nitiated \[[@B9],[@B23]\], using a high protein high fibre weight loss diet (Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}), and fed according to manufacturer's instructions. The initial food allocation for weight loss was determined by first estimating maintenance energy requirement (MER = 440 kJ \[105 Kcal\] × body weight \[kg\]^0.75^/day) \[[@B26]\] using the estimated target weight. The exact level of restriction for each dog was then individualised based upon gender and other factors (i.e. presence of associated diseases such as osteoarthritis and other orthopaedic disorders), and was typically between 50-60% of MER at target weight \[[@B23]\]. Owners also implemented lifestyle and activity alterations to assist in weight loss. Dogs were reweighed every 7--21 days and changes were made to the dietary plan if necessary \[[@B9],[@B23]\].

###### 

Average analysis of the diet used for weight loss in the study dogs

  **Nutrient**                    **Per Mcal**   **Per 100 g as fed**
  ------------------------------ -------------- ----------------------
  Kcal/kg Metabolizable Energy      2900^\*^            \-\--
  Crude protein (g)                  104.0               30.2
  Arginine (g)                        5.4                1.6
  Histidine (g)                       2.0                0.6
  Isoleucine (g)                      3.8                1.1
  Met and Cys (g)                     3.6                1.0
  Leucine (g)                         7.7                2.2
  Lysine (g)                          4.1                1.2
  Phe and Tyr (g)                     9.6                2.8
  Threonine (g)                       3.3                1.0
  Tryptophan (g)                      0.9                0.3
  Valine (g)                          4.4                1.3
  Total fat (g)                       33.0               9.6
  Linoleic acid (g)                   7.3                2.1
  Calcium (g)                         3.1                0.9
  Phosphorus (g)                      2.4                0.7