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56 % of dogs in Europe are overweight or obese (Banfield 2018). BARF, rich in lean protein and low in unnecessary carbohydrates, is an excellent weight-loss tool — provided calories and fats are controlled.
Overweight means a body condition score (BCS) of 6 or 7 out of 9 (WSAVA 2011). Obesity (BCS 8-9) is 15-20 % above ideal weight. Consequences: early osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, 2 years shorter lifespan on average (Salt 2019, PMID: 30801715).
Predisposed breeds: Labrador (POMC mutation), Beagle, Cocker, Cavalier King Charles, Golden Retriever. Neutering reduces basal metabolism by 20 to 30 %.
Clinical diagnosis: ribs palpable without pressure, visible waist from above, abdominal tuck from the side.
High protein density: 18-25 % protein on as-fed basis vs 8-12 % in standard kibble. Proteins increase satiety and preserve lean mass during caloric restriction (Diez 2002).
No unnecessary carbohydrates: kibbles contain 40 to 60 % carbs. BARF has just 5-10 % (vegetables). Lower post-meal glycemia, less fat storage.
High moisture content (65-70 % vs 8-10 % in kibble): increases meal volume for the same calories, improves mechanical satiety.
Precise fat control: choose lean cuts (turkey breast 2 % vs duck thigh 18 %).
Based on 2 % of target weight (360 g/day) for low activity. Split into 2 or 3 meals for better satiety.
| Turkey breast | 200 g |
| Raw cod | 50 g |
| Skinless turkey neck | 36 g |
| Poultry liver | 18 g |
| Chicken heart | 18 g |
| Zucchini + green beans | 40 g |
| Sardine oil (EPA+DHA) | 1 g |
A weight-loss program must be validated by a veterinarian, especially with concurrent disease (Cushing's, hypothyroidism, diabetes). Loss faster than 3 %/week risks hepatic lipidosis and deficiency. This guide is educational.
At a safe 1 to 2 % body weight per week, a 20 kg dog loses 200 to 400 g weekly. For 2 kg, expect 5 to 10 weeks. Faster loss is dangerous (hepatic lipidosis).
No — pick the leanest ones (turkey neck, skinless chicken neck). Bones provide essential calcium; removing them creates deficiency. Keep 10 % of the ration.
Add non-caloric volume: raw zucchini, cooked green beans, pumpkin. Split into 3 meals rather than 2. A 20 kg dog tolerates an extra 100 g of leafy vegetables with minimal calorie impact.
Classic metabolic plateau. Reduce the ration by 10 % (e.g. 360 g → 325 g) and re-evaluate at 2 weeks. Also verify no treats or food theft.
Yes, with a higher quantity (3 % body weight for a normally active dog). Lean ingredients suit all dogs — only volume changes.
No, leafy vegetables (zucchini, green beans, spinach) provide 15-20 kcal/100g vs 150-250 kcal for 100g of meat. They're excellent calorie diluters.
Neutering = 0.85 coefficient on the ration (our calculator handles this automatically). A 30 kg neutered low-activity Labrador = roughly 510 g/day of lean ration.
Enter your dog's target weight (not current weight) and select 'low activity'. Our calculator adjusts automatically.