Does your pet need to shed a few pounds? Looking a little rounded of late? If they need to get back to a healthy weight, these ten tips will help you support them on their journey.
1. Make a note of what they eat
Starting a food diary is the simplest way to monitor what your pet is eating and identify where changes may be needed. Record everything your pet eats, from treats and scraps to their usual meals. This first step might be an eye-opener, helping you see where any extra calories are coming from. It’s also a great way to spot habits that could be contributing to weight gain (like extra treats when very thoughtful friends pop over).
2. Mind their portions
Measuring your pet’s food will help you control how much they’re eating and highlight whether they’re getting more than they need. If you need guidance on how much they need based on their age, breed, size and lifestyle, be sure to check the food packaging, consult your vet or speak to one of our Animal Health Advisors.
3. Switch their diet
An overweight cat or dog may benefit from a weight-management diet. There are many targeted weight-management foods for cats and dogs, designed to provide all the nutrients your pet needs while controlling calorie intake. To ensure your pet’s diet meets their specific needs, it’s always best to consult your vet before making any changes. If you do switch foods, introduce the new diet gradually to help avoid tummy upsets.
4. Be vigilant
It may seem obvious, but make sure your pet isn’t being fed elsewhere. It’s easy to see if someone is slipping your dog an extra treat, but cats are a different story. Kind neighbours might not know they’re adding unnecessary calories to your cat’s daily intake. If you suspect this is an issue, you can always attach a “Please don’t feed me” tag to their cat collar.
5. Cut back on scraps
If your overweight dog or cat could benefit from losing weight, it’s best to avoid table scraps and keep treats to a minimum. We know it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, but remember, as much as we love to treat our pets, their nutritional needs are very different from ours. Even small extras can add up, so make sure treats are factored into their overall daily food allowance.
6. Get them on the scales
Regularly weighing your pet will help you track their progress and spot if they’re gaining or losing weight unexpectedly. You can weigh your cat or small dog by standing on the scale yourself, and then hopping on with them – the difference is your pet’s weight. For more accurate monitoring, your vet can also assess their body condition score (BCS), rather than relying on weight alone.
7. Try a slow feeder
When a cat or dog gets a little overzealous and wolfs their dinner down in one, investing in a slow feeder might help them eat more slowly, making mealtimes more engaging and helping them pace themselves. Simple but effective!
8. Make it fun
Speaking of engaging: why not turn your pet’s mealtime into a game from time to time? Using puzzle feeders or hiding small portions of their usual food around the home can encourage natural foraging behaviours and make mealtimes more interesting.
For a dog, you could use a food-dispensing toy or make part of their daily walk a little more engaging with sniffing games. If you’ve got a cat, interactive toys or play sessions can help encourage movement and provide mental stimulation.
9. Stay patient
Healthy weight loss can take time. The right rate of weight loss depends on your pet, so your vet can help you set a safe, realistic target and monitor their progress. Checking in with them and adjusting the target as/when needed is the safest way to help get your pet to their ideal weight.
10. Introduce more exercise
Last but definitely not least, keeping your pet active can be an important part of a healthy weight-loss plan. There are several ways to increase your furry friend’s activity levels: cats love to chase a piece of string or a laser pointer, and name a dog that would say no to extra walkies and a game of fetch!
Just remember that the right amount of exercise depends on your pet’s age, health and fitness level. If they’re significantly overweight, speak to your vet before increasing their exercise too much.
Small changes, when applied regularly, can make a big difference. Focus on healthy habits that you and your pet can stick to and you’ll start to notice the results.
