SUMMARY: ROYAL CANIN Veterinary DietTM/MC canine CALORIE CONTROL CCTM/MC IN GEL (canned), and CALORIE CONTROL 25TM/MC (dry) are highly palatable, complete diets formulated to promote weight loss in overweight or obese dogs. The diets should be used as part of a weight loss program in combination with behavioral management and, where appropriate, an exercise program.

INDICATIONS:

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
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For weight loss in overweight or obese adult dogs
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Growing puppies
   
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Pregnant or lactating bitches
   
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Dogs with high energy requirements (e.g., working dogs)


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RATIONALE:
Obesity is considered to be the most common form of malnutrition encountered in small animal practice. Obesity is the result of an energy intake in excess of requirements. The dietary management of obesity, therefore, involves restricting energy intake while still delivering all essential nutrients.

Nutrient Levels Increased Relative to Energy:
There are two ways of restricting energy delivery to an overweight dog; by feeding less of the dog’s regular diet or by feeding a specially designed weight loss diet. Maintenance diets are balanced for normal energy intake. When the intake of a maintenance diet is restricted, the intake of all essential nutrients is restricted. This approach can lead to deficiencies in protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. A properly designed weight loss diet, on the other hand, provides higher levels of all essential nutrients relative to energy. This ensures that when calories are restricted nutrient delivery is not. Canine CALORIE CONTROL CCTM/MC IN GEL (canned) and CALORIE CONTROL 25TM/MC (dry) have increased levels of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals relative to calories to avoid nutritional deficiencies during calorie restriction. When fed as directed, this diet ensures delivery of all essential nutrients.

Normal Fiber Content:
Many weight loss diets contain elevated levels of dietary fiber as a bulking agent to control hunger. Data from studies performed at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition have demonstrated that the addition of either soluble or insoluble fiber, at moderate or high levels, has no effect on satiety or feeding behavior in dogs. Moreover, high levels of dietary fiber can be associated with several negative effects including greatly increased stool volume (which often leads to house soiling), reduced nutrient availability, poor palatability, and poor compliance. Canine CALORIE CONTROL CCTM/MC IN GEL (canned) and CALORIE CONTROL 25TM/MC (dry) have normal fiber levels to maintain high palatability and promote normal stool volume. The result is better compliance and a greater likelihood of successful weight loss.

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Steps for a Successful Weight Loss Program:

1. Use appropriate diagnostic screening to eliminate other possible causes of obesity (e.g., endocrine disorders).
2. Counsel the owner on the need to reduce weight in order to promote health, longevity, and reduce the risk of secondary disorders which may be exacerbated by excessive weight (e.g., joint disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease).
3. Weigh the dog and set a target weight representing at least 85% of the initial body weight (i.e., 15% reduction in body weight). In general, the target weight should be no more than 15% of the dog’s current weight. If necessary, repeat the weight loss program to achieve normal body weight for the dog’s breed and size.
4.

Determine the energy required for weight loss by consulting the feeding guides or by using the equation:

energy for weight loss kcal/day = 55 x [initial body weight (kg)0.75]

5. Determine the amount to feed by consulting the feeding guides or by using the kcal requirements and kcal/cup or kcal/can values provided in this guide.
6. Define a time frame for the weight loss to occur. Most dogs will achieve a 15% weight loss after 90 days on CALORIE CONTROL CCTM/MC IN GEL (canned) or CALORIE CONTROL 25TM/MC (dry).
7.

Set weekly appointm/mcents for the dog to come into the clinic for body weight determination so that progress can be tracked and positive results reinforced. Owners are more likely to be motivated to continue the program if the dog’s weight is recorded after each weigh in. A simple graph of progress should be kept up to date.

8. Synthesizing digestive enzymes requires energy. Metabolizing food can represent as much as 10% of a dog’s daily energy requirements. Eating several small meals a day uses more energy than eating a single large meal and will help expend energy during weight loss.
9. The calorie content of any treats or snacks should be taken into consideration when calculating the food requirements for the dog. Suggest replacing high calorie treats with lower calorie treats such as fruit, vegetables, rice, or even ice cubes. Treats should be limited to less than 10% of daily caloric intake.
10. In multi-pet households, the access to other pets’ food should be restricted.
11 Encourage the owner to exercise the dog. Swimming is a beneficial form of exercise for dogs with concurrent arthritic disease. Exercise increases energy expenditure and promotes the preservation of lean body mass during weight loss.
12. For dogs that are particularly resistant to weight loss, feeding canned ROYAL CANIN Veterinary DietTM/MC canine CALORIE CONTROL CC TM/MC GEL (canned) may be beneficial. Canned diets, with their increased moisture content and lower caloric density, are often found to be satisfying for the dog.
13. Ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times.
14. Ensure that no additional family members or neighbors are feeding the dog.

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REFERENCES:
Diez M, Nguyen P, Jeusette I, et al. Weight loss in obese dogs: evaluation of a high-protein, low carbohydrate diet. J. Nutr 2002, 1685s-1687s.

Diez M, Nguyen P, Jeusette I, et al. Evaluation of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet in obese beagle dogs. Proceedings of the 11th ESCVIM Congress, Dublin Sept 5-8, 2001 p141.

Diez M, Nguyen P, Blanckeart C, et al. Management of weight loss in obese client-owned dogs - Proceedings of the Waltham International Symposium, Pet Nutrition Coming of age. Vancouver, Canada August 7-8, 2001, p 46.

Diez M, Nguyen P, Jeusette I, et al. Weight loss in obese experimental dogs – Evaluation of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Proceedings of the Waltham International Symposium, Pet Nutrition Coming of age. Vancouver, Canada August 7-8, 2001, p45.

Butterwick RF, Hawthorne AJ. Advances in dietary management of obesity in dogs and cats. J Nutr 1998;128:2771S-2775S.

Earle KE, Kienzle E, Opitz B, et al. Fiber affects digestibility of organic matter and energy in pet foods. J Nutr 1998;128:2798S-2800S.

Hawthorne AJ, Butterwick RF. The satiating effect of a diet containing jojoba meal in dogs. J Nutr 1998;128:2669S-2670S.

Butterwick R.F., Markwell P.J. Effect of amount and type of dietary fiber on food intake in energy-restricted dogs. Am J Vet Res 1997;58:272-276t.

Markwell PJ, Butterwick RF. Recent Research in the management of obesity in cats and dogs. Waltham Focus 1997;6(1)25-29.

Markwell PJ, Butterwick RF, Wills JM, et al. Clinical studies in the management of obesity in dogs and cats. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1994;18:S39-S43.

Butterwick RF, Markwell PJ, Thorne CJ. Effect of level and source of dietary fiber on food intake in the dog. J Nutr 1994;124:2659S -2700S.

Butterwick RF, Markwell PJ. Effect of level and source of dietary fiber on food intake in the dog. Proceedings of the BSAVA Congress: 1994; p157.

Butterwick RF, Markwell PJ. Effect of level and type of dietary fiber on food intake in the dog. J Vet Intern Med 1994;8:153.

Butterwick RF, Markwell PJ. Effect of level and source of dietary fiber on food intake in the dog. Proceedings of the Waltham Symposium on the Nutrition of Companion Animals: 1993;p 81.

Markwell PJ, van Erk W, Parkin GD, et al. Obesity in the Dog. J Small Anim Pract 1990;31:533-537.

Holler K, Holler W, Steininger E. Untersuchungen uber eine neue Reduktionsdiat beim Hund. Wiener Tierarztlicher Monatschrift 1989;76:259-262.

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