Your pet is overweight and you want to help them get back to a healthy weight? Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Cutting calories: yes, but not at any cost!
To lose weight, it’s indeed important to reduce calorie intake by lowering fat and carbohydrate levels. Increasing fiber and protein in the diet is key to ensuring sufficient stomach volume for satiety while preserving lean mass (muscles). It’s also essential to ensure that essential nutrients are present in the right proportions. Supplementing with vitamins may be beneficial. Additionally, to mitigate the harmful effects of obesity or excess weight, adding chondroprotectors (to help slow cartilage degeneration) and omega-3 fatty acids (to support inflammatory response modulation) is often advantageous.
Split meals and slow down eating speed.
To keep your pet well-fed, splitting their daily food intake into 3 to 4 meals can be a good idea. If your dog or cat tends to gobble everything up, try slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders—like rolling treat balls or those where your pet has to paw out the kibble.
Beware of the "extras"!
To maintain or regain your pet’s figure, say goodbye to leftovers and treats! Unless you include them in their daily food calculation… If your dog or cat simply can’t do without, you can remove a few kibbles from their daily portion and use them as treats. Some brands also offer very low-calorie rewards… but a slice of apple works just as well.
Move, move… and keep moving.
Since excess weight results from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy deficit, it’s important to boost expenditure. To do this, increase your four-legged friend’s physical activity. Chasing a ball, catching a remote-controlled car, climbing to sniff the catnip placed on the top shelf of the bookcase—anything goes. If your pet isn’t used to it, take it step by step.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential when starting a weight loss program. Your vet can provide the best recommendations and adjust your pet’s diet throughout the regimen. The process may sometimes feel lengthy, but your vet will be a great source of support to keep you motivated if your enthusiasm wanes. The ideal weight loss rate is **1% per week for dogs** and **0.5% for cats**. Since a weight loss plan can last between **6 months and 2 years**, professional guidance is key to staying on track!
Sources:
- Understanding and Managing Obesity in Dogs and Cats: This literature review outlines the risks associated with obesity in dogs and cats, as well as the various causes of this condition. The author also provides veterinarians with key insights for diagnosing and managing it effectively—both from a nutritional standpoint and in terms of client communication. Finally, the review addresses the prevention of this all-too-common disease.
- Nutrition and Weight Management – Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: Published by the renowned *American Animal Hospital Association* journal, this resource for veterinarians covers nutrition and weight management recommendations, including diagnosis, dietary intervention, and client communication.
- 9 Key Takeaways from AAHA’s Weight Management Guidelines: Discover the 9 essential points from the document mentioned above.
