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Home // Pet Obesity: Weight Management Dog and Cat Food
Obesity in pets, just like in humans, is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat. It's one of the most common health issues faced by our beloved pets, affecting both dogs and cats across the globe. A pet is considered obese if its body weight exceeds the ideal weight by more than 20%. This extra weight can significantly reduce the quality of life for your furry friend, leading to a range of serious health complications.
Obesity in pets, just like...Read more
Obesity in pets, just like in humans, is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat. It's one of the most common health issues faced by our beloved pets, affecting both dogs and cats across the globe. A pet is considered obese if its body weight exceeds the ideal weight by more than 20%. This extra weight can significantly reduce the quality of life for your furry friend, leading to a range of serious health complications.
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Many factors contribute to pet obesity, it’s not just one thing, it’s a combination of many. Some factors you may want to consider are…
Overfeeding: One of the most significant contributors to obesity in pets is simply feeding them too much. Many pet owners unintentionally overfeed their pets, either by offering too many treats or by feeding them larger portions than necessary.
Lack of Exercise: Pets, particularly indoor cats and dogs with a more sedentary lifestyle, often do not get enough exercise. Without sufficient exercise, they burn fewer calories, leading to weight gain.
Poor/Low-Quality Diet: Low-quality commercial pet foods that are high in fillers like carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain. These foods may be low in nutrients but high in calories, leading pets to overeat to feel full.
Age & Genetics: As pets age, their metabolism slows down, making them more prone to weight gain. Additionally, certain breeds may be more genetically predisposed to gaining weight, such as Labradors (dogs) or Persians (cats).
Medical Conditions: Some pets may suffer from underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s Disease, which can cause obesity.
As with any condition, there are many dangers of not addressing obesity in cats and dogs, something that started as an easily solvable issue, can turn into a long-term problem that impacts their quality of life. Some of the conditions associated with obesity in dogs and cats include diabetes, heart disease, other cardiovascular conditions, joint problems, and arthritis. If you’re proactive now, and do everything you can to manage your pet's weight, you mitigate these risks and ensure your furry friend has a better quality of life long-term.
To the untrained eye, it can be hard to spot obesity in dogs, especially if your pup only exceeds the healthy weight by a small margin. To be able to identify obesity in dogs, use this helpful dog body condition score chart, if you are unsure, please seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
Although it can be tough to spot obesity in dogs, it’s even harder to identify in cats. Our friendly felines tend to lead a more sedentary lifestyle, snack a lot more on kibble, and as such are more prone to excessive weight gain. One way to spot obesity in cats is by using this cat condition score chart or watching this video on how to perform a body condition assessment. If you aren’t sure, seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
Feeding your pet a natural, nutrient-dense diet that aligns with their needs can help manage and even reverse obesity. We offer raw food kits and supplements that provide your furry friends with high-quality proteins and balanced nutrients without fillers or artificial additives. These meals are designed to meet the nutritional needs of both dogs and cats, supporting a healthy weight and optimal health.
Same as with humans, engaging in daily exercise is vital for weight management in your pets. For dogs, this can include walks, runs, and playtime, while indoor cats can benefit from interactive toys and climbing structures that promote regular movement.
Considering a healthy, balanced diet is only the starting point, you also need to be careful of overfeeding your furry friend. Making sure that you measure and portion out wet food and kibble for your pet is key for weight management, try to refrain from feeding them excessive scraps from the table and other high-calorie treats.
Certain natural supplements can aid in weight loss and improve metabolism. Our digestive enzymes supplement contains prebiotics such as Inulin, which can help to manage weight your pet's weight. Not only do they assist in digestive health, but they also contribute to a healthier coat!
Q: Is homemade dog food premix healthier than kibble?
A: Homemade dog food is a very healthy alternative to commercial dog food, but it needs to be carefully balanced to ensure your dog gets all the essential nutrients they need.
Q: What are the benefits of feeding my dog homemade food?
A: Potential benefits include:
Q: Where can I find recipes for homemade dog food?
A: We have listed two of our homemade dog food recipes above on this page, and we’re going to create some more in the future for our customers and their furry friends!
Q: Why would my dog need supplements with homemade food?
A: Even well-planned homemade meals may not address all your dog's specific needs. Supplements can fill nutritional gaps and ensure a well-rounded diet.
Q: What types of supplements are available for homemade dog food?
A: We have two product supplements for dogs available: a digestive enzyme blend which is great for sensitive stomachs and in promoting digestive health and canine Contectin joint supplement.
Q: How do I choose the right nutritional supplements for my dog?
A: Discuss your dog's individual needs and diet with your veterinarian. They can recommend the best supplements and appropriate dosages.
Q: Are dog supplements safe?
A: When sourced from reputable companies such as ourselves and used as directed, dog supplements are safe. However, if you have any health concerns always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog's food diet.
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