Right Size, Right Diet: The Science Of Raw Food For Weight Control
Maintaining an ideal weight is essential for a pet’s overall health and longevity, and a raw diet provides a natural path to support proper body condition. Unlike heavily processed diets, which often contain high levels of carbohydrates and plant-based ingredients, Vital Essentials is formulated with high levels of animal protein and fat and no plant material. This high-protein, low-carbohydrate macronutrient profile aligns with a pet’s biological needs, helping them maintain lean muscle mass and lose excess body fat. By feeding a protein-forward, meat-rich raw diet, pet parents can help their dogs and cats achieve and sustain a healthy weight without excessive calorie restriction.
Scientific research supports the benefits of a protein-rich, biologically appropriate diet for weight management in pets. Since dogs and cats are perfectly adapted to process large amounts of animal-based protein and fat, a diet that leads with these macronutrients actually helps them maintain a lean body condition 1 2. Another study found that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet reduces blood sugar spikes that can lead to fat storage and obesity 3.
Beyond weight control, a raw diet helps maintain strong muscles and a proper fat-to-muscle ratio, ensuring pets stay active and agile throughout their lives. Many pet parents who switch to raw feeding report improved energy levels, a sleeker body shape, and a healthier coat—visible signs of enhanced overall well-being. When combined with regular exercise, a raw diet provides pets with the nutrition they need to thrive, supporting not only weight management but also long-term vitality. By choosing a raw, whole-food diet like Vital Essentials, pet parents can take a proactive approach to preventing obesity-related health issues, ultimately helping their dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
1 Kawauchi IM, Jeremias JT, Takeara P, et al. Effect of dietary protein intake on the body composition and metabolic parameters of neutered dogs. Journal of Nutritional Science. 2017;6:e40. doi:10.1017/jns.2017.41
2 Thunyaporn Phungviwatnikul, Anne H Lee, Sara E Belchik, Jan S Suchodolski, Kelly S Swanson, Weight loss and high-protein, high-fiber diet consumption impact blood metabolite profiles, body composition, voluntary physical activity, fecal microbiota, and fecal metabolites of adult dogs, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 100, Issue 2, February 2022, skab379, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab379
3 Hill SR, Rutherfurd-Markwick KJ, Ravindran G, Ugarte CE, Thomas DG. The effects of the proportions of dietary macronutrients on the digestibility, post-prandial endocrine responses and large intestinal fermentation of carbohydrate in working dogs. N Z Vet J. 2009 Dec;57(6):313-8. doi: 10.1080/00480169.2009.64718. PMID: 19966890.
