faqs

Can I use the workbook without the app?

You can use either the workbook or the app on their own, but we recommend using both together.

The app is a super convenient way to log daily food and exercise and keep your vet in the loop with the reports emailed directly to his/her office.

The workbook has a daily written journal but is also full of helpful information, tips, and tricks.

So, while you can use either on their own, the app and workbook combined is a 1-2 punch!

Can I use this program if I don’t have a veterinarian?

The short answer is technically yes but we STRONGLY recommend and encourage you to seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian to determine how much weight your dog needs to lose and to help set the feeding program so you don’t run the risk of malnourishment.

Why is it so important to weigh food portions in grams instead of using a measuring cup?

That’s a great question! Your dog’s weight loss success depends on precise food measurement.

With a standard measuring cup, there can be a margin of error in measuring the exact amount of food due to the size and shape of the food bits. It is also a little too easy to give a slightly rounded portion.

When you measure the food on a digital scale in grams, there is much less (if any) margin of error.

How fast will my dog lose weight?

That all depends on you! Extra snacks will slow your dog’s weight loss progress but if you stick to the plan you can expect to see gradual weight loss over the next few weeks/months.

This is not a crash diet, your dog is not getting ready to walk a red carpet in Hollywood next week. This is a slow, healthy, veterinarian supervised weight loss plan. The amount of weight lost per month will vary depending on age, gender, breed, activity level, and most importantly, your commitment.

is this program covered by my dog’s health insurance?

Possibly! Some pet insurance companies will cover this program if it is part of a veterinarian-recommended treatment plan. Please check with your carrier for more details.

is it super important to follow up with my vet monthly?

Following up monthly with your veterinarian allows him/her to re-evaluate the diet plan and make any necessary adjustments.

For example, Our Founder’s dog Sadie (the OG Chubby Dog) visited Dr. Henke for her monthly check-in. We initially thought she needed to lose 10 pounds, but after Doc re-evaluated her body condition score, she was at a perfect weight after losing just 8 pounds. 2 pounds may not seem like a lot, but that’s a significant percentage of body weight for a dog, and we got to move on into the maintenance phase a little early! Your veterinarian may have his/her own follow-up schedule recommendations, so always defer to that plan.