Review scope

This summary is based on the published abstract. We have not appraised the full methods, tables or supplementary material. Details absent from the abstract remain unverified.

Question and design

15 obese client-owned dogs compared with 27 matched controls. High-protein, high-fibre food during weight loss. Comparator: High-protein, medium-fibre food with equivalent caloric density.

What was measured?

Weight loss, weekly weight-loss rate and body fat measured by DXA.

Main findings

Median weight loss was 31.8% versus 20.0%; median weekly rate was 1.0% versus 0.7%. Fat-mass reduction was also greater in the higher-fibre group.

Study strengths

Client-owned dogs and an objective body-composition measure.

Limitations

Small, unequal groups. The abstract does not establish random allocation. Full methods and potential confounding were not assessed.

Researchers’ conclusion

The authors concluded that the higher-protein, higher-fibre formulation improved weight-loss outcomes.

Evidence.pet interpretation

This comparison concerns complete diets within a weight-management programme. It does not establish that adding fibre alone causes the same result.

Funding and conflicts

Not verified from the abstract; full funding and conflict declarations have not been reviewed.

Source and review date

German AJ, Holden SL, Bissot T, Morris PJ, Biourge V. A high protein high fibre diet improves weight loss in obese dogs. Veterinary Journal. 2010;183(3):294–297.

Read the primary source · DOI record

STU-008. Reviewed 25 September 2026. Next review 25 December 2026.