Feeding obese dogs during weight loss is on average cost‐neutral. (12th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: German, A. J.; Luxmore, J.; Holden, S. L.; Morris, P. J.; Biourge, V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of small animal practice. Volume 56:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 369
• Publication Date: 2015-02-12
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12338
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4510

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jsap12338-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jsap12338-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>OBJECTIVES</title> <p id="jsap12338-para-0001">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.</p> </sec> <sec id="jsap12338-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>MATERIALS AND METHODS</title> <p id="jsap12338-para-0002">Average daily food costs, for before and during weight loss, were calculated in 22 obese dogs that had successfully completed weight management.</p> </sec> <sec id="jsap12338-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>RESULTS</title> <p id="jsap12338-para-0003">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.</p> </sec> <sec id="jsap12338-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE</title> <p id="jsap12338-para-0004">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.</p> </sec> </abstract>