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Diet and Weight Management Post-FHO in Dogs

Diet and Weight Management Post-FHO in Dogs

Femoral Head Ostectomy

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Owners

Learn how to manage your dog’s diet and weight after FHO surgery with feeding tips, calorie guides, and recovery-focused nutrition advice

By 

Sustainable Vet Group

Updated on

July 29, 2025

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Diet and Weight Management Post-FHO in Dogs

Why Weight Management Matters After FHO

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most important parts of recovery after FHO surgery. Extra weight puts more stress on the healing leg and can slow down muscle development. A lean body allows your dog to move more easily and reduces pain during rehab.

If your dog gains weight during recovery, it can lead to complications like joint strain, delayed healing, or refusal to walk. Proper diet and controlled feeding help prevent these problems.

  • Extra weight increases pressure on the healing hip and spine
  • Obesity slows down muscle regrowth needed for pseudo-joint function
  • Overfeeding during crate rest may lead to weight gain and inflammation
  • Lean dogs recover faster, walk sooner, and need less pain medication

Talk to your vet about feeding guidelines during recovery. Even small changes in weight can affect healing, so keeping your dog lean truly supports a faster, safer recovery.

Feeding Guidelines Immediately After Surgery (Week 0–2)

After FHO surgery, your dog’s activity level drops, so their calorie needs also decrease. During the first two weeks, reduce their food by about 10–15% to prevent weight gain. If your dog seems tired or has a poor appetite, feed smaller, more frequent meals to keep their energy stable and avoid stomach upset.

Stick to your vet’s recommended food. If your dog’s stomach is sensitive after anesthesia, use a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice for a few days. Avoid rich treats or table scraps, as they can cause digestive issues.

  • Reduce calorie intake by 10–15% during crate rest
  • Offer smaller meals 2–4 times a day if appetite drops
  • Use vet-approved food or a gentle, bland diet
  • Avoid fatty snacks and high-calorie treats

Feeding with care in the early stage helps your dog heal comfortably, without gaining weight or upsetting their stomach during recovery.

Tips for Appetite Loss or Overeating

Some dogs lose interest in food after surgery, while others may eat too fast due to stress or boredom. Both can affect healing. If your dog isn’t eating much, try warming their meals to improve smell and taste. Bone broth or wet food toppers can make meals more inviting.

For dogs that eat too quickly, use slow feeders or puzzle bowls. These tools make mealtime slower and more mentally engaging. Hand feeding also helps bond with your dog and gently encourages eating.

  • Warm food to boost smell and increase interest
  • Add safe toppers like low-sodium bone broth or a spoon of wet food
  • Try hand feeding for emotional support and better control
  • Use slow feeders or puzzle toys to slow down fast eaters

Balancing appetite helps your dog stay nourished and calm. Watch your dog’s habits closely and talk to your vet if appetite changes last more than two days.

Feeding and Activity in Weeks 3–6

As your dog starts moving more during rehab, their energy needs will increase. This is the time to adjust feeding slightly, but carefully. You don’t want to overfeed too early, especially if your dog is still building strength. Begin by gradually increasing calories if your dog is walking more or starting hydrotherapy.

This phase is also ideal for introducing joint-support nutrients. Look for foods or supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega‑3 fatty acids to support healing. If your dog is gaining weight, consider switching to a low-calorie or weight-control kibble.

  • Slowly raise calorie intake as activity picks up
  • Add joint-friendly nutrients like glucosamine and omega‑3s
  • Choose low-fat kibble if weight gain continues
  • Match food intake with leash walks and therapy sessions

By syncing your dog’s diet with activity levels, you support stronger muscles and healthy weight. Regular check-ins with your vet can help fine-tune the balance during this critical rehab stage.

Long-Term Diet Plan: Weeks 7–12 and Beyond

Once your dog is walking confidently and nearing full recovery, it’s time to build a healthy long-term routine. Keeping your dog lean is key to protecting their joints and avoiding future issues. Portion control matters more than treats or brands. Your vet can help you decide if a senior or joint-health diet is right for your dog’s age and needs.

Make sure their diet matches their activity. On busy days with longer walks or play, a little extra food may be fine. On rest days, reduce portions slightly to avoid weight gain.

  • Maintain a lean body with measured portions
  • Ask your vet about switching to senior or joint diets
  • Monitor calories based on how much your dog moves
  • Stick to fixed feeding times and avoid overfeeding

Consistency keeps your dog healthy and mobile. Long after FHO recovery ends, good diet habits will help your dog stay active and pain-free for years.

Tracking Weight and Body Condition at Home

Keeping track of your dog’s weight after FHO surgery helps prevent setbacks. Even small weight gain can slow recovery or cause joint strain. You don’t need fancy tools—just stay consistent. Use a home scale if your dog is small, or ask for monthly weight checks during vet visits. Taking weekly photos can also help you spot body changes early.

One of the best tools is a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart. It uses simple pictures to show what a healthy body looks like. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard and see a waist from above.

  • Weigh your dog monthly or during vet follow-ups
  • Take photo logs weekly to track changes visually
  • Use a BCS chart to judge body shape easily
  • Feel ribs and waist to check fat coverage
  • Log daily food intake with vet-approved apps or printouts

Small changes matter. Regular tracking keeps your dog on the path to lifelong joint health.

