carry different products that are designed for weight management, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients, supporting metabolism and reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies during weight loss.
Metabolic Support
When a pet’s calories are restricted, the body naturally slows metabolism, which can stall weight loss. The Purina Institute stresses maintaining a high protein-to-calorie ratio to protect lean body mass, which supports ongoing calorie burning. Without proper support pets may lose muscle instead of fat, leading to weakness and a higher risk of regaining weight. “Weight loss should be a gradual process monitored by a professional to ensure the pet is losing fat, not essential lean tissue,” they warn. “Drastic calorie restriction without proper nutritional support increases the risk of creating nutrient deficiencies.”
Koala Health offers vet-recommended Purina products designed for weight management that work in tandem with calorie-controlled diets. These formulas provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients to help pets retain lean muscle, support metabolism, and reduce the risk of nutrient gaps, keeping pets healthy and energized throughout their weight loss journey.
Mobility Barriers
Excess weight puts a significant amount of stress on a pet's skeletal system. Often, a pet stops exercising not because they are "lazy," but because they are in pain. Concentrated Omega-3 solutions, like EicosaCaps, work to dampen this systemic inflammation. By making movement more comfortable, these supports allow pets to engage in the physical activity necessary to achieve their weight goals.
Omega-3 fatty acids work at the cellular level to reduce inflammatory signals, making movement more comfortable and less painful. By improving joint function and reducing stiffness, these supplements enable pets to participate more fully in physical activity, which is critical for effective weight management.
Preventing Nutrient Gaps and Supporting Digestive Health
Veterinarians stress that weight loss should be gradual and guided by a professional in order to prevent too much weight loss too quickly. Doing so will result in an increased risk of muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies and metabolic disruption. When kibble volume is reduced, pets may also miss out on essential nutrients needed for immune function, skin and coat health and overall vitality. Pet-Tabs Plus is formulated specifically for pets on restricted diets to ensure pets remain nutritionally fulfilled while calories are reduced, safeguarding immune health, supporting skin and coat condition and protecting overall well-being as pets reach their weight goals.
Digestive Health is another key factor in weight management. A balanced gut can reduce the systemic inflammation often associated with obesity, making the transition to a new diet smoother and more comfortable for the pet's gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics support this balance by promoting healthy digestion and helping the body respond more effectively to calorie-controlled diets. Together, targeted nutrient supplementation and gut support help pets maintain energy, feel satisfied and stay on track throughout their weight loss journey.
Veterinary Monitoring
Veterinary guidance is a key factor in achieving successful health outcomes. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes that individualized plans and regular monitoring lead to safer and more effective outcomes. Since every animal has different metabolic rates, professional guidance helps ensure that weight loss happens at a safe pace, usually 1% to 2% of body weight per week.
Long-Term Vitality
Achieving a healthy weight is a long-term commitment that depends on the right balance of nutrition, physical activity and veterinary guidance. While maintaining a healthier lifestyle can be challenging, the benefits are meaningful and lasting, including increased energy, improved mobility, reduced joint strain and a lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. By choosing vet-approved support systems and prescription diets, pet parents are not just helping their pets lose weight but supporting stronger metabolic health and overall well-being.
At Koala Health, we help pets stay on track by coordinating directly with your veterinarian and offering convenient auto refill options for medications and prescription diets. This ensures that pets always have the products they need in the correct doses so weight management remains consistent and effective. Weight management is a marathon, not a sprint and with the right support pets can move toward a healthier and more comfortable future.