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- Attend the Nebraska Rescue Council’s monthly meeting this Saturday
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- Paws in Pink to Benefit Breast Cancer Foundation
- VCA, Inc. Acquires MidWest Vet Specialists from Kansas State University
How Can I Help My Pet Sustain A Healthy Weight?
Does your dog or cat need to shed excess pounds, and do you want to know the best approach for your pet to achieve a healthy weight? It is a wise idea to have your furry friend weighed at the vet, as a lean body shape and good physical fitness are essential for your pet to live a long, happy life.
Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight requires balancing the amount of calories consumed and those burned off through exercise. Making sure your dog or cat gets enough physical activity and play is crucial. Watching portion sizes and choosing the right foods is also essential.
Keeping your pet’s weight in check can reduce the risk of disease and illnesses. In this article, you will acquire tips to help your pet retain a healthy weight and improve their quality of life.
How Can I Help My Pet Sustain A Healthy Weight?
Helping your animal companion maintain a healthy weight starts with determining the right weight for your pet. Every dog and cat is unique, but some guidelines can be helpful to know. Your pet’s ideal weight is based on:
- Age
- Breed
- Activity level
- Body condition scoring
Humans have a body mass index. Your pet’s equivalent to BMI is called Body Condition Scoring. Veterinary Centers of America Animal Hospital explains that you evaluate your pet to see if their body condition is healthy by using a nine-point scale, which ranges from too thin to obese.
“You have to look at and feel your pet. Start by looking at your cat or dog from above. Does she have a waistline that curves in behind the rib cage giving her an hourglass figure? Next, sit on the floor and look at your pet from the side. Does he have a tummy tuck, or does he have a saggy belly?” Score your pet based on what you see and feel. Your vet can give you more advice on how to perform this test.
Choose The Right Foods
According to the American Kennel Club, “An important part of weight maintenance or weight loss is feeding lower carb, whole, fresh food. Many ultra-processed dog foods are full of carb-based fillers.” Feed your pup a healthy, balanced diet with enough protein to satiate their appetite. The Farmer’s Dog, for example, has become popular for using human-grade protein and veggies.
If you cannot afford a brand like The Farmer’s Dog and are interested in a fresh food diet for your furry friend, talk to your vet about making their food at home with ingredients like beef, chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. If you prefer to feed them strictly dog food, canned is a healthier option, as kibble is often high in carbs and calories. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of kibble at Dog Care Life.com.
Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat to survive. As with your canine companion, canned food is healthier and more nutritious for cats. Blue Buffalo has high-quality cat food products. Fiber is still essential to a cat’s diet, but watch how much dry food they eat, as it is high in calories, and too much can lead to obesity.
Do Not Free Feed
Allowing your pet to free-feed (putting out food for your dog or cat to graze throughout the day) is a recipe for disaster. It can cause your furry friend to overeat, which, of course, triggers weight gain. Weight gain and obesity are associated with poor health.
Several factors can affect portion sizes, and it is essential to monitor how much your pet is eating. This is difficult to do when you free feed. For example, a vet-approved portion chart for cats from Catster provides guidelines for how much to feed your feline companion.
Getting Enough Exercise
Part of any healthy lifestyle plan involves getting enough exercise. Dogs and cats, of course, exercise differently. Dogs are natural athletes and love outdoor adventures with their human and dog friends. Many pups also enjoy a challenge and relish a hard workout.
Some of the most effective ways to exercise your dog:
- Go for a walk, run, or jog
- Fetch, frisbee, tug of war, etc.
- Go for a swim in a safe, dog-friendly area
- Try an agility class or create one in your backyard
Cats are predatory animals, and exercising them requires imagination. Your feline companion is clamoring for regular playtime sessions that allow them to satisfy their wild inner hunter. Cats love the thrill of the chase, the catching of their prey, and the distinct pleasure of the “kill bite.”
The “Purrfect” games for cats:
- Catching toy mice
- Interactive food puzzles
- Chasing the laser pointer
- Playing with the feather wand
The trick with cats is to use toys that simulate their prey. When you play with them, give them a chance to stalk, pounce, and eventually catch it. This game of pursuit will bring them great joy. Talk to your vet regarding an appropriate exercise routine for your dog or cat.
Conclusion
Helping your pet retain a healthy weight means choosing the right foods and exercising your pet. Age, breed, activity level, and body condition scoring are all factored into how much to feed. Our pets are family, and keeping them healthy should be a top priority.
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