Obesity in pets has increased massively in recent years. As we have more and more to do and less free time, play and walks for our pets often take a back seat. Our furry friends need exercise and variety to stay happy and healthy (just like us). So follow our most important tips to help your dog lose weight and get active.
1. Keep them active
We are often very busy, and dog walks often come after shopping and social events. 45% of dogs only get up to 30 minutes of exercise a day when they go for a walk.
That is the absolute minimum, even for the smallest dogs. Popular breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds need more than 2 hours of exercise a day. So it is time to blow away the cobwebs and get out into the fresh air with your dog!
Exercise can come from playing, training, walking, activity classes such as agility, group walks, doggy day care and so on.
2. Cut back on treats
As we all know, constant snacking between meals is unhealthy, and the same goes for our dogs. So reduce the number of treats you give your four-legged friend and only reward specific behaviours (fetching a stick, sitting).
3. Don't overfeed
Overfeeding can also be one of the main causes of obesity in pets. To prevent this, stick to the feeding guidelines recommended on the packaging and weigh your pet's food with a small kitchen scale. Using cups is inaccurate and easily leads to mistakes, so take the time to measure precisely.
4. Choose a nutrient-rich, low-calorie diet
It is not healthy to simply reduce portions of regular food, as this also reduces the nutrients your pet receives. Unfortunately, simply feeding less of the normal food does not make sense for every animal. Reducing the recommended feeding amounts lowers the quantity of nutrients your pet takes in. That is why it is important to use a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food, such as dog food made with 100% insect protein.
Conclusion
Remember that – just like with us – some pets take longer to lose weight. At the same time, pay attention to how your dog changes and behaves. We recommend talking to your vet if you are not sure whether your dog needs to lose weight or whether it has a condition that could be influenced by a change in diet or lifestyle.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.