Weight Management for Dogs and Cats (Part II)

Weight loss and control consist of four steps: proper diet, proper portions, exercise and the quantity and quality of treats.

1. Proper Diet

Weight loss programs for animals are the same as those for people – eat less and exercise more.  High quality nutrition is the best way to help your friend lose her extra pounds.  If you are feeding an all raw diet, you are providing the best diet already for proper weight management – just feed less.  If you are feeding some kibble, just reduce the amount of kibble fed.

2. Proper Portions

Recommended feeding amounts are just that recommended - not mandatory.  Every animal is an individual and has differing activity levels and metabolism.  In our house we have a 75 pound lab mix and a 56 pound border collie mix.  With a 20 pound difference in size they still eat exactly the same portion at every meal.  The border collie mix is much more active and spends most of the day outside, whereas the lab mix likes the sofa.  They also need less food in the winter than in the summer when they are more active.

Cats and small dogs need very small portions – sometimes less than an ounce per meal.  It may look like hardly any food to you, but it will be plenty to meet your companion’s needs.  Monitor his weight regularly so you will notice if he is losing too much too fast and can adjust the amount you feed slightly. (See my previous post)

3. Exercise

Exercise provides much more than just an increase in calorie usage.  It contributes to the quality of your relationship with your companion as well as improving his mental health, cardiovascular health and increasing his longevity.  For dogs this can be as simple as a 15 or 20 minute walk twice a day.  A trip to the local off-leash dog park can provide even more fun and exercise. 

Cats are a bit trickier to exercise, especially overweight cats as they tend to feel less energetic and playful.  Try a wide variety of toys – both interactive toys that you can use to stimulate your cat, and some toys that might encourage her to play when you are away.  Catnip can help stimulate your kitty to play more.  If she tires or gets bored easily, then start with shorter play sessions in the beginning and try to gradually increase the play periods.  An outdoor space for your cat can contribute to both their physical activity and mental health.  Provide climbing branches or structures for strength building if possible.  If you live in an apartment – get the biggest cat tree you can fit in the space available. 

4. Treats

It is difficult for most guardians to eliminate treats – especially those guardians who are well trained (or rather who have trained their animals well).  If you have rewarded your friend for begging, he will continue to beg and learn to beg harder.  Since treats provide enjoyment for both of you, just change the quantity and quality to meet the weight loss program.  Break the treats into smaller pieces – no larger than the size of a pea.  A taste is all that is needed to give your friend a reward or special treat.  Use high-quality all or mostly meat treats and avoid those high in carbohydrates.  Reduce the amount you feed at each meal by the amount of treats you have fed that day.

Once you have helped your companion reach a healthier weight, you can slightly increase the food portion to maintain that weight.  Continue to watch her closely – feeling for ribs and looking for a waist, and weighing her if possible on a regular basis.  Remember to adjust the amount you feed to her activity level – don’t keep feeding a cup per meal in the winter if she is inside more and less active. 

In the long run your pet will be happier and more active when kept at an appropriate weight.  He will be healthier and will likely live longer as well.  Weight control is well worth the time and effort for the long-term health of your companion.