The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. There are many factors that could lead to your pet being overweight. Obesity in pets can lead to a range of health problems, so it is important to understand the underlying causes of obesity in pets.
Pets are often overweight because they are fed too much.
A dog’s natural diet is about 30% protein, 45% carbohydrate, and 25% fat. A cat’s natural diet is about 45% protein, 40% carbohydrate, and 15% fat. Most pet foods have a lower percentage of protein than what is recommended for a pet’s natural diet. This can lead to an overweight pet.
Are you enabling your pet to be over weight?
If you give you pets treats, you are giving your pets extra weight, it’s like giving donuts to your pets every time.. Most of the store bought treats have extra calories. Try giving them alternative treats like carrots (they are crunchie & low calorie), watermelon rinds are a good source of fiber, raw pumpkin, potatoes..
Are you feeding the proper amount of kibble for each feeding? If you look at the bag of dog food. The manufacture’s have the approximate weight and size of your pet. Do you take a measuring cup to the kibble you feed? For instance, if the bag of food says for a small breed feed them 1/2 cup a day. Do you feed once a day with no toppings on the kibble than you are doing good OR do you feed twice a day & give 1/2 cup each meals?.
The rule of thumb is if you feed twice a day & the bag says 1/2 cup a day than you give your pet 1/4 cup twice a day. If you are putting “toppings” on the food than you are adding more than 1/4 cup twice a day.
Check out this website for more information: www.petobesityprevention.org
When you’re busy, it’s hard to give your dog the care they need. Dog walking and pet sitting can be expensive, and there are only so many hours in a day. That’s where we come in. Contact Inside and Out Pet Care LLC.