Pets and Nutrition

How can you slim down your super-sized pet, keep them fit and reduce their risk of developing many serious diseases? The answer may be easier than you think. Try these tips to trim excess pounds from your pet and keep them trim.
1. Calculate Calories
If you don’t know how many calories your pet needs each day, you don’t know how much to feed. Ask your veterinarian to calculate the proper number of calories your pet needs each day. Another good starting point is to use this formula: Divide your pet’s weight by 2.2. Multiply this figure times 30. Add 70 and you’ve got a general idea of how many calories you should be feeding a typical inactive, indoor spayed or neutered dog or cat weighing between six and 60 pounds. Of course, each pet’s metabolism is different so be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting a diet.
2. Measure Meals
A pet parent’s single greatest tool in the fight against excess weight is a measuring cup. Too many pet owners simply fill the bowl or “guesstimate” how much they’re feeding. Even worse, some pets, especially cats, are fed an “all-day buffet” that results from the “just keep the bowl full” feeding method. After you calculate how many calories your pet needs, determine how much food you should feed each meal – and measure it.
3. Tactical Treating
Choose low-calorie, no-sugar goodies that provide a health benefit. We like single ingredient treats such as sweet potato, salmon, and blueberry bites or functional treats that provide a bonus such as helping to keep teeth clean or promote mobility. Whatever treats you give, be sure to count those additional calories. Many pet owners feed the proper amount of food but sabotage their efforts by adding one or two snacks throughout the day. As few as 30 extra calories per day means your pet gains over three pounds in a year.
Valencia Veterinary Center is located at 23928 Summerhill Lane in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-263-9000. You can also learn more online, www.bestvalenciavet.com.