Why is my Husky not losing weight

14 Common Reasons Youre Not Losing as Much Weight as You Expected

1. Youre losing without realizing it

If you think you are experiencing a weight loss plateau, you shouldnt fret just yet.

It is incredibly common for the scale not to budge for a few days (or weeks) at a time. This doesnt mean that you are not losing fat.

You can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, particularly if you have recently started exercising and are eating a high-protein diet (1, 2).

Instead of relying solely on the scale, its better to measure your waist circumference and body fat once a month.

Summary

A weight loss plateau may be explained by muscle gain, undigested food, and fluctuations in body water. If the scale doesnt budge, you might still be losing fat.

2. Youre eating too much

Many people who have trouble losing weight are eating too many calories. This can occur for several reasons:

Not keeping track of what you eat

Studies show that keeping track of your food intake helps with weight loss (3, 4). People who track their calories in food diaries or photograph their meals consistently lose more weight than people who dont (5, 6).

That said, food tracking has a potential downside for people with eating disorders, for whom calorie counting and food tracking may aggravate potentially harmful side effects (7).

Binge eating

Binge eating involves rapidly eating large amounts of food, often much more than your body needs. Even if youre bingeing on relatively healthy foods like nuts or dark chocolate, it can still prevent you from losing weight (8).

Many people binge eat occasionally, which can contribute to weight gain. If youre binge eating frequently over a prolonged time, consider seeing a healthcare professional to be evaluated for a binge eating disorder.

Eating too fast

It is common to eat quick meals as were rushing through our fast-paced daily routines. However, mindful eating may be one of the worlds most powerful weight loss tools.

It involves slowing down, eating without distraction, savoring, and enjoying each bite while listening to the natural signals that tell your brain when your body has had enough.

Numerous studies have found that slower, more mindful eating can help you feel fuller sooner and promote long-term weight loss (9, 10, 11).

Summary

Keeping a food diary can be helpful when you are trying to lose weight. Pay attention to your eating habits and avoid binging by eating in moderation. If youre struggling with this, speak to your doctor about binge eating disorder. Eating mindfully can also help you track how much you eat per meal.

3. Youre not eating enough protein

Protein is an important nutrient for losing weight. Various studies on a high-protein diet have found that it can help promote weight loss and lower the risk of heart disease (12).

This happens because protein can help you feel fuller for longer and helps preserve your resting energy expenditure (REE), partly due to proteins effects on appetite-regulating hormones, such as ghrelin (12, 13).

A high protein intake also helps prevent weight regain (14).

That said, eating protein may not have an effect in cases of intermittent fasting in adults with obesity, so more research is needed to understand when a protein diet can be most effective for weight loss (12).

Summary

Low protein intake may bring your weight loss efforts to a standstill. Make sure to eat plenty of protein-rich foods.

4. Youre not eating whole foods

Food quality is just as important as quantity.

Eating whole foods can improve your well-being and help regulate your appetite. Whole foods tend to be much more filling than their highly processed counterparts (13, 14)

Keep in mind that many processed foods labeled as health foods arent really nutritious. Be sure to read the ingredients on the package and watch out for foods containing extra carbs.

Summary

Make sure to base your diet on whole foods. Eating too many processed foods could negatively affect your weight loss success.

5. Youre not exercising enough

Getting regular exercise can help you lose weight. Aerobic exercise and resistance training, such as weightlifting, have been shown to be effective in helping with weight loss over numerous studies (15).

That said, exercise alone is less effective in promoting weight loss unless combined with the right dietary approach (16).

Consult your doctor or a registered dietician to see what combination of diet and exercise is best for you.

Summary

Both aerobic exercise and strength training can help you lose weight, but make sure to eat healthy for optimal effectiveness.

6. Youre still drinking sugar

Sugary beverages are significantly fattening items in the food supply. Your brain doesnt compensate for its calories by making you eat less of other foods (17).

This isnt only true of sugary drinks like Coke and Pepsi. It also applies to healthier beverages like Vitaminwater, which is also loaded with sugar.

Even fruit juices should not be consumed in large amounts. A glass can contain a similar amount of sugar as several pieces of whole fruit.

Summary

Avoiding sugary beverages can be an effective weight loss strategy. They often make up a significant portion of a persons calorie intake.

7. Youre not sleeping well

Good sleep is one of the most important factors for your physical and mental health and weight.

Poor sleep is one of the biggest risk factors for obesity. Studies show that not getting enough sleep and too much sleep are both associated with obesity (18, 19).

The recommended ideal amount of sleep is 78 hours a night for adults, 810 hours for adolescents, and 916 hours for children and infants, depending on age (20, 21).

