It is understandable that we love our pets and want to show our love through our food. However, this can cause our pets to be packed with some unwanted pounds. If extra weight creeps up in your dog these days, you may need to do some adjustments.
There are some common mistakes pet parents make when it comes to keeping their dog healthy and being able to help their puppy return to their ideal weight.
1. You are “guest image” of how much food you will be fed.
Measuring your pet’s food is the first step to making sure they are getting the right amount.
“When you ask your pet parents how much they feed them, most people don’t think about it.” Dr. Judy MorganDVM. “They are surprised when they use measuring cups to show them what a cup of food actually looks like.”
If you are using an old cup, fistoful, or bowl to scoop up food, Dr. Morgan recommends switching to the measuring cup before making any other changes. Read the bag and ask your vet if you are unsure if you need to feed your dog based on your ideal weight. Next, use the right measuring cup to ensure that you can supply the correct amount each time.
Excluding food all day long can lead to overeating. If you have been doing it for a long time during the day, consider using a port control programmable feeder like this. Patpet Automatic Pet Feederso your dog still has access to food, but only the right amount.
2. Forget counting treatments as calories
It was bought in several stores Dog Treat Because calories can be very high, just a few snacks can cause weight gain.
“I look at snacks on a daily basis, especially dog biscuits, making up more than a third of my dog’s daily calorie needs.” Dr. Justin Schmalberg, DVM. And don’t forget that pet parents always subtract those calories from the amount of food they are feeding.
It is also important to note the number of extra treatments your dog may be taking during training. Snacks are a great way to provide positive reinforcements to your dog, but training snacks can increase almost quickly.
In general, it is not desirable for a pet to have more than 10% of their daily calories coming from the snack. And those calories should be explained in your daily calorie goals, says Dr. Schmalberg.
“As long as you split it up and know the total number of calories for each treatment, you can use a larger treat, so you can track what you’re feeding,” he says.
When choosing a treatment, Dr. Morgan tells him to read the label to find treatments that are low in calories.
3. Your dog isn’t getting enough exercise
Exercise can take many forms, from walking to jogging to playing fetches and frisbees in the backyard. Exercise is an important part of your dog’s physical and mental health. If your pet is not undergoing sufficient exercise, many issues can occur, including weight gain.
For many pet parents, walking is the easiest and most reliable way to exercise a puppy, and most dogs do well with a 20-30 minute walk every day.
Remember: Exercise can help you and your puppy to waste, but it is not always enough to fight the excess weight your pet is already carrying. Work with your veterinarian to develop the right exercise and weight loss plan for your pet.
4. Don’t give your dog the best food
Finding the right food for your pet can be difficult, and it is always recommended to consult your veterinarian to help you choose the best dog food. However, the rule of thumb is to look for balanced, high quality dog food approved by the American Association of Feed Control Staff (AAFCO).
You should also feed your dog according to the life stage of your puppy, adult, or senior.
If your pet needs to lose moderate or substantial weight, an over-the-counter weight loss diet or “light” option and exercise may not be enough. In such cases, you may need a veterinary diet to help your puppy lose pounds.
Veterinarian weight loss diets are supported by research studies and have proven to help pets lose weight. Some common veterinary diets to discuss with your vet include Hill’s® metabolismhelps to lose weight by working with your pet’s individual metabolism, Royal Canin® FullnessHelps the dog feel more fulfilled and participate in gging behaviors.
5. Feeding table scrap
Table scraps and human foods are generally high in calories and fat. In addition to causing clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to gastroenteritis and pancreatitis, eating human food can greatly contribute to dog weight issues.
A commercial pet food diet is a better choice to keep your dog balanced and happy and healthy.
Diana Bocco
Featured Image: Photoboyko
