Contributed by zp7op
Just like humans, our pets—dogs and cats—often face health challenges related to aging and weight. According to Packaged Facts’ U.S. Pet Market Outlook, approximately 60% of cats and dogs are either overweight or obese.
Being overweight can lead to a variety of health complications for pets, such as diabetes, cancer, and osteoarthritis, as noted in research published in “Veterinary Medicine.” While a lack of exercise and overfeeding are common contributors to obesity in pets, the following suggestions from the pet food specialists at Go! Solutions can assist you in managing your pet’s weight for a longer, healthier life.
Consistent Exercise and Playtime
An active lifestyle is just as crucial as a healthy diet for your pet. For dogs, engaging in regular walks and hikes not only offers physical exercise but also mental stimulation, improved muscle tone, heightened metabolism, and a cure for boredom. Energetic dogs may benefit from interactive games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war to expend energy, especially when time is limited for extended outdoor activities. Cats, on the other hand, may enjoy scratching posts, flirt poles, obstacle courses, multi-level platforms, and simple toys like balls and faux mice to remain active and entertained. Some cats can even be trained to walk on a leash.
Meet Nutritional Requirements
Your pet’s diet plays a significant role in weight control. An ideal diet supplies the right ratios of macronutrients and micronutrients—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, and minerals—while ensuring appropriate portion sizes to avert obesity. Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care Grain-Free Chicken recipe, crafted by Petcurean’s team of nutrition experts, provides a well-rounded and nutritious meal made from high-quality, functional ingredients, with no by-products or artificial preservatives. This recipe includes L-carnitine to transform fat into energy and fiber-rich psyllium husk to help your pets feel satiated. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs, as well as chondroitin from chicken cartilage for cats, support joint health and mobility.
Manage Treats Wisely
Another critical aspect of weight loss and maintenance is regulating the extra calories in your pet’s diet beyond their regular meals. Even small extras can accumulate, so limit the use of packaged treats and be conscious of sharing table scraps or allowing your pet to lick the nearly-empty peanut butter jar. Monitoring these added calories will help keep your pet’s dietary habits—and overall well-being—in check.
Discover additional strategies for providing balanced nutrition for your dog or cat at go-solutions.com.
