By zp7op | Contributor
Similar to humans, pets such as dogs and cats can face challenges related to aging and weight. According to Packaged Facts’ U.S. Pet Market Outlook, approximately 60% of cats and dogs are overweight or obese.
Obesity in pets can lead to various health complications, including diabetes, cancer, and osteoarthritis, as noted in research published in “Veterinary Medicine.” While a lack of exercise and overeating are common contributors to pet obesity, following these straightforward tips from the nutrition experts at Go! Solutions can help you manage your dog’s or cat’s weight for a healthier and happier life.
Stay Active with Regular Exercise and Play
Just as diet is critical, keeping your pet active is essential. Dogs benefit from regular walks and hikes, which not only provide physical exercise but also mental stimulation, enhance muscle tone, boost metabolism, and alleviate boredom. For dogs with higher energy levels, interactive games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war can help expend excess energy, especially on days when outdoor time is limited. For cats, consider incorporating scratching posts, flirt poles, obstacle courses, multi-level structures, and engaging toys like balls or fake mice to keep them active. Some cats can even be trained to walk on a leash.
Focus on Proper Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital role in managing your pet’s weight. The best diet for your pet should offer a balanced combination of macro- and micronutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to the correct portion sizes to prevent obesity. The Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care Grain-Free Chicken recipe, crafted by Petcurean’s nutrition specialists, offers comprehensive and well-balanced nutrition using high-quality, functional ingredients with no by-products or artificial preservatives. This formula incorporates L-carnitine to convert fat into energy and fiber-rich psyllium husk to help pets feel satiated, supporting healthy weight and joint mobility for adult and senior dogs and cats. Additionally, it includes glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs, and chicken cartilage-derived chondroitin for cats, to promote joint health and mobility.
Be Mindful of Treats
A crucial aspect of weight loss and management is monitoring extra calories given to your pet outside of their regular diet. Even small additions can accumulate, so it’s important to limit commercially packaged treats and be cautious about sharing table scraps or allowing your pet to finish off the peanut butter jar. Keeping extra calories under control will help maintain your pet’s diet and overall health.
Discover more tips for providing your cat or dog with balanced nutrition at go-solutions.com.