Summary

Lack of quality sleep is a strong risk factor for obesity. It could also hinder weight loss progress.

8. Youre not cutting back on carbohydrates

If you have a higher amount of weight to lose or a metabolic condition such as type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you may want to consider a low-carb diet.

Reducing carbs in your diet has been shown to help with weight loss, though this effect seems more pronounced in the first 612 months than in the long term (22, 23).

On the other hand, a trial in 2018 found little difference in the results of a nutrient-dense, low-fat diet versus a nutrient-dense, low-carb diet (24). Finding a sustainable meal plan that you can enjoy long-term is key.

Summary

If you arent losing weight, consider trying a low carb diet. Many studies show that a low carb diet can be an effective weight loss strategy, at least in the short term. A balanced, whole-food diet may be more beneficial in the long term.

9. Youre eating too often

It is a myth that everyone should eat many small meals daily to boost their metabolism and lose weight.

Studies show that meal frequency has little or no effect on fat-burning or weight loss (25).

Some evidence suggests that snacking can be beneficial, but this depends on choosing healthy snacks and limiting your daily eating to no more than four to five small meals (26).

On the other hand, one effective weight loss method called intermittent fasting involves deliberately and strategically going without food for extended periods (1524 hours or more).

Summary

Some snacking throughout the day isnt going to hurt if you choose healthy snacks, but eating too often may result in excessive calorie intake, which curbs your weight loss efforts.

10. Youre not drinking water

Drinking water can benefit weight loss because staying hydrated can help boost your metabolism (27).

A meta-analysis of six studies found a mean weight loss of 5.15% due to increasing water intake. At least in one of the studies, this was related to replacing caloric beverages with water (28).

For this reason, it can help to switch out as much of your liquid consumption with plain water and drink a glass of water before eating.

Summary

To reduce your calorie intake, drink a glass of water before meals. Drinking water may also increase the number of calories you burn.

11. Youre drinking too much alcohol

Drinking alcohol can negatively affect your appetite, making you hungrier (29). Research also shows decreasing alcohol consumption can help with weight loss, especially in people with diabetes (30).

That being said, studies on alcohol and weight show mixed results. A 2019 study found that heavier drinking appears to be associated with a higher chance of obesity in women. However, reducing alcohol consumption may increase your chance of weight gain (31).

What is more certain is that if youre going to drink alcohol, it may be best to stick to spirits (like vodka) mixed with a zero-calorie beverage. Beer, wine, and sugary beverages are very high in calories. Alcohol itself has about 7 calories per gram, which is high.

Summary

The evidence on alcohol and weight gain is mixed. However, alcoholic beverages are generally high in calories. If you drink alcohol, spirits mixed with zero-calorie beverages are probably the best options.

12. You have a medical condition that is making things harder

Some medical conditions can drive weight gain and make it much harder to lose weight. These include hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (32, 33).

Certain medications can also make weight loss harder or cause weight gain. If you think these apply, speak with your doctor about your options.

Here are some reasons why you might be gaining weight unintentionally.

Summary

Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, and PCOS may be hindering your weight loss efforts.

13. You tend to eat too much overly processed food

A 2021 meta-analysis has found that at least 15% of a sample of child and adolescent subjects fit the criteria for food addiction, with higher numbers among those already in the overweight or obese category (34).

In addition, in a poll on healthy aging, 44% of older adults indicated at least one symptom of addiction to highly processed food (35).

If you are dependent on highly processed food, eating less or changing your diet can seem impossible.

Heres how to get support.

Summary

If you have strong food cravings or a dependency on processed food, weight loss can be challenging. Consider seeking professional help.

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14. Your expectations are unrealistic

Weight loss is generally a slow process. Many people lose patience before reaching their goals.

Although it is often possible to lose weight fast initially, few people continue to lose more than 12 pounds per week.

Another challenge can be having unrealistic expectations of what is achievable with a nutrient-dense diet and exercise.

Weight loss isnt always a linear process. Its common to hit a plateau. Breaking it will involve identifying and addressing the root cause directly (35).

The truth is, not everyone will be able to look like a fitness model or bodybuilder, and thats OK. The photos you see in magazines and other places are often enhanced.

If you have already lost some weight, but the scale doesnt seem to want to budge any further, perhaps redirecting your focus to accepting your body can be your next goal.

Summary

Peoples expectations may sometimes be unrealistic when it comes to weight loss. Keep in mind that losing weight takes time. Focus on developing an individualized weight loss plan and goal based on your needs.

Why Is My Husky Not Eating? 8 Reasons With Solutions

Is your husky not eating?

Our dogs are our babies, and of course, we want them to stay healthy. However, when a husky stops eating, there isnt usually much reason for concern.

