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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We are giving him SuperCoat twice a day with a bowel of Spaggetti, The vet just told me (after they have reccommened giving him spaggetti) that it was no good, the cost of dry dog food is expencive, what else can i give my dog other than dry dog food that will help improve his current state? do you think Brown Rice and chicken is good?
This site contains a lot of info on diabetic diet for dogs and cats, Surf, search and enjoy. http://feline-diabetes.blogspot.com

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You can buy diabetic dog food through your vet. I know they make a canned variety and imagine there is a dry type also. It will be pricey but it is important to get the proper food for your dog with a medical condition like diabetes. Good luck!

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Many pet owners are surprised to find out that diabetes is one of the more common diseases that veterinarians see in dogs and cats. Just like in humans, diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin, insulin is a hormone which is produced by the pancreas and is used by the body to absorb blood sugar. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin the body can’t process the blood sugar, and it increases.

Although diabetes is not completely curable, it is manageable with dietary changes, exercise and in many cases insulin injections. The important thing is to catch it early because left untreated, it can lead to blindness, kidney and liver problems, coma and sometimes even death.

The most common symptoms of diabetes in pets are increased thirst and urination, additional symptoms include cataracts, recurrent infections, weight loss and an increase in appetite.

With proper diabetic dog foods, exercise, blood sugar checks and insulin shots as necessary many diabetic pets can maintain good quality of life for five or six years after diagnosis.

Technorati Tags: Diabetic Dog Food, dog diabetes, Dog Food Comparison