6 Ways on How to Keep Your Pets from Gaining Weight

Many pet owners have this problem too. Just as there are a lot of overweight people, there are also a lot of overweight pets. You seem to think that a fat, furry, roly-poly dog or cat is cute and lovable. Until the day your beloved pet suffers from some form of disease due to obesity, you think that it is alright to give them treats whenever they or the owner feels like it. Just as you need to watch your weight, your pets’ diet needs to be regulated too. Here are some ways you can keep your pets from gaining those extra pounds:

•          Provide some means of exercise for your pet. Not only dogs and cats need it, but also pet mice, hamsters and birds. Keep toys and gadgets like wheels in their cages to encourage them to work off those hi-nutrient feed they are fed on. Train dogs and even cats and ferrets to walk on a leash and take them on regular walks. Play ball or frisbee with them in your yard or park.

•          Ask the advice of your vet regarding your pet’s correct feeding plans. Adult cats and dogs usually need one square meal a day and a few low-cal snacks in between. Provide only the exact amount of feed for them.

•          Never feed cat food to dogs and dog food to cats. Cat food has a higher nutritional value which can make dogs and other pets gain weight. This is because cats have a higher body metabolism, which is why they lose weight and get inadequate vitamins and minerals if they are fed dog food.

•          Never feed puppy or kitten food to adult pets. Pet foods for young animals have a higher calorie content which can eventually lead to excess weight gain on adult cats and dogs.

•          Never give extra hand outs of human food. This includes junk food, table scraps and sweets which may also cause your pets to become sick.

•          Make sure your pets do not get into the food dishes of their fellow pet companions. Some food-oriented animals develop a sneaky habit of stealing food from others. This should not be tolerated. Opening cupboards and the refrigerator door is not a cute trick and should never be encouraged.