There’s no doubt that we love feeding our pets tasty treats, but did you know that a good percentage of pet dogs and cats are overweight or obese due to their eating habits and lack of exercise? And while they may look cute, it’s not actually very healthy for your pet to be carrying around extra fat. If you find yourself worrying that your beloved pet may end up being one of these statistics, check out these tips on how to prevent obesity in pets and keep them healthy!
Monitor Your Pet’s Weight Regularly
The best way to prevent obesity in pets is by monitoring their weight regularly. Keep an eye on the scales at home or ask your vet to weigh them when you take them for their annual check-ups. This will allow you to see if your pet is gaining weight over time and take action before things get serious.
Offer Variety in Their Diet
Pets should always have easy access to plenty of fresh water and high-quality pet food. However, this isn’t enough on its own if you want to avoid obesity in pets – variety is also important! You can help encourage your pet to eat the right amount by offering different kinds of food at each mealtime (if possible) or adding new treats or types of foods.
Don’t Overfeed Your Pet
If you’re feeding your pet too much, you’re likely contributing to their obesity and health problems. When you feed your pet an amount that is too large for them to eat within a reasonable period of time, the food will cause them to gain weight. So how do you determine what the right amount is? Start by looking at the nutritional guidelines on the back of your dog or cat food bag, and then divide the total amount they can eat into small meals throughout the day.
Make Sure Your Pet Gets Plenty of Exercise
Like humans, pets need exercise too. If your dog or cat spends most of their time indoors and rarely gets taken out for walks or playtime, they are more likely to gain weight. So, try to take your furry friend on walks or to the local dog park at least once every day.
