An estimated 51% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight and/or obese. This extra weight can cause various health issues, ranging from heart disease, respiratory conditions, osteoarthritis, diabetes, heat and exercise intolerance and worst of all, a shortened life span.
While you are getting yourself ready for the upcoming spring and summer season, take some time for your pet as well. Go over your pet’s diet with your vet. Think about adding a supplement to your pet’s diet depending on his or her needs. I give my puppy fish oil for his coat. Lastly, Don’t forget that calories in treats and chew toys add up!! You can still give your pet treats, but buy low calorie treats that have healthy ingredients. I buy pumpkin/banana treats for my little one called Fruitables and he loves them. For my cats, they love the Liv-a-Littles treats from Halo, which are 100% protein.
Take a look at the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention website. On this site, you can find tons of pet weight loss tips among other things. And don’t forget the best way for your pet to lose weight or just maintain a healthy weight is proper diet and sufficient exercise!
This transition may seem simple but it can wreak havoc on everything from your puppy’s stomach to your patience at dinnertime.
Your puppy’s food is NOT working for him if he has developed any of the following: loose stool, diarrhea, constipation, stool eating, skin rash, allergy, a rise in hyperactivity, a rise in aggression or other personality changes. Here are some possible solutions, but also consult your veterinarian FIRST!
If you’re noticing some of the signs of a food disagreeing with your puppy, it is probably time to try a new one. Always introduce a new food slowly, switching about 1/4 cup of food over a week. Give him another week or two on the new food to see how he does on it before switching again. You can also give him breaks between food by feeding him cooked chicken and rice for a few days.
Good nutrition is essential to your puppy’s health. Different puppies have different needs and it’s through trial and error and recognizing health issues that you can choose the best food for him.
Some of us may think that a change in food is only fair to our pups but once you find a food that fits, stick with it. Offer variety by adding small amounts of vegetables, chicken broth or a high quality canned food.
For puppies and dogs a steady and consistent diet means better health.