Feeding Your Wee Darlings for Optimum Nutrition and Health
Good nutrition keeps your dog or cat energetic and healthy. If your dog’s usually happy to head out for a daily walk with you or your cat enjoys a robust playtime, that’s a great indicator of good health.
However, a recent study* found that roughly half of all pets would be classified as overweight. So someone (ahem) has been overfeeding the wee darlings. If you suspect your little dear may have overindulged, a closer look at your pet’s food and habits would be prudent.
Here are 5 strategies to help your pet maintain (or shed ounces to be at) his best weight:
1. Start with a check-up. Most pets become portly simply because they exercise too little and eat too much. However, before you put your pet on any sort of special diet, you need to know her health is good. Several diseases or health problems are indicated by an increase in weight.
2. Find a measure of excellence. You can begin with an old fashioned-measuring cup and measure your pet’s portions. If you’re in the habit of eyeballing portions, you may be surprised by what a half-cup of kibble (or canned food) really looks like. Talk to us about the right amount for your pet.
3. Time the meals. Keeping your pet on a regular schedule helps you monitor for any health differences or potential problems. Most adult dogs and cats eat morning and evening.
4. Water, waiter, water! Your pet can’t snap her fingers or ask for water, but if her bowl’s empty or low, she may drink out of the toilet when you’re not looking. Keep those water bowls full!
5. Check out Purina OM*. Talk to your vet, but this dog food is specially formulated to help an overweight weight pet obtain the best nutrition with carefully managed caloric intake. (And until the end of the month, Purina OM is on sale.) *Overweight Management
Loving your favorite pets doesn’t have to mean a little extra food here and there. Express your affection with an extra walk, a romp at the park or a ride to see us. You may discover that your pet’s improved health improves yours too.
*Fifth annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) survey found that 55% of adult dogs and 53% of adult cats would be classified as overweight.
