Obesity in Dogs and Cats : Pet Nutrition Tips
Did you know that by 2024, 4.9 million dogs in the US were obese? (Mathieu Montoya, et. al, 2025)
As a practicing veterinarian, how many overweight or obese pets do I see per month?
Obesity or being overweight for longer (2 months or more) is a chronic disease
Being obese or overweight may arise due to several reasons and being overweight or obese can also lead to several other health conditions
Reasons for obesity in pets:
1. Over feeding - mostly seen with handed or spoon fed dogs
2. Sterilization/neutering
3. Underlying medical condition (hip dysplasia and other joint diseases, heart disease etc)
Health consequences of obesity:
1. Osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint diseases
2. Heart disease
3. Metabolic health conditions
4. Increased risks of urinary tract diseases
For an obese or overweight pet it is not correct to reduce the food intake but we should focus on managing the calorie intake of the pet
Ways to reduce weight:
1. Check for any underlying medical condition
Diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, congestive heart failure are some of the few reasons
2. Adjust diet
- feed a high protein, low fat, low carb diet that is home cooked
(How many pets that are mostly on commercial kibble diets whether neutered/sterilized or not are obese? Let me explain in another post)
- adding supplements that help with weight control such as L-carnitine and omega 3 fatty acids
- contact a veterinary nutritionist for a personalized weight loss plan for your dog or your cat (contact a veterinary nutritionist)
3. Walk or exercise regularly if there is no underlying medical condition. Hydrotherapy also helps
Most of the pet owners of obese dogs complain that their pets don't like to take walks. Are you training them or are they training you? ๐ The ideal way is to start slow and gradually increase the time for outdoor activities
4. Don't spoon feed or hand feed your pet (read why)
5. Monitor and maintain weight if weight loss is needed and especially after a neutering/sterilization procedure
Preventing obesity is easier and more quick than reversing obesity
Dog breeds prone to obesity
1. Any breed post- steriilization/neutering procedures
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. Pug
Cat breeds prone to obesity
1. British Short Hair
2. Maine coon
3. Any breed post-sterilization/neutering procedures
Make sure to keep your pet's body condition at optimum levels to promote longevity
๐
Dr. Romela Salgado
References
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