We all want our pets to be happy. We often tell ourselves that a well-fed cat is a happy cat; they don't worry about their appearance like humans do. And it's so easy to give in to those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table! But this is not a laughing matter.
An obese pet won't be a happy pet once the extra weight causes joint pain, arthritis, shortness of breath, diabetes, and an inability to clean himself. A 14-year study showed that dogs kept at a thinner weight live an average of two years longer than overweight dogs. While it's true that some pets are predisposed to weight gain, pet owners owe it to their pets to keep them healthy and try to prevent diseases caused by obesity.
Here are some things to consider if you need to put your dog or cat on a diet:
Commercial Pet Food Isn't Always as it Seems
Chances are you are feeding a diet of kibble only. Most varieties of kibble, even the prescription “weight management” brands, are too high in carbohydrates to promote weight loss.
Dogs and cats are carnivores and were designed to digest high amounts of protein and small amounts of carbohydrates. When it comes to dry vs. canned food, canned is the better choice all around. Canned food is most often higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, much higher in moisture, and safer due to its air-tight packaging.
If you insist on feeding kibble, the diet should consist of at least half kibble and half canned. Also, grain-free kibble is healthier and more appropriate for carnivores. A bag of Nature's Variety Instinct grain-free kibble for dogs is comprised of about 46% protein and 20% carbohydrates, compared to Purina Pro Plan's Chicken & Rice Weight Management for dogs, which contains 28% protein and 48% carbohydrates.
Stop Free-Feeding
If you use an auto-feeder, get rid of it and stop free feeding. Pets will overeat due to boredom or to make sure the other pets don't eat their share. Figure out how much food your pet needs daily and feed it over two or three meals.
Exercise Your Pets
Exercise is essential for dogs, and letting them out in the back yard a few times a day does not count. Do you think your waist line would grow if you never left your own property? Think how bored and lazy you would feel! Do your dog and yourself a favor, and make sure he gets at least two, 20-minute walks per day. A brisk pace is more effective than a stroll, but a slow walk is better than nothing.
Get your cat a tree to climb, some catnip mice, and taunt them with a laser pointer. Hide little treats and catnip sprinkles around the house for them to hunt and discover.
Healthy Pet Treats
End the mindset that a couple treats a day don't add up. Giving treats moderately is OK, but make sure they are healthy. Grain-free as well as natural and organic treats are readily available. Some human foods are great too, like pieces of turkey, cooked eggs (an excellent source of protein), plain yogurt and baby carrots. But, make sure you research what foods are harmful to pets.
Another tip regarding treats: never give a treat for no reason or to distract from undesired behavior. The only time you should ever give a treat is when your pet is doing something you approve of, like sitting on command or obeying an order to stop jumping up on the couch. This will ensure some mental stimulation and bonding time while rewarding good behavior.
If the kids (or you) can't resist handing the dog some scraps under the dinner table, don't let the dog into the kitchen during meal times. Or set a rule that the dog is only allowed a small amount on Sundays. But use common sense: no fatty treats like pizza, bread, or cake. A small piece of meat will suffice. It's all cake to him!
Get Honest About Your Pets' Health
Don't blame your pet's weight gain on being spayed or neutered, and don't use that as an excuse not to get them fixed. Your pet depends on you to keep her as healthy as you can with diet, exercise and veterinarian care. Pets are a big responsibility and they aren't cheap – don't cut corners. You'll either pay up front for preventative health care and quality food, or you'll pay in the end with expensive surgeries and medicine.
References:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 220 No. 9, May 1, 2002, pp. 1315-1320
- Dog Food Advisor - What's Better...Canned or Dry Dog Food?
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