About one in three dogs are either overweight or obese. Dog obesity has become a serious and widespread issue because of the health conditions it can lead to—respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease to name a few.
Just a pound or two can make a difference in your pet's health, and nutrition is equally important as exercise in making that difference. Start your dog on a complete weight reduction program that includes check-ups with the veterinarian and regular exercise. A PetSmart associate can help you find a high-quality food with less calories and fat.
Premium pet foods with restricted calories will have the proper amounts of:
Protein
Fatty acids
Vitamins & minerals
Fiber to feel fuller longer
Together, these nutrients help prevent deficiencies and keep your dog healthy while he is losing weight.
Cutting the portion sizes of your dog's current food rarely results in successful weight loss. Their current food may not only contain more calories and fat, but also cutting the portions can cause your pet to feel hungry more often.
Reducing portions will also lead to a loss of essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike regular dog food, weight control foods have been balanced to provide adequate vitamins and minerals, while allowing for weight loss through calorie reduction.
WAYS TO ADDRESS YOUR DOG'S WEIGHT NEEDS
While feeding the right food and reducing treats is essential to weight loss success, portion control and exercise are key.
Consult your vet to help you develop a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes:
Determining the amount of weight your pet needs to lose
Setting an amount for daily caloric intake
Selecting specific amount of exercise
Scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust calories, exercise as needed to reach the ideal weight
Avoiding high-calorie treats
Visit Petsmart to get more information
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