We all do our best as pet parents to help our fur-babies stay healthy, some of us tend to spoil them a little TOO much, which leads to them gaining weight faster than we expect. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with spoiling your pet at all, but too much of a good thing can lead to health concerns for your little one. 

If your pet has gained too much weight and is on the heavier side, the healthiest and most responsible thing you can do as a pet owner is to help them lose weight as soon as possible, some people may find it cute that their pets are “fat” or “chubby” but it’s nothing to laugh at, pet obesity can lead to serious health complications, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, weak joints, respiratory issues, and more. 

In this article, we are going to go through different methods you can use to help your pet lose weight, or use to help your pet avoid gaining weight. Follow this guide to ensure that your pet lives a long and happy life! 

Longer Walks For Dogs

We know that the majority of pet parents must have a busy schedule, so sometimes you’ll take your dog out for a quick walk until they do their business, then head home. If you wake up just a little bit earlier, or dedicate some extra time in the evening, you can extend those walks to ensure that your pup gets the proper amount of exercise that they need to stay healthy.

Longer walks don’t just benefit your pet, but they can also benefit you as well. Studies have shown that physical activity can boost your mental health as well as your physical health. Maybe make it a challenge for yourself and your dog by adding short jogs to your daily walks too! You’ll both be grateful for the results!

Cut Back On Treats

We love spoiling our fur-babies, and there’s nothing wrong with it! However, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to their treats. Over treating your pet can lead to them gaining weight rapidly. According to Veterinarian Amy Flowers, the healthy amount of treats that your pet should receive should be limited to 10% of their daily calories. By sticking to this restriction, your pet should stop gaining weight, and gradually start losing weight. 

Avoid Table Scraps

Speaking of treats, we know that when your pet stares at you under the dinner table with those big, begging eyes, it’s often hard to resist feeding them a bite from your plate, but did you know that this comes with consequences? Not only will feeding your pet too much human food at dinner cause them to gain weight, but it also poses a health risk, such as gastrointestinal upset, digestive problems, and even pancreatitis. 

Stick To Their Feeding Guide

Feeding guides can be found either on the side or back of their bags of food, indicating the amount of food you should feed your pet based on their size/weight/age. Often these guides are specifically calculated to ensure that your pet will not only receive the right amount of nutrients through their food, but also that they are not over or underfed and can maintain a healthy weight. 

Switch From Regular Bowls To Slow Feeders

Slow feeders live up to their name, they slow down how fast your pet eats! Slowing down their eating habits will help them prevent gaining weight, and also prevent bloat, which can be fatal. Thankfully, we carry a wide range of slow feeders in our store, with multiple options for you to choose from. Some slow feeders even contain puzzles, which can help stimulate your pet mentally and provide them with the enrichment they need. 

Consider Putting Them On A Grain-Free Diet

Grain free diets contain significantly less carbohydrates, and are protein-based, often single-source, which focuses on one specific protein source, limiting mixed ingredients. Keeping your pet on a strict grain-free diet will definitely help them lose weight, you’ll also find that they will have an easier time digesting their food and have a much healthier stool. Here you can find our recommended grain free cat food and grain free dog food. 

Schedule Their Feedings 

Have your pet on a strict schedule for feedings rather than just leave out food throughout the day. With scheduled feedings you can control their portions, along with their feeding guide, and with a slow feeder included, you can ensure that they don’t gobble up their food too quickly. 

Keep Toys Around

Having toys around the house or garden can encourage your pet to play, and as a result burn off some calories. Aim towards buying toys which you can both use, like a cat wand or a tug of war for dogs! These kinds of toys help your pet play along with you and you can also help them run and play! Be sure to take a look at our top cat toys and dog toys for your furry friend.

And there you have it! With these simple steps, you should be able to help your pet achieve their ideal weight and live a much healthier, happier and longer life!