Weight Management Tips for Pets

We know you cherish your pets, which is why want to stress the importance of weight management and the role it plays in your pet’s health. If your pet is suffering from weight management issues, then you should schedule an appointment with our veterinarian at Boysen Animal Hospital.

Increase Your Pet’s Protein Intake

Pet food often contains a lot of carbohydrates. Some carbohydrates in your pet’s food are acceptable, but they do make it a lot easier to overeat when compared to fats and protein. If you feed your pet more protein and fewer carbs, it will be easier for your pet to maintain a stable weight. The more protein you feed your pet, the leaner muscle your pet will have, and your pet will feel fuller as well.

Reduce the Portion Sizes

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage your pet’s weight is to reduce the amount of food your pet consumes. The less they consume, the easier it is to maintain a healthy weight. It may be difficult to reduce your pet’s food at first. You should begin by reducing it by about 5% each week. The subtle reduction should help ease the transition and isn’t as drastic as reducing the portions all at once.

Play With Your Pet

You would be surprised by how many pet owners don’t take the time to play with their pets. Regular exercise is vital for the health of your pet. One of the easiest and most enjoyable forms of exercise for dogs is taking your pet for a walk. We understand that the weather isn’t always the best and sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day to squeeze in a walk, but regular walks really do make a difference in your pet’s health. If a walk is out of the question, perhaps you can play fetch in the backyard for a while. Any activity that gets your pet up and moving is sure to help your pet maintain a healthy weight.

Count Your Pet’s Calories

Calorie counting is not only for humans. Keeping track of what your pet eats will also help your vet develop a diet plan designed to keep your pet healthy. Be sure to measure your pet food amounts and keep a log of your pets’ meals.

You may find that using a scale for the food amounts makes monitoring your pet’s food intake much easier and more accurate. Also, be sure to look at the nutritional label on the back of the food label to make sure your pet is receiving the appropriate nutrients in his or her diet.

Call Boysen Animal Hospital Today!

If you have a pet struggling with weight issues near Saint Cloud, bring your pet in to see our veterinarians at Boysen Animal Hospital in Waite Park, MN. Weight management is only one of the many veterinary services that we provide at our animal hospital. Call us today at (320) 258-5400 to schedule an appointment.