You love your pet, your pet loves you. You love making your pet happy with toys, playing, and treats. Lots and lots and lots of treats! Maybe too many here and there and your pet is looking more round than usual. You love your; now, round pet and there is certainly MORE to love but, you want them to be able to live a healthy fulfilling life, so maybe it’s time to think of how to get them back to happy AND healthy. This week’s blog will dive into weight management for not only weight loss for your pet but as well as weight gain for your thinner animals.   

Weight management is an important responsibility for you as the owner. Our animals don’t understand calorie counting and what’s truly good for them and what’s not. We have gone over kibbles that are packed with fillers that can lead to weight gain and later on possibly diabetes. Read or last blog “Is All Kibble Created Equal? NO!” on what sets aside a mediocre kibble from a truly great kibble. Always keep in mind when giving your pet food, always follow the recommended feeding guide for your animal’s appropriate weight range. Brands vary between portion servings so always double check the label. Besides reading portion sizes, always make sure to read ingredients to determine if what you're putting into your pet is what's best for them.  

 Weight Loss
  

  

So where do we start with having your pet lose weight? We can begin by decreasing your pet's food intake by 10-15%. Simply just cutting back on your animal’s food can help with getting down to a healthy weight. Won’t my animal be hungry? Try adding low calorie toppers like a bone broth or vegetables that are high in fiber! Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and pumpkin are great options. You can add them to your dog's regular food, either raw or slightly cooked. You can even switch your dog to a special formula that is lower calorie which can be fed at the same portion as normal kibble. These are designed with the same concept of filling your pet with beneficial produce and grains. Paired with low calorie toppers consider low calorie treats for daily rewards. Treats should be low-calorie and account for no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake. Things as basic as an apple slice or a small piece of skinned cooked chicken breast. Just some examples of great treats we carry in our shop would be Fruitables baked dog treats, Petipet fruit & veggies bites, sweet potato chews, and any single ingredient fish treat!   

   

Along with limiting portion sizes and incorporating low calorie treats, try to slowly build up activity level as well. For dogs, this could mean longer walks, more frequent walks, or even jogging if appropriate. For cats, engage in structured play sessions with toys that encourage hunting instincts. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise to avoid injury. For obese animals, swimming can be a good low-impact exercise option, especially to avoid further joint issues.  

Weight Gain  


It’s time to discuss weight gain. There are many ways for an animal to gain weight but what if you notice them not gaining weight? In fact it looks like they may be under weight. This could be from a factor of reason, including diet, stress, dental issues, or underlying health conditions. Always consult your vet on any possible issues going on with your pet. I’ve also heard from my experience that pets can be picky and refuse their food which can cause some weight loss especially in cats. How can we help our pet get up to a healthy weight?   

Gradually increase the amount of food you offer at each meal, or consider feeding more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Try to find food that is formulated with more calories such as puppy/kitten/ food and food for nursing or higher energy animals. Alternatively, you can supplement their regular diet with fresh, human-grade ingredients like cooked chicken, beef, or pumpkin. Incorporate wet food, a high-calorie topper, such as salmon, sardines, or eggs, goat’s milk, cottage cheese, coconut oil and peanut butter which are all rich in protein and healthy fats. If you want more ideas about toppers check out our past blog “How to Take Your Kibble to the Next Level!”   

Adding more treats can be a way to increase calorie intake though, don't rely on them as the primary source of calories. Treats can be high calories but not sufficient nutrition for your animals. You may also add supplements like probiotics or other weight gain aids. Exercise is important for overall health, but you may need to adjust the intensity and duration as your pet gains weight. If rapid weight loss persists, see your vet as soon as possible.  

   

 We hope this blog helps you get more of a grasp on what can work for your animal. We can help you pick out something that will help manage your pet’s weight in the shop! We are always here to talk about what’s best for your animals so that they can live a life full of energy and vitality