With spring here, we are all excited to be spending more time outside. What better time to focus on weight control and fitness for your pets! The biggest health issue we see is obesity. Just a few extra pounds on a small pet can translate to big trouble. Overweight pets are at increased risk for joint problems and diabetes which cause pain, illness and shorten life spans. Rarely does improved healthcare save you money, but in this case, spending less on food and treats will save you money now and in the long run because you will require fewer vet visits, medications and special diets as your pets age.
DOGS
Feed your dog measured meals to control intake. Most dogs with free access to food will over eat. Avoid table food. It adds calories fast! A small bite of a 150lb person’s meal can add up to a whole meal in itself calorie-wise for a dog or cat. Be smart about treats. Feed low calorie treats. Many training treats are small with only a couple of calories each. Your dog doesn’t care how big his treat is, he just wants something! Give him one 2-3 calorie training treat instead of a 115 calorie large Milk-bone.
If your dog seems hungry with this plan, call us. There are high fiber, low calorie foods that may be appropriate to help your dog feel fuller without adding calories. There are also prescription diets that will help obese animals to lose weight in a healthy way.
Increasing exercise will also help to burn calories, but without changing feeding habits your dog won’t lose weight with exercise alone. Adding daily walks, fetch and/or romps at the dog park will help your dog to maintain a healthier body condition.
CATS
Feeding cats portion-controlled meals from the start to prevent obesity is the best plan. If you restrict calories too quickly in an obese cat, it can send them into liver failure. If your cat is already overweight, call us for guidance with a weight-loss plan. An average 10lb cat should eat ½ cup of dry food OR 6oz canned food daily. Cats prefer to eat multiple small meals throughout the day, so the more times you can feed, the better (i.e. 1/4 can four times is better than 1/2 can two times). There are benefits to feeding canned food vs. dry; your cat will feel fuller, they will get more water (better urinary tract health) and its better for their teeth. There are cat toys that will dispense kibble so your cat can hunt their meals (exercise!). There are timer-controlled cat bowls so that your cat can meal feed when you aren’t home or have breakfast at 5am while you still sleep.
Add years to your pet's life by keeping them at a healthy weight!
article written by:
Sheila Newenham, DVM
Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect
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