Here are the main reasons why your husky has stopped eating:

• They arent active enough
• Their food has inadequate nutrients
• Theyre anxious
• Theyre bored with their food
• They have a tooth or stomach ache
• They just got vaccinated
• Something is going on with their health.

In this article well take a deep dive into 8 reasons why your husky might have stopped eating, and when you should be worried.

Huskies Can Be Finicky Eaters

As with other intelligent dog breeds, huskies can be finicky with their food. Unlike labs and other highly food-motivated dogs, huskies are more selective and less interested.

This is primarily due to their history. Histories were bred to help the Chukchi people move and hunt.

The husky breed adapted to survive on less food because they needed to be on expeditions for several days with limited resources. Nowadays, you get a dog that can pull more energy out of less food.

This adaptation has also turned into a lesser desire for food. Not only do they not need as much, but they dont desire it as much.

Of course, this isnt true for all huskies, but it is true for most. Huskies tend to eat only as much as they need. In addition, they will only eat what theylike.

Should I Be Worried That My Husky Isnt Eating?

Today, many peoples dogs are like family. This turns into higher anxiety over our dogs well-being. However, you shouldnt be immediately concerned.

If its only been 24 hours and your husky hasnt eaten their food, there are so many possibilities of what could be going on.

My Husky Is Not Eating And Is Losing Weight

If this disinclination to eat lingers for more than a couple of days, then you should start to become concerned. Of course, there are still several reasons for your dog to stop eating, but the longer it goes on, the more serious the issue may be.

Regardless, its important to remember that most cases are minor issues. Its natural to think of the worst possibility, and that only exhibits that you care for your pup.

If you are worried that your husky has stopped eating, start to track their behavior and weight day by day.

Although this may seem cumbersome, it may be what leads you to the root cause of the issue. Dont only track their eating habits, but start taking notes on their poop, activity level, and demeanor each day.

If they start to exhibit unusual behaviors and lose weight rapidly, you need to get in touch with your veterinarian.

8 Top Reasons Your Husky Isnt Eating

Here are 8 of the most common reasons for your husky to stop eating.

Keep in mind that in most cases it is not a serious problem, but we understand that it can be stressful as pet owners ourselves.

1. They Arent Active

If you read your bag of dog food for how much you feed your husky, you better be exercising them the standard amount as well.

If not, its likely that your husky wont finish all of their food. Huskies are designed to have high metabolisms and to pull more energy from the food they eat.

Therefore, if your husky is lying around the house all day, they wont need as much food.

On average, huskies need 2 hours of intense exercise per day. So, if your husky is getting less than this, you may want to make sure you are feeding them less.

2. Their Food Has Insufficient Nutrients

Imagine you only ate white rice for a while. Not only would you get tired of rice, but your body might start to suffer as well. Dogs, and especially huskies, are sensitive to inappropriate or insufficient amounts of nutrition.

If they are eating an incorrect amount of nutrients, they may have the desire to stop eating.

Making sure they have adequate amounts of protein, carbs, and fats will ensure that not only they are eating, but also that they arehealthy.

If youre unsure about the best type of food for your husky, you can see our recommendations here.

3. Your Husky Is Anxious

Huskies are a very intelligent breed. With higher intelligence comes a higher chance of anxiety.

There are many reasons your husky may be anxious. While some are short-term and have easy fixes, others are long-term and may take more serious consideration. All may affect their appetite.

Here are the main reasons your husky may be anxious:

1. Youve moved. Huskies are creatures of habit and a change in environment is a huge change for them.
2. The family dynamic has changed. Whether youve just adopted them, youve added a member to the family, or youve even lost a member of the family, this change will effect your husky.
3. Separation. Many breeds, including huskies, are prone to separation anxiety. Its commonly thought that huskies shouldnt spend more than 4 hours alone at a time.
4. Insufficient exercise. A husky is designed to traverse over long distances and make decisions while they do it. They need an outlet for both their physical and mental energy.

4. Your Husky Is Bored With Their Food

I cant imagine eating the same thing every day. Your husky may not be eating as much simply because they dont like their food anymore.

Luckily, this isnt an uncommon issue, and its easy to fix. Simply try adding safe, fun additions to their food. Things like blueberries, chicken, broth, broccoli, carrots, and cheese add variety and nutrients to their food.

5. They Have A Toothache

Most dogs have crunchy kibble as their primary source of food. This is fine for the most part, but it may pose a problem if your dog has a cavity or rotting tooth.

Dental issues are more common as dogs age. The most common problems are cavities, gingivitis, and tooth rot.

However, young dogs are not invincible to tooth problems. Especially if they like to chew on rough surfaces, huskies can break their teeth. Husky puppies will also experience teething which may lower their appetite due to having sore gums.

