For a dog with obesity, outline a safe weekly weight loss target and a basic caloric plan.

• A. 0.5% of body weight per week; reduce caloric intake to 50% of maintenance energy.
• B. 3–4% of body weight per week; increase caloric intake to 120% of maintenance energy.
• C. 1–2% of body weight per week; reduce caloric intake to approximately 70–80% of maintenance energy; monitor weekly.
• D. 5–6% of body weight per week; no monitoring.

Answer: (C)

Gradual fat loss is safest for a dog with obesity. The target is about 1–2% of the dog’s current body weight per week. Keeping the pace modest helps spare lean body mass and reduces the risk of metabolic problems while the weight comes off.

To achieve that rate, set a daily calorie intake around 70–80% of the dog’s maintenance energy needs. Maintenance is the calories needed to stay at the current weight and depends on factors like weight, activity level, and metabolism; a common starting approach is to estimate maintenance from the resting energy requirement and apply an activity factor. Using a 70–80% maintenance level typically yields the desired 20–30% energy deficit that drives 1–2% weekly weight loss.

Monitor weight weekly and adjust as needed. If weight loss is slower than desired, you can modestly decrease intake or increase activity; if it’s faster, ease the deficit to protect health and lean mass. Emphasize a diet with quality protein to preserve muscle during fat loss. Avoid very rapid weight loss and avoid neglecting monitoring, since changes in body condition and health require timely plan tweaks.