Stand against Obesity, the most preventable disease in pets.
In recent years, pet obesity has emerged as a growing epidemic, affecting a significant number of cats and dogs worldwide. This blog aims to shed light on the statistics, causes, preventive measures, and effective remedies to combat the growing epidemic of pet obesity.
Hard-hitting Facts
In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that more than 50% of dogs are overweight.
Being even moderately overweight can reduce a dog's life expectancy by nearly two years compared to their leaner counterparts.
The rising trend can be attributed to various factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor diet choices, and a lack of awareness about the consequences of excess weight on our furry friends.
Some of the causes of Obesity:
Overfeeding: Providing excessive portions or too many treats contributes to weight gain.
Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles lead to a surplus of unused calories.
Genetics: Some breeds are predisposed to obesity, requiring careful monitoring.
Age and Gender: Older pets and neutered/spayed animals are more susceptible.
Medical Conditions: Certain health issues can contribute to weight gain.
For the majority of the cases, a unhealthy diet & not enough exercise are the two main culprits of causing Obesity in pets.
Preventative Actions you can take against Pet Obesity:
Balanced Nutrition: Choose high-quality, portion-controlled pet food with guidance from a pet nutritionist or veterinarian.
Regular Exercise: Engage in daily walks, play sessions, or other activities to keep your pet active.
Routine Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet can help monitor your pet's weight and address concerns promptly.
Avoid Excessive Treats: Opt for healthy treats and limit their frequency.
Breed-Specific Considerations: Be aware of breed predispositions and adjust diet and exercise accordingly.
The most important thing that us pet owners can do to ensure our FurFriends stay in healthy shape is picking the correct food & treats. Just like the relationship humans have with fast food, kibble can be addictive & unhealthy. Both foods are highly processed, made with additives, preservatives & fillers and when it comes to kibble, made with low quality meat in most cases.
A healthier diet is a more full-filling one...literally. Look for Human Grade pet foods that use wholesome ingredients to ensure a nutrient-packed dinner. You will often see smaller stools & less gassiness in pets eating wholesome foods as their body absorbs the nutrients they require rather then processing the waste directly out. This will naturally aid in preventing overeating as your pet will feel full & more filled with energy.
If you have a pet with a Lab-like appetite, tools such as slow feeders & mental stimulation toys make for a great way to minimize overeating.
Remedies to help mitigate Obesity in your pet:
Adjust Diet: Work with your vet or nutritionist to create a tailored weight-loss plan, including a balanced diet.
Increased Physical Activity: Gradually introduce more exercise into your pet's routine.
Behavioral Changes: Identify and address emotional triggers for overeating or inactivity.
Medical Interventions: In some cases, medications or therapeutic diets may be recommended.
Consistent Monitoring: Track progress, and make adjustments as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Based on the statistics there is a high chance that your pet may be obese... not to fat shame but we as owners are responsible for the well-being of our pets. Thus being said, no need to worry – a simple diet change can be the resolve to all of your issues. We always advise speaking to a veterinarian before making any drastic changes, sticking to a full or 50/50 split natural diet will help alleviate many of symptoms and also allow you to really understand which proteins do well for your pup or kitty.
Conclusion: Pet obesity is a multifaceted issue that demands our attention and proactive efforts. By understanding the causes, implementing preventive actions, and employing effective remedies, we can ensure our pets lead healthy, happy lives. Regular veterinary check-ups and a commitment to a balanced lifestyle are key to combating this epidemic and fostering a thriving pet community.
We thank you for taking your precious walk-time to read this post. We hope you learned something valuable and we would love to learn more from you if you have any comments or updates to add to this blog!😊.
If you have any questions regarding raw or looking for a healthy alternative – feel free to contact us anytime.
Until next time FoeGuardians -
Yours truly,
FoeGuard
References:
Weir, M., Williams, K., & Downing, R. (n.d.). Obesity in dogs: VCA Animal Hospital: VCA Canada Animal Hospitals. VCACanada. https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-dogs
Purina. (n.d.). Obesity in dogs and cats. Purina Institute. https://www.purinainstitute.com/centresquare/therapeutic-nutrition/obesity-in-dogs-and-cats
German, A. J. (2016). Obesity prevention and weight maintenance after loss. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 46(5), 913–929. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.04.011