5 Easy Ways to Prevent Dog Obesity and Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy
Is your dog looking a little plump? Don’t let it pass under your pet parent radar!
Dog obesity is a serious yet easily preventable condition, so it’s important to start taking measures to manage your dog’s weight when they pack on a few pounds.
Keep reading to learn some of the simplest yet most effective ways to help your dog feel and look their best for years to come.
What is Dog Obesity?
Obesity is an accumulation of extra body fat. Most dogs will teeter slightly above their ideal body weight at least once in their lifetime, but once they reach 20% over, they are considered clinically obese.
If left untreated, obesity can lead to several undesirable symptoms including:
- Low Energy
- Abdominal Sagging
- Excessive Panting
- Dog Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Arthritis
If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, no worries! There are many easy ways to keep those pounds at bay and help them live a longer and happier life with you.
5 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Weight Down
1. Exercise
This may seem like a no-brainer, but its importance shouldn’t be underestimated.
Get your dog up and running for a walk, hike, or jog for at least 30 minutes every day. Swimming is also a great option, especially for dogs struggling with joint problems.
2. Portion Control
Counting calories isn’t just for humans. Many dog owners don’t know how much to feed their canine companions or when they’re overfeeding them.
Determining how much food to serve your dog mostly depends on their size, age, and level of exercise. Most dog food packages have feeding charts that you can easily refer to, but if you’re still unsure, contact your veterinarian to help you design a meal plan.
3. Food Quality
What you feed your dog is just as impactful to their weight as how much you feed them.
Many generic dog foods are packed with carbohydrates and filler ingredients that increase calories. Switching to dog food formulated for weight loss or nutritionally dense food may be better for your furry friend’s health and give you more control over what goes into their body.
Be sure to talk to your vet before you change your dog’s diet.
4. Keep the Water Bowl Full
Providing your dog with fresh, clean water throughout the day is a simple yet effective way to prevent dog obesity.
If your dog is thirsty and there is little or no water available, they may turn to food to satisfy their hankering. Good hydration is also essential to their overall health and prevents vomiting, diarrhea, and heat stroke.
5. Reward With Healthy Treats
Treats are frequently used to reward pets for good behavior or to simply show affection. However, too many treats can be too much of a good thing.
It’s ok to throw your dog a treat every once in a while, but it might be a good idea to use healthy, low-calorie rewards for their weight’s sake.
Plant-based treats are a great option since they use high fiber ingredients and are low-calorie, plus they are better for the environment. The best part? Your dog doesn’t even have to give up the flavors they love for a healthier alternative!
Our sustainable dog treats taste and smell just like meat, but they’re 100% plant-based and made with tasty, all-natural ingredients. Whether you’re searching for a solution to dog obesity or a healthier way to enjoy those tail-wagging moments, we’re sure your dog won’t be able to get enough of Bright Planet Pet flavors like:
Say Hello to a Brighter Future for Your Pet and Our Planet
We’re committed to your pet’s health and preserving the beauty of our planet through our plant-based dog treats, and you’re invited to be a part of our journey.
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