The Dog Food Comparison Blog

I read an interesting article by Val Cole of the Vancouver Sun about the problems of pet obesity.  Here is a quick summary of the problems that your dog can have by being overweight and some solutions to help get him/her back in trim fit condition.

Obesity in pets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other health complications just the same as for their owners.

The reasons seem to be the same too, according to Dr. Diane Frank, Canadian animal behaviourist and president-elect, CVMA.

“It comes down to excessive caloric intake, behavioural issues, improper reward systems and an inactive lifestyle — all which can apply to both pets and humans. The key difference, though, is that pets don’t have control over the choices made for them — that’s the owner’s responsibility and they need to be prepared to recognize and deal with the issue.”

Feeding treats can have startling consequences.

Here are some examples:

One ounce of cheese to a small dog is the same as you eating one and a half hamburgers or one and a half chocolate bars.

For a cat, one ounce of cheese equals three and a half hamburgers for you.

Eight extra pounds on your pet is the same as 30 extra pounds on you (based on 150-pound human and a 40-pound dog).

To determine if your dog is overweight run both hands along each side of your pet, you should see and easily feel the ribs. As your hands pass the ribs, they should then come in slightly for a nice tuck in the waistline.

If the ribs are not visible and you have to press in to find them, your pet is in need of some urgent action.  Action being the key word here.

Your pet will benefit from an activity treat than they will from food.  It’s better to provide positive attention and stimulation through exercise or play rather than food.

Cutting calories is as important as increasing your pet’s exercise level. Measure the food your get is getting and if you do give treats during the day as a reward, reduce the main meal accordingly.

Also make sure to feed your dog food that is rich in nutritional quality so their body has what it needs to be healthy and lose weight more easily.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=2b730047-da25-432a-838e-9083327d23a8

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