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Weight Loss & Management for Pets
How to Prevent or Treat Obesity in Dogs and Cats
More than half of all pets in the USA are overweight
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's 2021 survey results, 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, and these numbers have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
If you're like most pet parents in the United States, you love your pet like family and want them to be healthy, but might not know where to begin when it comes to helping your pet achieve weight loss in a safe and sustainable way.
3 Steps To Healthy Weight Loss or Management for Pets
Always talk to your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet and exercise routine. Ask about testing for underlying conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance or endocrine disorder, which can influence metabolism and appetite.
For healthy, fully-grown dogs and cats, gradual weight loss is achieved when the pet burns more calories than they consume, creating a calorie deficit. As a pet parent, you can help your pet reach a calorie deficit in 3 steps:
1. Switch to a weight management pet food. Simply feeding less food will leave your pet hungry between meals and can lead to nutritional deficits. Weight management pet food is formulated to have fewer calories without sacrificing flavor or satiety. For both dogs and cats, weight management foods tend to be low in fat and high in protein. Protein builds lean muscle and gives your pet energy, and can also help them feel satisfied with fewer calories. Some weight management pet food recipes are also higher in fiber to help your pet feel full.
2. Feed a high-moisture diet which has a higher volume than dry food, taking up more space in your pet's stomach. High moisture diets also tend to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than ordinary kibble. If you feed kibble, you can boost your pet's diet by adding water, mixing in canned or fresh foods, and using healthy toppers.
3. Offer more opportunities to exercise. It can be tough to find ways to keep pets active, especially if they spend most or all of their time indoors. Try interactive toys, training games, puzzles, and other indoor activities to get your pet off the couch.
When your pet's weight loss plan is working as it should, they will lose about 0.5-2% of their body weight each week. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you are not seeing results or you need help making a weight loss plan for your pet.
Why Should I Help My Dog or Cat Lose Weight?
For many pet parents, weight loss or management for pets might not seem like a priority, especially in dogs and cats that are overweight, but not yet obese. The truth is, just a little extra body fat can increase your pet's risk of developing chronic health issues, while reaching their ideal weight can lead to both short and long-term benefits.
Create a weight loss or management plan for your pet to help:
- Prevent cancer due to low-grade inflammation linked to excess weight
- Protect hips and joints against increased risk of arthritis and injury
- Reduce risk of complications during surgical procedures
- Extend your pet's lifespan by an average of 2.5 years
Depending on how much weight your dog or cat needs to lose, their weight loss plan should span around six to eight months. Keep track of not only your pet's weight, but changes in their energy levels, mental well-being and overall health.
Once your pet reaches their ideal body condition, they'll need to consume balanced calories and keep up those healthy lifestyle change so the weight stays off for good.
Save On Weight Management Food for Pets
PetMeds® carries weight management pet foods, specialty and prescription pet foods, and healthy treats to help your pet reach or maintain their ideal weight.
Get your pet's food, medication, and other essentials delivered to your doorstep.
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Save 35% OFF your first AutoShip order | Use code SAVE35 in cartFrequently Asked Questions about Weight Loss and Management for Pets
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Why did my pet gain weight after they were spayed or neutered?
Dogs and cats often gain weight following spay or neuter surgery because the changes in their body's hormones cause them to expend around 25-30% fewer calories. Spaying and neutering is still the right choice to protect your pet's health and avoid unwanted litters. It just means you'll need to watch your pet's diet to avoid weight gain.
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How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
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What kind of treats can my pet have on a weight loss plan?
Still have questions? Learn more with our free Pet Health Advice resource center or talk to your veterinarian about weight loss and management for pets.
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