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Nutrition Awareness & Obesity in Your Pet
Is your cup really a cup?
Every day you scoop out some food for your pet, but what are you scooping with exactly? Do you actually measure each bowl of food you pour? And what is your means of measurement?
Visit our clinic to request a free pet food cup (one that actually measures 8 ounces), because chances are that novelty cup from Dickie's Barbecue gives your pet pal a bit more food than he really needs.
Did you know?
- Dogs can actually be fed a vegetarian diet, provided they still receive adequate nutrients such as protein.
- Cats are strictly carnivorous and require the nutrient taurine from meats; without it blindness and heart disease could result.
- Premium diets such as Hill's/Science Diet cost only a few dollars more each month than grocery brands and make a big difference in the health of your pet.
- Less expensive, poor quality diets with fewer nutrients result in:
- more waste due to poor digestion
- possible complications with existing health conditions
- more money out of pocket in the long run
Healthy Habits
- Avoid feeding table scraps and human snacks to your pets.
- Try healthy treats like carrots or rice cakes to reward pets, or purchase low-calorie products like Lean Treats from our office.
- When reducing your pet's portions, try adding green beans to supplement the "lost portion." The green beans won't pack on the pounds, and your pet will still be satisfied with a full belly.
- Avoid "free feeding" your pet and instead follow the pet food manufacturer's recommended daily feeding guide. This chart can usually be found on the food bag. Remember, though, most of these charts are "daily" guides, so divide the total amount into separate meals to accommodate your schedule.
- Introduce new diets gradually by mixing old and new foods over a period of seven days to reduce the chance of stomach upsets.
Get Fit
- Do more than just "walk" your dog each day; enhance the routine by walking your pet through shallow water and tall grasses, or give him obstacles such as benches, logs, and ditches. Plus, you may even enjoy and benefit from it, too!
- Play "hide-n-seek" with your pet by making him hunt for treats.
- Use a flashlight to play with your cat, or offer him an empty box or paper bag to enjoy "boxing" with.
More Resources
www.hillspet.com
- Explore Hill's website to learn more about this popular brand of premium pet food.
www.feedingisbelieving.com
- Still skeptical about paying a little more for the premium diet? Discover the benefits here.
www.petfit.com
- Take the challenge, and get fit today!
www.petfoodreport.com
- A consumer's guide to pet food.
Find weight management information and a chart to track your pet's progress below.
| Canine Weight Management |
| Feline Weight Management |
