Intermittent Fasting for Dogs – Is This a Thing?

You have probably heard of the term “intermittent fasting.” This is a fast where a person will eat for a certain number of hours and then fast for a certain number of hours. For example, a person may eat in an eight-hour block and avoid eating for 16 hours. This has become a health trend among humans, and people are now wondering if dogs can do it too. This article will go into further detail about this phenomenon.

First and foremost, consult with your veterinarian to determine if fasting is the best option for your four-legged friend. Certain dogs shouldn’t fast, which include puppies, seniors, and smaller breeds. Some vets say that dogs naturally should only eat about once a day. Think about it. Before being domesticated, dogs usually only had about one meal a day in the wild. A 16/8 intermittent fast may be ideal for certain dogs because of how they are naturally created to operate.

Let’s get into the critical part of the article, where you find out why people (and dogs) go through intermittent fasting. You may be wondering what the benefits are. The main advantage of intermittent fasting is weight loss through insulin reduction. Reducing insulin levels will decrease systemic inflammation, and weight will be reduced. If insulin levels are reduced when we do not eat for a certain period, sugar will begin to be burned for energy as the insulin is reduced. Regeneration of tissue should be considered as well. During fasting, stem cells start replacing cannibalized cells with new, healthier ones. Cleaning old cells is excellent as it protects dogs against diseases.

An intermittent fast may be what you are looking for if your dog needs to shed excess weight or find protection against disease. Once again, intermittent fasting isn’t for all dogs. Speak with your veterinarian to gain additional insight and see if it best fits your four-legged friend.