Slimming Down

Does your pet need to lose weight? To check your dog, move your hands along his sides. If you can feel his ribs, he's about right. When you look down on him you should be able to see a "waistline". A home test for kitty is to run your hands down her sides when she's standing. If her abdomen protrudes beyond the ribs, she's probably overweight. Next make a visit to your veterinarian. He'll examine your pet to make sure that the extra weight is not being caused by another health condition, such as hormone imbalances.

The first step, once your pet has a clean bill of health, is to enlist the help of all family members. Just as people sometimes snack more than they realize, pets can be snacking, too. The entire family should refrain from feeding high-calorie treats and "begging rewards" from the table. It may be that after everyone compares notes, eliminating snacks alone may achieve the necessary weight loss.

If more needs to be done, you can change to a food formulated for weight control … a "light" formula. Reduced-calorie, premium foods provide your pet with the balanced nutrition to maintain healthy skin and coat and aid in proper digestion while reducing calories by limiting total fat. Generally light foods also have more fiber, so your pet shouldn’t feel hunger. Be sure to follow package guidelines for daily portions. The trained professionals at Feeders Supply can help you select the brand and formula that’s right for your pet.