Our pets rely on us completely to walk them, feed the, love them, and take care of them. Your dog cannot feed himself (although we're sure they'd love to do so!) so managing your pet's weight is completely up to you, the owner.
Is your pet overweight? Read below to see what steps you can take to help your pet get back on a healthy track!
TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR PET'S WEIGHT
Healthy Diet
If your dog is overweight, what they eat is usually the main factor. Feeding your dog a quality, healthy pet food will have a positive effect on your dog's health long term and help maintain a healthy weight. If you have yet to try Nature's Select Pet Food, we highly suggest doing so! We have plenty of recipes available to suit any dog's needs in multiple flavors. Typically for overweight and senior dogs, we like to recommend our Select Plus Recipe. This option has low calories, low protein, and low fat with only 382 calories per 8 oz measuring cup.
It is important to understand how much to feed your dog. Overfeeding is the most common thing that pet owners do that cause their pets to gain too much weight too quickly. Not sure how much to feed your dog? Contact us to speak with a Pet Care Advisor and we will be happy to assist you.
Exercise
Always make sure your pet is getting some sort of exercise at least once a day. Taking your dog for a brisk walk 1-2 times per day is ideal, but if you can only take them once a day that works, too. Take your dog to a local dog park, throw the ball or frisbee, or simply play with them! If you have kids, get them to run around with your dog and get their heart rate up.
Limit Treats
While we all love to spoil our dogs by giving them lots of yummy treats, too many can be overwhelming and cause them to put on some unwanted pounds. If you are someone who loves to give your dogs a treat multiple times a day, look for a treat that is low calorie and all natural. Bite sized treats come in handy if you want to give your dog a little something here and there.
Clean Water
As always, make sure your pet has access to clean water at all times. Keeping your pet hydrated keeps them healthy, too!
If you've switched your pet to a healthier diet and increased their exercise with little to no results, be sure to consult with your vet to make sure your pet does not have other potential health conditions or risks.