L-Carnitine For K9 Weight Loss
Obesity is a prevalent and widespread issue among pets, especially dogs; their insatiable appetite often leads to overeating (or overfeeding on our part) and the subsequent health problems obesity causes. Especially in an older dog, obesity can negatively contribute to numerous issues including arthritis and heart, kidney, and liver health.
What is L-Carnitine?
L-carnitine is a molecule in cells responsible for transporting long-chain fatty acids to your mitochondria. Simply stated, L-carnitine is responsible for transporting fat to the powerhouse of your cells to be turned into energy. This molecule is also responsible for transporting byproducts of energy production out of the cell. L-carnitine occurs naturally in the body, made by the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine. This molecule is stored in the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart. L-carnitine is also found in foods, the highest quantities consumed from red meat.
Does L-Carnitine Help Dogs Lose Weight?
Some companies have indicated that due to its responsibility enabling cells to burn fat, supplementing L-carnitine into a diet can increase fat burn. There has been minimal research that supports this claim, and most health organizations agree that healthy individuals do not need L-carnitine supplements in their diet. Just like in humans, there is no magic pill solution to weigh loss in dogs. In addition to a lack of research associating L-carnitine supplements with weight loss, L-carnitine supplementation has been associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. This risk results from L-carnitine causing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries when it interacts with gut bacteria.
Are There Other Conditions in Dogs L-Carnitine Can Help?
L-carnitine may not be an ideal supplement for weight loss, but it can help with other conditions. Here are some instances when an L-carnitine supplement may be beneficial.
- A dog going through cancer treatment or in cognitive decline may benefit from taking L-carnitine.
- A rare genetic defect called Primary Carnitine Deficiency may require a supplement of L-carnitine in a diet.
- Some dogs who experience nerve pain due to conditions like diabetes or neuropathy may benefit from an L-carnitine supplement.
Whatever the reason, you should always consult a veterinarian before adding a L Carnitine supplement to their diet.
How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Just like in humans, there is no magic method for losing weight. If your dog is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds to achieve optimum health, exercise and calorie restriction are the best ways to achieve your dog’s weight goals. Consult with your veterinarian about how much food your dog should be getting based on what kind of diet you feed them and stick to this diet. Using a measuring cup is a good idea when feeding your dog to make sure you feed them consistent amounts of food. Dogs will eat to the point of vomiting, so do not let the puppy dog eyes convince you they are starving.
While a consistent diet is the key to your dog’s weight loss, daily exercise is equally important. Even a walk or play session in the yard twice a day can help your dog achieve their ideal weight.
Prevention Is Key
The key to avoiding obesity in your dog is to take preventative measures to ensure you canine companion maintains a healthy weight. There are many methods to help your dog manage their weight, but here are just a few:
- Exercise – Exercise is very important for the health and weight of your dog. Requirements for each individual dog are based on many factors such as breed, temperament, and age. Even though intensity and duration may vary, every dog requires exercise daily.
- Calorie Restriction – Make sure your dog eats the recommended amount of food each day. If you are unsure how much to feed your dog, most dog foods have feeding recommendations on the packaging based on your dog’s ideal weight. If you aren’t sure how much your dog should be eating, consult your veterinarian. Once you’ve established your dog’s diet requirements, use a measuring cup to make sure the size of their diet is consistent.
- Limit Treats- Too many treats is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Limit the amount of treats offered to your dog every day to prevent unwanted weight gain. If you normally use treats for training purposes, try using part of their diet in training sessions instead.
There is no magic pill to help your dog lose weight. Though some studies have touted the weight-loss affects L-carnitine supplements can have on your dog, more research is needed. L-carnitine supplements given for the wrong reasons, may even be detrimental to your dog’s health. Always ask your veterinarian about possible supplements and dietary changes for you beloved furry family member to ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life in your home.
Will Corrente is an advisor, consultant, and dog care entrepreneur. He is the Founder of Pet Venture Capital Management and a trusted authority and an expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com