Are you aware that more than 50% of dogs and cats in the US are obese or overweight? This could result in issues such as arthritis and diabetes. If your pet requires to lose weight, here's a straightforward guide:
Step 1: Recognize the Problem
· Use a Body Condition Score (BCS) system to assess your pet’s weight.
· Ideal BCS is 4/9 to 5/9, while 6/9 or higher indicates overweight or obesity.
· Visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis and initial advice.
Step 2: Determine Your Pet’s Ideal Weight
· Your vet can estimate your pet’s ideal weight based on their breed and size.
· For every point above a BCS of 5, your pet may be about 10% overweight.
Step 3: Adjust Their Diet
· Calculate daily caloric needs using your pet’s ideal weight.
· Feed them 60-70% of their Resting Energy Requirement (RER) if they’re a dog or 70-80% if they’re a cat.
Switch to a weight-loss diet with high protein and low calories like our Go Love Weight Management
Step 4: Limit Treats and Choose Low-Calorie Alternatives
· Treats should be no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
· Use kibble from their daily portion or low-calorie options like green beans for dogs and cooked zucchini for cats.
Step 5: Monitor Progress and Adjust
· Aim for your pet to lose 1-2% of their body weight per week.
· Reassess their weight monthly and adjust the diet as needed.
· Encourage exercise but remember it’s most effective when paired with a calorie-controlled diet.
Most of the content is taken from Dr. John P. Loftus’ article on Canine & Feline Obesity: Managing Weight Loss.
