October 11th is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Just like humans, with the wrong type of diet and lack of physical movement, animals can gain weight. Overweight pets are more subject to health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. There are specific ways you can help your pets stay at a healthy weight, including:
• Avoid feeding table scraps
• Do not overfeed
• Give treats carefully and sparingly
• Make getting adequate exercise fun
A healthy diet of quality food helps pets stay fit and lean.
Not sure how much to feed your dog? According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, you can use this formula to calculate a dog's caloric needs. Every pound of weight is equivalent to 0.45 kilograms. So for example, a 60-pound (60 x 0.45 = 27.2 kilograms) dog would need this calculation: (27.2 x 30) + 70 = 886 calories needed per day.
Every bag of Nature's Select has a calorie count on the back, and the same information is posted at BuyPetFood.com. Keep in mind, the above formula is a suggestion. Every dog has different needs according to their metabolism and activity level. Adjust as your dog needs, and remember to factor in treats given!
Still have questions? Our Certified Pet Nutritionists are here to help! Contact us at 864-255-5323 or pets@buypetfood.com.