Sample Meal Plan and Calorie Ranges by Size

Feeding your dog the right amount after FHO helps healing and keeps weight under control. Calorie needs depend on your dog’s size and activity. During the early recovery stage (Weeks 0–2), feed 10–15% less. As rehab begins (Weeks 3–6), slowly return to normal amounts based on weight and activity.

  • Small dogs (<10 kg): 300–450 kcal/day
    Example: 2 meals of 150–200 kcal each
  • Medium dogs (10–20 kg): 500–700 kcal/day
    Example: 2 meals of 250–350 kcal each
  • Large dogs (20–30 kg): 800–1,000 kcal/day
    Example: 2 meals of 400–500 kcal each

For picky eaters, split meals into 3–4 smaller portions. Always measure food using a kitchen scale or measuring cup. Adjust portions based on energy level and body condition. Ask your vet for exact calorie goals and preferred brands.

Weight Management Tips for Bilateral FHO Cases

Dogs recovering from bilateral FHO (both hips) often move less during the early weeks, making weight control even more important. With reduced mobility, their bodies burn fewer calories, and even small overfeeding can lead to fast weight gain. That’s why it’s best to reintroduce calories slowly and track progress closely.

Stick to a controlled feeding plan, and adjust portions only when your dog starts moving more confidently. Structured rehab becomes even more essential in these cases to build strength and keep weight in check.

  • Delay full-calorie feeding until active movement returns
  • Expect slower rehab and longer rest periods early on
  • Weigh your dog every 2 weeks for the first 3 months
  • Keep a detailed food and activity log to stay on track
  • Check in with your vet regularly to adjust diet as needed

Close monitoring in bilateral cases supports a safer recovery and reduces long-term joint stress.

Mental Enrichment to Prevent Boredom Eating

Dogs recovering from FHO may spend long hours resting, which can lead to boredom and unnecessary eating. Keeping your dog mentally engaged helps reduce anxiety and lowers the risk of boredom-related snacking. Food-based enrichment can be healthy when done right. Use low-calorie fillers like mashed veggies, plain yogurt, or broth-soaked kibble inside frozen KONGs or on lick mats.

In addition to food toys, include calorie-free mental stimulation like gentle scent games or short training sessions using part of their daily meal. These keep your dog’s brain active without adding extra calories.

  • Fill KONGs with low-fat, vet-approved ingredients
  • Use lick mats and puzzle feeders to slow down eating
  • Try indoor scent games with treats hidden in safe spots
  • Teach basic tricks or commands using kibble as rewards
  • Rotate toys to keep engagement high

Mental enrichment is as important as physical rehab during recovery, especially in crate-rest periods.

Follow-Up and Reassessment with Your Vet

Regular follow-ups with your vet are essential for tracking recovery and managing weight after FHO surgery. These visits help ensure your dog is healing on schedule and not gaining excess weight. Schedule check-ins at 2, 6, and 12 weeks to assess mobility, incision healing, and body condition.

At each visit, your vet may adjust your dog’s feeding plan based on their activity level. If rehab progresses quickly, calories may need to increase. If recovery is slow, further restriction might be needed to avoid weight gain. Supplements and joint support may also be added or changed.

  • Book weight and progress checks at 2, 6, and 12 weeks
  • Ask your vet to assess muscle growth and body condition
  • Adjust food portions as exercise level changes
  • Review rehab goals and discuss new enrichment or exercises
  • Add or modify supplements like omega‑3s as needed

Close vet guidance keeps your dog’s recovery safe, steady, and effective.

FAQs About FHO Diet and Weight Management

Can I feed my dog normal food after FHO surgery?

Yes, you can continue your dog’s regular food if it's balanced and vet-approved. However, portion size may need adjustment. If your dog has a sensitive stomach after surgery, a bland diet may be suggested for a few days. Always avoid high-fat or salty foods, especially during the rest phase, to support gentle digestion and healing.

How much should I reduce my dog’s portions after surgery?

During the first two weeks after surgery, reduce your dog’s daily calorie intake by 10–15%. This helps prevent weight gain during crate rest and low activity. Work with your vet to calculate the exact amount based on your dog’s size, age, and energy level. Portion control supports faster healing and protects the new pseudo-joint from strain.

What treats are safe during post-FHO recovery?

Stick to low-calorie treats like carrots, green beans, or small pieces of lean meat. Avoid high-fat snacks and commercial treats with fillers or added sugars. You can also use part of your dog’s daily kibble as treats during training or rehab exercises. Treats should never exceed 10% of daily calories during recovery.

When should I reintroduce full meals?

You can start slowly reintroducing full meals between weeks 3 and 6 as your dog becomes more active. Watch your dog’s weight and energy closely. Increase calories only if your vet agrees it’s safe. Always base feeding on your dog’s actual movement—not just time since surgery. Gradual changes help avoid weight gain or digestive upset.

Are supplements necessary for every dog after FHO?

Not always, but they can help. Dogs with joint issues or slower recovery may benefit from glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega‑3 supplements. These support joint health and reduce inflammation. Always check with your vet before starting any supplement. Some dogs get what they need from food alone, while others may need extra joint support.

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