Many of us know the feeling of stepping on the scale, mumbling to ourselves, and thinking we need to cut out the extra servings at dinner and up our exercise routine. Having a proper diet and healthy weight help to assure longer and healthier lives for people. This proves true for our fur-legged friends too.
Did you know an estimated that 56% of pups living in the US are overweight? That’s more than one in two pups. An overweight dog not only struggles to get around and has a difficult time playing but tends to also have a shorter life. They can become lethargic and age quickly due to this. Carrying a lot of weight also leads to physical health issues later in life.
Always make sure his weight gain isn’t a result of a medical condition. It is always wise to consult with your veterinarian for any puppy medical questions and with your puppy care specialist with any feeding questions.
If your pooch has packed on the pounds, consider some of the below tips, which may help him to shed some weight.
The first may sound obvious, but it’s where the diet begins, in his food bowl. Less food! Each pup has calorie intake needs. These needs are based upon his breed, size, and activity level. Consult with your pup’s veterinarian or your puppy adoption store’s dedicated puppy care specialists if you are not sure how many ounces each feeding should be.
Kick up the exercising. Many of us take our fur-legged friends for a daily walk. While this is good, some pups would greatly benefit from a second daily stroll. Basic things like even playing fetch for fifteen minutes a day can lead to weight loss and a healthier pup.
If your pup tends to gulp his food down, consider breaking his meals up into smaller but more frequent servings. This will allow him to feel fuller more often and will reduce appetite spikes. Smaller meals every four to six hours also allow your pup’s energy to be dispersed more evenly.
Quality dog food is very important. You would not expect to lose weight and feel great if all you ate was junk food. Your pup won’t either. Take the time to learn about the food you are providing your pup. Better-quality dog food may cost a little more money but is well worth your dog’s health.
Dog treats should be “treats.” They should never take the place of a meal. Although there is nothing wrong with a daily dog treat, too many can add up and begin to weigh your pup down. It is also smart to check what the treat is made of. A lot like his regular food, the treats should be of high quality and healthy nutrition.
Table food is also a common contributor to his weight gain. Those puppy eyes are hard to resist but stick with puppy food that is made for all of his nutritional needs.