Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can be tricky. Learn when to treat, and some tricks for keeping your pet happy and healthy for a long time to come!
What’s The “Trick”?
Pet health can be tough, especially with those big brown eyes staring up at you! Know the trick about treats, and when to stop caving to the begging. These “tricks” are commonly used to help keep your pet the proper weight, without leaving them begging for more. As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian before marketing any major changes to your pet’s diet.
- Consider the pet food you’re using. How old is your fur-baby? Are they still on a high-fat puppy or kitten diet? If they are over a year of age, it may be time to make the switch!
- Note: Age at maturity is different for each breed. While may small breeds are considered “adults” at 9 months, many large breeds such as danes mature much later. The average age at maturity (for cats, pit bulls, beagles, labs and the like) is one of age.
- Use your pet’s kibble as treats, or look for a 1-2 calorie treat such as “Charlie Bears” or freeze-dried liver treats.
- Use un-salted & un-seasoned green-beans to help keep your pet full, and to add more fiber to their diet.
- Stop feeding from the table. Yup. We said it. While this is often done with good intent, this bad habit adds calories to your pet’s diet that can be hard to keep track of, and even dissuade your pet from eating properly at mealtime, meaning they aren’t getting the proper nutrition and calorie balance they need.
So, Why Cut The Treats?
Remember, each additional pound that your pet is overweight is equivalent to 10 additional pounds in medium-larger dogs, and up to 15 additional pounds in smaller dogs and cats. The key to a long lived fur-baby? Quality diet and a healthy, happy weight! When we consider the profound impact that weight has on your pet’s lifespan, it’s more than worth it in the long run to help keep them on track.
The Best Of The Rest
For quality pet owners, loving your pet and being concerned about their health and safety are synonymous with each other. Why does YPCC like bringing up these tough subjects? Because it helps us learn, and become better pet parents!