Feeding obese dogs during weight loss is on average cost‐neutral

German, AJ ORCID: 0000-0002-3017-7988, Luxmore, J, Holden, SL, Morris, PJ and Biourge, V (2015) Feeding obese dogs during weight loss is on average cost‐neutral Journal of Small Animal Practice, 56 (6). pp. 366-369. ISSN 0022-4510, 1748-5827

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The cost of feeding a purpose-formulated weight loss diet may deter owners of obese dogs from proceeding with a weight loss programme. The current study aimed to compare average food costs during weight loss with those before weight loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Average daily food costs, for before and during weight loss, were calculated in 22 obese dogs that had successfully completed weight management. RESULTS: The median food cost before weight loss was £0 · 52/day (£0 · 24-3 · 31/day), for main meal only, and £0 · 64/day (£0 · 26-3 · 31/day) for main meal and additional food (table scraps and treats). The median food cost during weight loss was £0 · 90/day (£0 · 26-1 · 36/day), and no additional food was given. The average daily feeding costs during weight loss did not differ from pre-weight-loss costs, either with (P = 0 · 425) or without (P = 0 · 222) the additional food included. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Knowledge that average diet costs do not significantly differ from food costs prior to weight loss may help veterinarians to persuade owners to enrol obese dogs in a weight management programme.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Animals, Dogs, Obesity, Dog Diseases, Weight Loss, Animal Husbandry, Animal Feed, Costs and Cost Analysis, Female, Male, United Kingdom
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	07 Oct 2015 10:11
Last Modified:	01 Mar 2026 00:40
DOI:	10.1111/jsap.12338
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/2029860
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