Paper:

RESUMEN CORTO - SHORT SUMMARY
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new dry high-protein high-fibre low-starch diet during the weight loss program of client-owned obese dogs, in comparison with a reference commercial dry diet. At the time of inclusion, target body weight (tgt BW) was defined for each dog. The initial energy allowance for weight loss was 78 kcal / kg tgt BW^0.67, and the maximum duration to achieve tgt BW was fixed at 9 months. Fifty-five dogs completed the study: 28 in the reference group (A) and 27 in the test group (B). Sixteen dogs in each group succeeded in the achievement of their tgt BW. Mean time to achieve tgt BW was significantly shorter in group B than in group A (27 vs 34 weeks, p=0.015) with a mean speed of weight loss of 0.90±0.50 %/week in group B vs 0.66±0.25 in group A. In dogs classified as failure cases, the loss of their initial overweight was at least 31.5% in group B vs 6.5% in group A, and in average 57.1±18.2% in group B vs 50.4±22.5% in group A. No significant differences appeared between the 2 diets regarding palatability, satiety, digestive tolerance or owners’ general satisfaction.
The 2 diets were well tolerated and appreciated throughout the study and demonstrated their efficacy for weight loss. Based on some criteria, especially time to achieve tgt BW, the new diet was even more efficient than the reference diet.

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EFFICACY AND TOLERANCE OF A HIGH-PROTEIN HIGH-FIBRE LOW-STARCH DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN CLIENT-OWNED OBESE DOGS: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND CONTROLLED EVALUATION