Weight Reduction
Efficacy
Because of the combination of a low content of available fat and high contents of unavailable fat and coarse cellulose, SANIMED Weight Reduction has a very low energy density. The calculated energy density is 1.031 kJ metabolisable energy per 100 g diet (245 kcal/100 g). This low energy value implies an optimal use of the fill value of the diet. In other words, in order to provide a certain amount of energy the weight of the diet may be more than with other types of foods (Table 3).
Weight reduction can only be achieved through a reduced energy absorption, ideally speaking in combination with more movement. Table 3 illustrates that dogs, which get a limited amount of energy, can absorb more diet in the form of SANIMED Weight Reduction. The proposed feeding scheme for individual dogs roughly corresponds with half of the amount of energy required for maintenance. Under this condition the estimate of the weight loss is about 2% units of the overweight per week. When a dog has 40% overweight, it could therefore take 20 weeks before the ideal weight is achieved. For example, a dog that weighs 28 kg with an ideal weight of 20 kg would have an overweight of 40%. The recommended period for providing SANIMED Weight Reduction lasts until the moment that the desired weight has been achieved. After this, SANIMED Weight Control can be provided in order to maintain the body weight.
Table 3. Comparison of Sanimed Weight Reduction with other types of foods
| Type of dry food | Energy density | Amount of energy | Amount of food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal food | 1.500 kJ/100 g | 3.000 kJ | 200 g |
| Regular slimming diet | 1.300 kJ/100 g | 3.000 kJ | 231 g |
| Sanimed Weight Reduction | 1.031 kJ/100 g | 3.000 kJ | 291 g |
Weight reduction can only be achieved through a reduced energy absorption, ideally speaking in combination with more movement. This means that the food absorption must be limited. The efficacy of a reduced food absorption is determined by characteristics of the dog, including being sterilised/ castrated, age and physical condition. The smaller the efficacy of food restriction, the less food should be provided. Below you see a diagram for the degree of food restriction, depending on the above-mentioned characteristics of the dog.