If your husky does run into dental issues, it may stop eating. Many dental problems cause tooth sensitivity, and as a result, lower a dogs appetite.

6. Your Husky Has A Stomach Ache

Remember the last time your stomach was upsetting you?

The last thing you probably wanted to do was go out to a restaurant. Dogs get stomach issues for many reasons, and many arent serious. The main causes of stomach aches are:

• They ate something bad. Whether they got into something nasty in the yard or they found something in your cupboard, too much of anything can make their stomach hurt.
• Theyre constipated. This can especially happen if they are inadequately exercised.

It will be pretty easy to tell if your husky isnt eating due to a stomach issue or not. Keep reading to see how to fix this issue.

7. They Just Got Vaccinated

Dogs main vaccinations are DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza), Rabies, & Bordetella.

Most of these vaccinations are pretty similar to those humans get and can give dogs similar symptoms. This is because vaccinations activate the immune system, which elevates body temperature and causes fever.

So, if your husky just got vaccinated and isnt eating, it is very normal and not something to get worried about.

8. There is a Health Issue

If none of the above seem to be accurate, your husky might have something going on. This article cannot replace veterinary advice, but the most common health issues that cause huskies to stop eating are:

• Zinc deficiency. Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the two breeds highest at risk for zinc deficiency. While this problem comes with multiple other symptoms, it often starts with a lack of appetite.
• Intestinal Parasites. Parasites are a tricky issue because, on the one hand, they can make your dog eat relentlessly. On the other hand, they can make your dog completely lose their appetite.
• Gastric torsion. Gastric torsion, also known as canine bloat, is a rare but life-threatening phenomenon thats most commonly known for happening to deep-chested dog breeds. Its when your dogs stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid while their torso remains below their stomach. Because of this, the stomach can flip and become twisted. In addition to lack of appetite, there are other pronounced symptoms, and it should always be treated as a medical emergency.

How To Encourage Your Husky To Eat More

If its not an emergency, it will take some trial and error to figure out why your husky is not eating.

You should always speak to a veterinarian before you implement the tactics below to make sure that your husky is not dealing with a medical issue.

Obviously, you will have very little success if you dont first deal with any underlying issues before implementing the tips below.

Exercise Them More

If your husky isnt eating the recommended amount per day, it may be due to a lack of exercisea healthy, young husky needs 2 hours of moderately intense exercise per day. Try to increase your huskys walk frequency, length, and intensity.

In addition, try adding more mental stimulation into their walks. Work on their training or go somewhere with many stimuli. This may help to both relieve their anxiety and burn more calories, all while increasing their health.

Feed Them High-Quality Food

To remain healthy, a husky needs a high-protein, low-carb, and moderately high-fat diet. Percentages should look something like this:

• Protein percentage: >30%
• Carbohydrate percentage: <30%
• Fat percentage: ~20%

They should also receive high-quality food. If your huskys food has too much grain or dairy, it may upset their stomach and lead to a lack of appetite.

Ensure their protein is coming from a good source and their carbs come from whole foods (and NOT corn, wheat, or soy).

Read our full list of what foods a Husky can eat, and what to avoid, by clicking here!

Reduce Their Anxiety

If your dogs lack of appetite is coupled with pacing and panting, try to address the possibility of anxiety.

Try to stimulate their minds with interactive toys, challenge them to learn a new trick, or socialize them with other dogs.

If the anxiety stems from a significant change in the household, give lots of affection, maintain a routine, and simply wait until they feel relaxed again.

Reduce The Chances Of A Health Issue

There are many ways to reduce the chance of a health issue arising.

First, to avoid gastric torsion, try to feed correctly and at the right time. Never feed less than 2 hours before exercise, and dont feed sooner than 30 minutes after either. If your husky is taller than average, provide them with a raised bowl instead of one on the ground.

Second, add a zinc supplement to their diet to avoid zinc deficiency. While there arent dog-specific zinc supplements, most are safe. However, try to avoid zinc sulfate and zinc oxide. Discuss with your vet to decide the correct dosage.

What If Your Husky Hasnt Eaten In 2 or 3 Days?

Huskies, like other dogs, can usually go 3 to 5 days without food, but this is not ideal.

If your husky is not showing signs of wanting to eat after 2 days or has not touched any food in 2 days, you need to get in touch with your veterinarian.

You also need to very carefully check their water intake, and encourage them to drink water even if they are not eating.

In Summary

There are many possible reasons that will cause a husky to stop eating. No matter the reason, keep calm.

Your husky is likely okay, but start noting their eating pattern, looping pattern, and daily demeanor to stay safe.

If they persist with not eating for a few days, or if you notice any other changes in behavior, then get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible.