Weight issues are a major problem in today's society, affecting both human and pet health. Being overweight can reduce lifespan and lower quality of life.
Being overweight can also have a significant impact on the function of many organs, especially the heart, liver, and pancreas. It can also lead to metabolic problems such as diabetes.
Is my pet overweight?
The easiest way to find out if your pet's weight is ideal is to give it a body condition rating. A body condition rating is achieved by feeling your pet's ribs with both hands. The rating ranges from 1 (very thin, ribs are clearly visible, no fat), 3 (normal healthy pet, ribs can be felt, but no obvious fat), to 5 (overweight, obvious fat, no prominent ribs can be felt).
Different breeds of pets have different weight standards, so the body condition score does not measure whether a pet is overweight.
Once you've determined whether your pet is overweight or underweight, you can record its weight changes to see if altering its lifestyle and diet will help.
Okay, my pet is overweight - what should I do?
After a body condition assessment, you'll know if your pet is overweight or underweight. Then, you can develop a new diet and lifestyle plan based on its condition. The first step is to assess their eating habits. Are they eating healthily? Is the food of good quality? Is the food suitable for their age and breed? Are the portions correct? Pet food packaging usually has feeding guidelines printed on the back to help owners determine their pet's daily calorie needs. Owners should also remember to include any food they've eaten and any treats they've received.
We know that the first step in weight loss is to pay attention to calorie intake. Eating too much or burning too little will gradually lead to weight gain. Many pets, especially cats, don't easily increase their activity levels, so improving their food and eating habits can make weight loss easier.
Just like with people, there are no shortcuts or magic pills to weight loss; true weight control comes from managing calorie intake. If you think your pet is overweight, we recommend feeding them a bland diet. If their obesity is more severe, we suggest switching to a veterinarian-prescribed diet. Another great option is to add some cooked vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, squash, or cauliflower, but only in small amounts at a time to avoid upset their stomach.
Before changing your pet's diet or starting an exercise program, we recommend taking them to a veterinarian for a checkup. This is because some weight gain can be caused by hormonal changes, including common hormonal issues in dogs such as thyroid problems and Cushing's disease.
Here are some recommended weight loss foods for dogs:
Advance: Prescription Dog Food - Specifically for Weight Loss
Weight: 1.5kg
Price: $189.00
- Help your dog lose weight in 2 months
- Fat loss within 3 months
- L-carnitine helps burn fat
OVEN-BAKED: Chicken + Fish Formula for Senior Dogs and Weight Loss
Weight: 25 Ib
Price: $719.00
- Made from 100% all-natural ingredients
- Original formula made with American materials
OVEN-BAKED: Chicken + Fish Formula Senior Weight Loss Fine Pellet Dog Food
Weight: 5 Ib
Price: $209.00
- Vitality, Longevity, and Anti-Aging Formula: Whether your dog is getting older or needs to lose weight, it should consume a low-fat diet to control its weight.
- High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin help protect joints, reduce weight-bearing on limbs, and improve muscle and bone weakness.
- It is specially formulated with various antioxidant ingredients to promote overall health and strengthen the immune system.
Here are some recommended weight-loss foods for cats:
Advance: Prescription Cat Food - Specially formulated for weight loss
Weight: 1.5kg
Price: $260.00
- Natural grains, no colorings, no artificial preservatives, no animal by-products
- With fresh meat as the main ingredient, it is highly palatable.
- Rich in "active immunoglobulins," it can maintain gut health and resist viral attacks from within.
- The addition of "natural polyphenols" provides natural antioxidants that can boost immunity and slow down aging.
- Scientifically proven, it can effectively prevent diseases.
- Original Spanish import, quality guaranteed.
- Daily diet, used for prevention and health maintenance.
- Single protein - a single source of animal protein from salmon
- Salmon and rice are excellent sources of easily digestible protein and carbohydrates, as well as inulin, to promote healthy digestion.
- Aloe vera gel - helps maintain the integrity of the gut and skin barrier.
- Optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and vitamin D - ensure proper bone growth and development
- Omega-3 fatty acids – contribute to the normal development of the central nervous system, learning process, and vision.
- Vitamin E and fructooligosaccharides—their antioxidant properties and their ability to enhance beneficial gut flora help improve immune function.
Royal Canin (French Royal Canin): Weight Control Formula Cat Food
Weight: 2kg
Price: $244.00
- Royal Canin's new formula for cats is specially designed for indoor adult cats to help them naturally control their appetite and avoid overeating.
- The fiber and protein in the formula can quickly make a cat feel full without increasing the calories in its food, thus encouraging it to eat less on its own, while simultaneously meeting its nutritional and energy needs, achieving a win-win situation.
Schesir: Fish-based cat food for neutered and weight-controlled cats
Weight: 10kg
Price: $810.00
- Natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals
- Single fish protein, easily digestible
- Contains prebiotic ingredients
- High fiber and low fat effectively control weight
- Brewer's yeast and biotin keep fur healthy
- Balanced Omega 3 and Omega 6
- No added colorings or preservatives
- Combined with special plant extracts, it assists in antioxidant activity, protects cells from free radical damage, and combats cellular aging.
The importance of exercise
As mentioned above, exercise, especially for dogs, is an important part of weight loss. Increase exercise gradually, about 10% per week. Be careful when creating an exercise plan, especially for large dogs. We recommend starting with gentle, slow exercises such as running, swimming, and playing ball. These gentle, slow exercises are good for burning fat and also enhance the bond between owner and pet.
What if my pet is too light?
Overweight pets are more common than underweight pets. We recommend that owners first check their pet's daily calorie intake and make adjustments accordingly. If the weight problem doesn't improve after adjustments, it could be a health warning sign. Some issues might be minor, such as intestinal parasites, while others could be more serious, such as kidney disease or thyroid problems. If you believe your pet is underweight, we strongly recommend taking it to a veterinarian for a checkup.
The above content was provided by Dr. David Gething.
