Chunky Monkey
Pet obesity is increasing in prominence, along with the increasing waistlines of the American public. As we move towards busier schedules and as technology lends us to a more sedentary lifestyle, our pet’s health can suffer. Though many people think that their pet may look cute with a little extra “fluff,” there are real health concerns that overweight pets are at a higher risk of. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, etc. are out there and overweight/obese pets are at a much higher risk of contracting them!
How Much Should My Pet Weigh?
After examining and weighing your pet, we can better advise you on what their ideal weight is and the proper feeding guidelines to achieve it. I prefer to monitor body condition score (BCS) and weight. An ideal BCS is one where you are able to palpate the ribs without seeing them, nor having to dig through an overlying fat layer. In addition, aim to keep a peanut or hourglass shaped waist when looking above at your pet from the ribs to the hips.
How much should I feed my pet?
Measuring out your pet’s portions in an actual measuring cup is advised. I also recommend splitting feeding into at least two meals per day. This helps to not increase their glucose levels all at once, helps avoid bloat, and is helpful if they are ever on twice-daily medication, such as antibiotics. Many pet foods will have a feeding guideline on the back of the bag. This is often based on things such as age, weight, etc. This is a starting point, but all pets are individuals and may need adjustment based on their activity level, metabolism level, etc. Also, the goal is to feed the portion advised for your pet’s ideal weight. You do not want to feed the amount listed for the weight they are now if your goal is weight loss! If you pet is overweight now and you are not measuring out how much you feed, the first step is to accurately measure what you are offering. From there, try to cut back the overall portion offered daily by 25%. If after a couple weeks more weight loss is desired, decrease another 25% and so on. In addition, look at if you are being overzealous with the treats! Often times avoiding obesity is as simple as decreasing amount fed and increasing exercise. Now where have I hear that before
However, if that alone does not work, there are prescription diet foods we can try. Contact us to discuss if a prescription diet is advised for your pet.
I would be lying if I told you weight loss was easy. We battle with that ourselves and know that it takes time and commitment. Nevertheless, the benefit here is that pets cannot eat whenever and whatever they want if we take responsibility and control it. For us to best advise you, bring your pet in and we can weigh them and tailor what diet and body condition score are ideal.
Blog bits
Pet obesity is increasing in prominence, along with the increasing waistlines of the American public. As we move towards busier schedules and as technology lends us to a more sedentary lifestyle, our pet’s health can suffer. Though many people think that their pet may look cute with a little extra “fluff,” there are real health concerns that overweight pets are at a higher risk of. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, etc. are out there and overweight/obese pets are at a much higher risk of contracting them!
After examining and weighing your pet, we can better advise you on what their ideal weight is and the proper feeding guidelines to achieve it. I prefer to monitor body condition score (BCS) and weight. An ideal BCS is one where you are able to palpate the ribs without seeing them, nor having to dig through an overlying fat layer. In addition, aim to keep a peanut or hourglass shaped waist when looking above at your pet from the ribs to the hips.
Measuring out your pet’s portions in an actual measuring cup is advised. I also recommend splitting feeding into at least two meals per day. This helps to not increase their glucose levels all at once, helps avoid bloat, and is helpful if they are ever on twice-daily medication, such as antibiotics. Many pet foods will have a feeding guideline on the back of the bag. This is often based on things such as age, weight, etc. This is a starting point, but all pets are individuals and may need adjustment based on their activity level, metabolism level, etc.
The goal is to feed the portion advised for your pet’s ideal weight. You do not want to feed the amount listed for the weight they are now if your goal is weight loss! If you pet is overweight now and you are not measuring out how much you feed, the first step is to accurately measure how much you are offering. From there, try to cut back the overall portion offered daily by 25%. If after a couple weeks more weight loss is desired, decrease another 25% and so on. Often times avoiding obesity is as simple as decreasing amount fed and increasing exercise. Cut back on the treats!
Learn more about Pet Wellness at the Animal Hospital of Dunedin.