Weight-loss resolutions
needed for pets, too!
By Dr. Key, Veterinarian with the AWS/Freeman-Fritts Clinic
(article taken from the Comfort News, Comfort, Texas)
The new year always brings new resolutions often involving weight loss for we humans, but don’t forget to include your pets in your resolution to eat health and lose weight. Everyone’s heard that we American humans have a little weight problem. Okay, a huge weight problem. Studies show we’re now sharing those excess pounds with our pets. Over half the nation’s dogs and cats are now overweight making obesity the leading health threat of our pets.
Largely preventable diseases such as arthritis and diabetes are being seen in record numbers, costing pets their life, and owners millions in medical bills. The reality is most of these cases could be avoided simply by preventing weight gain and shedding excess pounds. 45% of dogs and 58% of cats were classified as overweight or obese by their vets. This equals almost 90 million pets at risk for developing diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and respiratory disease and many forms of cancer. The single most valuable tool a pet owner has in the fight against obesity is a measuring cup. Most pet owners don’t measure how much they’re feeding and even fewer know how much they should be feeding. A 12lb Yorkie is the same as an average female weighing 218lbs and a 14lb cat is equivalent to a 237 pound man.
Some of the common treats we feed our pets are equivalent to the following: one Purina Busy Bone, size small/medium fed to a 40lb dog is similar to and adult eating 4 McDonald’s Egg McMuffins, and one Milk Bones Large Dog Biscuit fed to a 60lb dog is the same as an adult eating one Snickers Bar. One Pup-Peroni fed to a 10lb dog is equal to an adult eating a Little Debbie Fudge Brownie, and a Premium Pig Ear fed to a 40lb dog is no different than an adult drinking 6, 12oz Coke Classics. A 1/2 hot dog wiener fed to a 20lb dog is equivalent to an adult eating an 8oz choice, lean broiled T-bone steak. A 1/2 tablespoon Jif Creamy Peanut Butter fed to a 40lb dog is the same as an adult eating one McDonald’s Sausage Patty. One McDonald’s cheeseburger eaten by a 60lb dog is similar to an adult munching on 2 Taco Bell Taco Supremes and 1one 20oz Coke Classic. The following tips can help furry family members stay slim and trim all year round:
Start good habits early: Puppies that are overweight have a greater risk of becoming overweight adult dogs.
Be choosy about food: Feed your pets food that contains high percentages of animal based proteins and steer clear of meat byproducts, sugar and unnecessary fillers.
Pets are not “corn-ivores”: Avoid foods that contain corn, corn gluten meal, wheat or wheat gluten meal which are very high in carbohydrates and are quickly stored as fat.
Skip “lite” foods and reduce portions instead: Diet pet food (not prescription diets) are often more about marketing that achieving long-term health for your pets. The protein to fat imbalances and carbohydrate levels can often cause the reverse effect over time.
Lay off the treats: Milk Bone for a 40lb dog is the equivalent of a large Snickers Bar. Pick fresh carrots to share with your dog instead.
Skip the scraps: Avoid feeding your pets table scraps or people food. You will be loading them up with more fat and calories that you realize.
Walk, walk, walk: Regular trips to the park and active play can help combat excess weight. Use feather toys to entice your cat off the couch to play and burn some calories. These activities also increase your bond with your pet. Keep an eye on the scale: Monitor your pet’s weight. Three extra pounds on a 15lb dog is equivalent to an extra 30lbs on a woman. If your pet suddenly gains weight, it is a good idea to see your vet to rule out any serious medical issues.
Get the whole family on board: It’s important to educate everyone in the home of the importance of managing your pet’s weight. Make sure that grandma and the kids are not slipping them extra treats and table scraps.
