![\"Overweight](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/overweight-cat-050516.jpg\")
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- Arthritis<\/li>\n
- Diabetes<\/li>\n
- Decreased ability to exercise and increased risk of overheating<\/li>\n
- Increased risk during anesthesia and surgery<\/li>\n
- Shorter lifespan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So the most important decisions you\u2019ll make today about your pet\u2019s health are which pet food <\/em>and how much of it<\/em> you\u2019ll feed.<\/p>\n
![\"Pet](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/pet-obesity-chart-050516.jpg\")
\nIs your pet overweight or obese?<\/h2>\n
While surveys suggest pet owners may not recognize their dogs and cats as overweight, many owners still have some inkling about their pets\u2019 size. So if you\u2019re wondering whether your cat or dog is overweight or even obese, talk with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n
You can quickly check whether your pet is becoming portly using the following approach:<\/p>\n
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- Does your pet have an easily identifiable \u201cwaist\u201d?<\/strong> When you look down from above, do you see an hourglass shape with a waist behind the ribs? Does the abdomen slope upward from the ribs to the back legs when you look from the side? If your pup looks like a hot dog, chances are he or she is overweight.<\/li>\n
- Can you easily feel your pet\u2019s ribs?<\/strong> Run your hands along your pet\u2019s side as if you\u2019re petting him or her. If you can feel the ribs using only slight pressure, your pet is likely at an ideal weight. But if you need to apply pressure to feel the ribs, then your tabby is likely overweight or worse.<\/li>\n
- Is your pet\u2019s back flat?<\/strong> Can you see or feel \u201clove handles\u201d over the hips or top of the tail? Overweight or obese pets may look like they have a wider-than-normal back, and fat stores will be obvious.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If you think your pet is pudgy, you\u2019ve taken an important first step toward addressing the problem. The next step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, who can create a nutrition and exercise program to help your four-legged friend achieve their ideal weight and body condition.<\/p>\n
Diet: The Cause and the Solution<\/h2>\n
Overweight and obese pets are a people problem, not a pet problem. That\u2019s because many pet owners show affection by providing huge servings of food and treats. How much do you really<\/em> feed your pet? As part of the nutrition planning process, your veterinarian may ask you to:<\/p>\n
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- Measure the amounts of food actually being fed<\/li>\n
- Identify other sources of calories such as treats and table scraps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The results may surprise you. But armed with this information, your veterinarian can then make specific recommendations that typically cover:<\/p>\n
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- Realistic expectations.<\/strong> The 2014 American Animal Hospital Association Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats recommend a target weight loss of 1 percent to 2 percent of total body weight per week for dogs and 0.5 percent to 2 percent for cats.<\/li>\n
- Appropriate dog or cat food.<\/strong> To achieve the desired weight loss yet still meet all nutritional needs, your pet may be transitioned to a different food.<\/li>\n
- Specific amounts of food and treats.<\/strong> Measuring each serving, rather than simply filling the bowl, is critical to weight loss efforts. Table scraps should be completely eliminated from the pet\u2019s diet and treats limited to no more than 10 percent of total daily calories. Instead of food treats, find other ways to shower your pet with attention and affection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
At least two meals should be fed daily; however, multiple small meals offered throughout the day is ideal, especially for cats.<\/p>\n
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- Activity and environmental enrichment.<\/strong> Just as with people, moderate exercise is part of pet weight-management programs. Regular activity helps reduce the muscle loss that occurs during weight loss and helps maintain or increase metabolism. Exercise recommendations should consider your pet\u2019s current activity level and physical problems as well as your time constraints. Increases in activity and playtime should be gradual, starting with amounts the pet can comfortably handle.<\/li>\n
- Weigh-ins to track progress and make adjustments.<\/strong> Taking photos during weight loss can help you see changes occurring in your pet. Regular, monthly weigh-ins at the veterinary clinic can help determine if the weight-loss approach is working. And if it isn\u2019t, changes can be made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Appropriate dog or cat food.<\/strong> To achieve the desired weight loss yet still meet all nutritional needs, your pet may be transitioned to a different food.<\/li>\n
- Realistic expectations.<\/strong> The 2014 American Animal Hospital Association Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats recommend a target weight loss of 1 percent to 2 percent of total body weight per week for dogs and 0.5 percent to 2 percent for cats.<\/li>\n
- Can you easily feel your pet\u2019s ribs?<\/strong> Run your hands along your pet\u2019s side as if you\u2019re petting him or her. If you can feel the ribs using only slight pressure, your pet is likely at an ideal weight. But if you need to apply pressure to feel the ribs, then your tabby is likely overweight or worse.<\/li>\n
- Does your pet have an easily identifiable \u201cwaist\u201d?<\/strong> When you look down from above, do you see an hourglass shape with a waist behind the ribs? Does the abdomen slope upward from the ribs to the back legs when you look from the side? If your pup looks like a hot dog, chances are he or she is overweight.<\/li>\n